Davies hits 98 with runner as Hatherleigh begin with win

RYAN Davies hit a match-winning 98 on one leg to guide Hatherleigh towards a five-wicket win over Bovey Tracey in the opening round of matches in the A Division.

- by CONRAD SUTCLIFFE

Davies missed most of last season due to injury and has been getting match fit in pre-season matches.

The last thing Hatherleigh skipper Rob Cockwill wanted to see was run-getter Davies pulling-up lame with a thigh strain while his side were chasing 288 to win.

Davies, who was in the 20s when the injury became apparent, was supplied with former captain Mark Lake as his runner.

By the time Davies was fourth out on 274 with 98 alongside his name, the game was as good as won!

Cockwill heaped praise on Davies for his determination, but added there was plenty of praise to share around.

"All the batters took responsibility and impacted the innings in a positive way," said Cockwill.

"The new opening partnership of Mark Lake (28) and Greg Solkin (24) got us off to the perfect start, and gave the platform for Shrey Ghosh (52) to do 'his thing'.

"Obviously the stand out was Ryan who made batting look very easy, even though he had to bat with a runner for most of his innings.