Determined Devon Defeat Dorset In Tight Match

After the disruptions of the last few days, including having a new manager, this was fantastic win for Devon Under 14s, a win they should be very proud of.

On a blustery day at Sherborne School, Devon won the toss and decided to bat. On the part of the square which has yet to be relaid the bounce was variable and Devon soon lost Callum Cload. Ben Stein and Mikey Cousens started to repair the early loss but with the score on 35 Stein nicked one behind.  Laurence May and Rhys Davies soon followed before Josh Mailing joined Cousens with the score on 43. Josh playing to orders supported the excellent elegant Cousens and they took the score onto 133, a partnership of 90 in 80 minutes, in the 32nd over, before Mailing (31) was perhaps unluckily adjudged LBW. Jack Dart and Cousens then put on 47 in 6 overs, before Dart (22) tried his luck once too often and lost his middle stump. 2 overs later, Cousens (90), having decide to get on with it, mistimed a pull to a full toss, and  top edged a catch to mid wicket. Dorset's response showed the respect they have for him. 180-3 off 40 overs. Jack Popham and Paul Heard , followed by Jack Cherrington then ran risky but desirable singles and took the total to 212-9 off Devon's 45 overs. A good challenging total on a pitch with variable bounce, which Devon could defend if they bowled well and fielded to orders.

Although Devon's opening bowlers and Josh Mailing first change, bowled well, Popham and Mailing outstanding, Dorset relatively untroubled  reached 75 off 19 overs before the introduction of Jack Cherrington and Ben Stein, two spinners and the first of four run outs, slowly changed the tempo of the match. Great throw Paul Heard. Cherrington then too a wicket courtesy of a catch by Jack Dart, who constantly encouraged all afternoon and then Ben Stein took a wicket thanks to a great catch by Alex Hunt, who for a tall lad was absolutely brilliant in the field. Sharp cool fielding by Cousens and a Dorset mix up saw the end of Barton, Dorset's outstanding opening bat who drove elegantly, run out, before Jones and Wiltshire dug in and perhaps started to turn the initiative back Dorset's way. Rhys Davies decision to stand up to Mailing possibly won Devon the match as Jones no longer able to use his feet was bowled with the score on 164 in the 38th over for 48.  With tension mounting and the match in the balance, a direct hit by Dart , a wicket for Thompson, who bowled much better in his second spell, and then brilliant bowling and excellent fielding, under pressure, from Popham and Mailing and another direct hit run out, this time by Alex Hunt,  saw Devon win, a very close match, by 6 runs. Dorset 206-8 off 45 overs.

Our thanks to the Dorset management and the parents for the tea, Sherborne School and their grounds staff and the Umpires for an excellent day. Thank you Devon parents for your fantastic support and Mr Cherrington and May for scoring.

The Devon players, including debutantes, have all shown what they can do, laid their markers down. The team showed excellent attitude and great commitment. I asked for a hero and got several. Most importantly you played as a TEAM. You must now all learn your lessons, work hard at you clubs and schools and together we can move on and upwards. As was mentioned, James and I are hard task masters and we expect even more!