U12 FESTIVAL REPORT (Kings College – August 2-7)
Day 1 v Hampshire (lost by 10 wickets)
Devon 111 all out (J Maunder 38) Hampshire 112/0
A disappointing start to the festival following an outstanding sequence of dominant results. It was quite clear that the players were suffering from a collective bout of nerves and therefore were unable to relax enough to do themselves justice and start with a positive performance. However, on winning the toss Devon batted and were well placed at 80/1 from 27 overs, with Jack Maunder and Matt Skeemer compiling a 54 partnership. Unfortunately, poor shot selection and the lack of further small partnerships saw the team bowled out for 111, which was well below a par score of 160 or so.
The bowlers were always going to find life difficult with so few runs to defend and despite an excellent fielding display, wickets were hard to come by and Hampshire ran out comfortable winners. It is worth noting that Hampshire reached their score of 80 in the 23rd over and therefore the two teams were very similarly placed to post a competitive score.
A very poor start and a massive shame considering the form entering the festival.
Day 2 v Surrey (rained off)
Surrey 19/1
Rain abandoned play for the day after just 7 overs and a team quiz was set up instead!
Day 3 v Essex (lost by 6 wickets)
Devon 67 all out Essex 68/4
Devon won the toss and batted first on a pitch that would have undoubtedly been difficult to chase on if a score of 100-120 had been posted. Unfortunately two quick wickets provided the momentum to Essex which was never relinquished. Rash shots were the middle orders downfall once again, with too many players choosing to hit across the line.
Similar to day 1, the bowlers had precious little opportunity to apply pressure and Essex were able to chase with time to spare. However the teams fielding was outstanding once again, which showed excellent character and determination.
Day 4 v Lancashire (lost by 14 runs)
187/6 declared Devon 173 all out (M Hoddinott 29*)
Devon won the toss and decided to bowl first. Lancashire batted purposefully against a consistent bowling attack and when the rain came slightly before lunch Lancs had compiled 187/6 from 44 overs. Lancs declared during the lunch break, leaving Devon 56 overs in which to reach their target.
Devon changed the batting order to offer some much needed relief and a slightly different perspective to the innings. Some very positive stroke play at the top of the order ensured a lively start to the innings. However the Lancs opening bowlers bowled accurately and with definite pace, which led to a few early wickets falling in addition to a reasonable run rate.
Jack Maunder batted well in partnership with Seb Ansley which meant the run chase was continued and despite these two falling in their 20s, Dan Powell and Marcus Hoddinott continued with some excellent running and well timed boundaries.
Unfortunately Dan Powell was seventh out when 40 runs short of the target, but the chase was continued as Dominic Bess, Dominic Mulberry and Ben Roberts all supported Marcus admirably, until the final wicket fell with 14 runs required from the final 3 overs.
Lancashire were deserved winners, but Devon’s efforts were a clear reminder of the capability of this team and with a greater level of confidence would have surely ran out winners.
Day 5 v St Stithians (lost by 80 runs)
St Stithians 214/6 Devon 134 all out
Devon won the toss and inserted St Stithians on a damp pitch. St Stithians responded well by battling through a difficult opening period (20 runs from their first 10 overs) to compile an imposing 214 fro the loss of just 6 wickets.
In reply Devon started cautiously. However the scoreboard began to tick over nicely until an unfortunate run out saw the dismissal of the captain. Matt Skeemer counter attacked well and Jack Maunder and Seb Ansley managed a useful middle order partnership. Unfortunately wickets fell regularly and a competitive run chase was never possible.
The final option was an attempt at holding out for a draw and the lower order fought valiantly until a few more loose strokes completed a final day defeat.
Conclusion: Whilst the week was a disappointment, we must not lose sight of the fast that this group of players have had an excellent season. A number of players have achieved outstanding individual success, culminating in dominating team performances. The depth of the team is most impressive, with numerous players capable of batting in the top five and almost all players able to bowl when required.
I am in no doubt that this team will bounce back from the difficult experiences of this festival and will become both stronger as a team unit and individually.
The team has been led exceptionally well by Marcus Hoddinott, who has shown great maturity as a leader.
Jim Parker