The runs continue to flow for in-form Ottery St Mary opening batsman, Dan Flower who powered the Club’s 2nd XI to a stunning victory in last weekend’s clash with Brixham, writes Ian Townsend.

After Tom Hopper took advantage of the Otters’ inexperienced bowling attack to blast a terrific century, boosting the South Devon side to an imposing total, former Derbyshire league player, Flower, crafted a magnificent ton of his own in a hugely impressive run chase.

Left arm seamer, Joe Birch (3-37) gave the Otters a terrific start as he claimed three scalps in a pacey, well directed opening spell. Mark Edwards (10) was pouched by Gavin Iley, Matt Parsons (22) held by Harry Peters and Adam Edwards (0) edged a ‘jaffa’ behind to Alex Clements as the home side slipped to 48-3.

However, after Tom Hinch induced Mike Barron (4) to give a second catch to Clements, the wheels came off for the visitors as a further 209 were added in 30 overs.

Given sound support by Phil Hyde (52*), in a three hour stint at the crease, Hopper blasted an incredible unbeaten 153 from just 134 balls (15 fours) as the young Ottery change bowlers toiled and when Brixham closed on 269-4, the Salston Field side’s goose appeared to be well and truly cooked.

Joe Henkus (19), who bravely batted after being injured in the field, was bowled by Adam Edwards early in the Ottery reply, and when Frank Hartley (0) was trapped lbw by Simon Caunter, the visitors were staring down the barrel at 34-2. The contest was turned on its head by a wonderful 193-run stand between Flower and vice-captain, Clements. The latter crafted a typically solid innings, despatching the loose ball well but generally ceding the strike to his partner who was playing with characteristic power and timing. Flower’s first fifty was relatively pedestrian (55 balls, seven fours) but as the 100 stand accrued from just 13 overs, the big left hander opened up, unleashing an array of fine shots to reach three figures in only 37 more deliveries. Clements reached his own fifty (64 balls, four fours and a six) shortly before Flower’s superb knock ended at 120 (102 balls, 18 fours and a six) as he was caught off Hopper (2-60). The Otters briefly wobbled after Clements (68) was caught by Hopper of Parsons but, well supported by Dan Jeacock (5*), teenager Harry Peters (22*) calmly guided his side home to a terrific victory.

Brixham 269-4 (T Hopper 153*, P Hyde 52*, M Parsons 22, J Birch 3-37) Ottery St Mary 270-6 (D Flower 120, A Clements 68, H Peters 22*, T Hopper 2-60). Ottery St Mary (17pts) bt Brixham (8pts) by 4 wkts.

Otters Man of the Match – Dan Flower