Report on the 2002 Season

In the close season much hard work was undertaken to form a committee and the formal election of officers by the players. Devon Over 50’s became a club side as well as a team competing in the county competition.

 

With the sudden news that the ECB had withdrawn their £700 sponsorship for each competing county the new committee was soon in action. With no other extra grants available and grave doubts as to whether or not the game against the Channel Islands in Jersey would take place it was a remarkable achievement that all of the games were played and with the help of sponsored home games and considerably larger contributions from the players the season was undoubtedly one of the best in Devon’s history.

 

The season got underway with an away trip to Jersey which were undoubtedly one of the favorites to win the group. After a horrific Sea Cat journey from Weymouth practically the whole side suffered from severe sea sickness. Devon totalled a very respectable 192 for 7 in their 45 overs with useful scores from all of the batsmen. In reply the Channel Islands were soon in trouble and could only muster 147 for 9 over their 45 overs with all of the bowlers bowling tight spells and picking up wickets.

The second game was against the previous year’s group winners, Hampshire and on good batting track at Sandford. Devon totalled 222 for 7 with Eames scoring 107. Hampshire was always up with the run rate hut with outstanding fielding and catching, Hampshire were eventually 211 all out.

Two wins out of two at this stage was a fine achievement considering that the two sides played finished first and second in the previous year’s league table. The game against the Isle of Wight was played at Exmouth and against some fine Devon bowling the Isle of Wight were restricted to 145 for 5 off their 45 overs. This score was never going to be enough to put the in form Devon batsmen tinder any real pressure and Eames and Whitby 40 not out soon overhauled the Isle of Wight ’s score with Devon finishing on 146 for 4 with 15 overs remaining.

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