Glasgow's 170 powers Bridestowe & Belstone into Division One title race
Runs in the sun across the North Devon Cricket League
Bridestowe & Belstone thrust themselves firmly into the North Devon Cricket League Division One title picture with a thrilling nine-run victory over Westleigh in one of the season's highest-scoring encounters.
While leaders Sandford slipped up and Heathcoat moved to the top of the table, Bridestowe & Belstone's dramatic success at Belstone ensured they remain firmly in contention near the summit.
The star of the show was Shaquan Glasgow, who produced one of the innings of the season. Arriving at the crease with his side in trouble at 54 for three after Tom Poole had ripped through the top order, Glasgow single-handedly transformed the contest with a magnificent unbeaten 170.
His remarkable knock included 15 fours and 12 sixes, with Westleigh bowler James Morris bearing the brunt of the assault as Glasgow plundered 28 runs from a single over. Supported by Ryan Davies (35) and Richard Drake (27), Bridestowe & Belstone posted an imposing 279 for eight from their 40 overs.
Westleigh responded with determination and threatened to pull off a memorable chase. Will Speed struck 66, while Rick Wild carried his bat for an unbeaten century. Poole added a quickfire 41 not out as the visitors closed on 270 for five.
Wild reached three figures in dramatic fashion, scoring 11 runs from the final three balls of the innings, aided by a no-ball, but Bridestowe & Belstone held their nerve to secure a valuable victory. Andy King was the pick of the home bowlers with three wickets.
Elsewhere, Heathcoat climbed to the top of Division One after a four-wicket win over Hatherleigh. Chasing 188, Heathcoat recovered from a disastrous start of five for three thanks to an unbeaten 79 from Thomas Holley and 31 not out from Matt Harrison.
At Westward Ho!, Bideford claimed a 48-run victory over Sandford in the battle for the Leach/Ford Trophy. Veteran batsman John Weeks rolled back the years with an unbeaten 102 as Bideford posted 264. Sandford looked well placed at 144 for two before former Sandford player and Bideford captain Jack Ford turned the game with figures of four for 17.
The results leave Division One finely poised, with Heathcoat leading the way but Bridestowe & Belstone now firmly in the hunt following a memorable victory inspired by Glasgow's extraordinary innings.