DEVON V WALES
It was off to North Devon Cricket Club for the clash with Wales. Conditions were a bit overcast and there was something in the wicket for the bowlers. It came as no surprise when we were asked to bat by the visitors.
We found ourselves in trouble early on with the fall of early wickets. Skipper Marcus Hoddinott – who went on to complete a superb half-century – got together with Henry Gater (17) and then Luke Cummins (22) to repair the damage and we looked capable of building a decent score.
The turning point was the run out of Cummins. Matt Skeemer (17) and Dominic Bess (15no) scored runs lower down but our run rate, which should have taken us to the 180 or so mark, dropped and we ended up posting 156-6.
Once again shot selection was an issue and not being afraid to play shots. We also missed out on a bigger total with some of our running. Not major issues and something that can be sorted out.
Jack Thomas and Ben Roberts – making his county debut this year – opened the attack and put us on the right track, Thomas finishing with 3-17. Dominic Mulberry also showed promise with 1-17.
Wides were again an issue, another 21, which gives opponents too much of a head start. Our fielding was a lot better than the Gwent game although we need to be more switched on, especially when the going gets tough and the game is not going our way. Other little things can have big consequences, like not being ready to bat or not choosing the easiest and simplest option when throwing in. Again all issues which can be addressed. Wales eventually reached the target with the loss of six wickets. We really needed a better score. It was a disappointing start to the season but Julian and I have every confidence in the squad and know that lessons will be learned. The squad has bags and bags of ability. We just need to look at some of the basics.
SCOREBOARD: Devon 156-6 (Hodinott 50, Gater 17, Cummins 22, Skeemer 17, Bess 15no); Wales 158-6 (Thomas 3-17, Mulberry 1-17). Devon lost by four wickets.
Jim Parker