Exeter City boss Matt Taylor hits 145 in cricket match against Uplyme

EXETER City boss Matt Taylor scored a sublime unbeaten 145 to inflict Uplyme & Lyme Regis’ first defeat of the Devon Cricket League season.

His incredible knock helped Alphington & Countess Wear close the gap on Uplyme to just two points in D Division East.

Taylor, who has publicly admitted playing cricket is “the only time I can really switch off and concentrate on something else”, has now scored five centuries in three seasons.

On a baking hot day, Alphington won the toss and chose to bat but lost Nick Hulse (0) early on as Gareth Stoneham’s lbw appeal was upheld.

Taylor and James Bogue then feasted on the Uplyme attack, both men storming to impressive hundreds.

Bogue scored far quicker than Taylor, dominating a remarkable stand of 186 for the second wicket.

His 109 featured 13 fours and three maximums before the dependable Steve Batey (1-47) rustled his stumps.

But Taylor continued on in a devastating innings, blasting 16 boundaries and four sixes to finish on 145 not out.

Andy Fairbairn’s solid contribution of 28 also helped Alphington to stretch over the triple hundred mark, closing on 308-4 from 45 overs.

In their chase, Uplyme were always up against a towering run rate.

Batey (39) plundered seven fours and a six in a swashbuckling cameo and was ably assisted by Joe Elsworth’s 33, himself smacking five boundaries and clearing the ropes once.

Tyler Wellman (28) and Sam Farrow (33) also scored useful runs but no Uplyme batsman was able to replicate Alphington’s centurions.

Consequently, Uplyme batted defensively late on in a bid to starve their closest rivals of bowling points.

Andrew Harrison (21) and Bruce Maltby (27no) showed grit and determination to resist the home attack and ensure Alphington would only claim 18 points from their 91-run victory.

Uplyme finished on 217-6 from their 45 overs, taking seven points from the encounter ahead of a home clash with Sampford Peverell and Tiverton on Saturday (1.30pm).