After a break of three most successful and enjoyable years at Paignton, the Bob Bridges finals returned to Exmouth where once again the competition was most fortunate with the weather. The under 13s was played between Hatherleigh, who had represented the South West at the national finals at Oakham and West Devon Palladium League side Tavistock. The North Devon side were inserted and scored 94 in their 32 overs which at Exmouth, despite large boundaries was below par. Jack Cherrington’s 24 was the highest score for Hatherleigh. The Devon under 13 captain Michael Cousens took 4-4 in his four overs and he was well supported by the other bowlers. The result was never in doubt as Freddie Jayarajah and Michael Cousens stroked their side home with overs to spare. |
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| The under 15 game between North Devon and Paignton was a keenly contested affair that threatened on occasion to become ill tempered. It is essential that some of the unpleasant aspects of twenty-first century Britain are kept away from cricket for as long a period as possible. This should not detract from an excellent game of cricket where for three quarters of the seventy-two over contest could have gone either way. Paignton, batting first, superbly demonstrated how to build an innings and after a quiet start losing two wickets for nineteen runs a third wicket partnership 65 between Conner Bryan and Chris Kelmere started the momentum that was to take them up to their final product of 182-8. Kelmere made 29 and Devon under 15 Bryan scored 57, his fifty coming off 66 balls. There was a half century fourth wicket partnership as George Yates (19) and Neil Last (21*) made further important contributions. Extras contributed 38 as Kelly had an outstanding day in the field taking two cool catches and a direct run out. Keeper Clarke took two stumpings off North Devon’s most successful bowler Tom Ansell who took 3-24. North Devon could not have had a better start as Ansell and Jamie Overton put on 104 for the first wicket. Once Ansell was caught by Last off Yates it was virtually all over as the nine remaining batsmen added only seven runs, including six ducks. There was always a remote chance whilst Jamie Overton was at the crease but when he was dismissed for an outstanding 79 it was all over. His fifty had come off 68 balls and taken six minutes over the hour. Spinner Chris Kelmere ensured that North Devon would not get close as he took 4- 28 off his six overs including a hat trick. George Yates took 3-26 as North Devon were bowled out for 152, thirty runs short. |
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The three umpires for the day – Percy Govier, Dave Rowe and Brian Webber all carried out their responsibilities in a most efficient and responsible manner. Devon Board Chairman Jim Wood made the presentations and his home club were superb hosts on what it is hoped was a memorable day for all four sides. In a continuing difficult financial climate the Board are thanked for organising this county wise competition which by the very nature of its format is bound to put pressure on some of the competing clubs. In view of some comments passed at finals days its continuation will be reviewed at the autumn competitions meeting. |