The game was now away from Devon with 105 needed off 22 at just over five and a half. Debenham was bowling an outstanding spell and he kept Devon in the game. Plan E was turned to - Bess or Smith, Bess had the confidence to enter the attack and third ball knocked the off stump back – a most encouraging sight. He was bowling down the hill which is far from easy but built up a good turn of speed and he completed an outstanding, match turning, spell of 1-13 off five. McConnell was approaching his hundred, not without a mishap or two as he was missed twice, one you would have put big money on. The Senior Pro, Shane Evenden, entered the attack in the forty-third over with 50 needed at 6.25 and seven wickets in hand. He then took the key wicket, first ball he beat the set McConnell, now on 99, all ends up and second ball found the edge and Thompson did the rest with a fine catch. It was now 181-4 with the top order on the balcony and the pressure building. It manifested itself in two run outs, Debenham to Thomson removed Williams and then Acton to Smith took out the very impressive Southgate who added 28 vital runs to his four wickets in the Devon innings. It now became manageable as Acton came back to bowl the final over with 14 needed, to bowl very coolly and pick up two wickets, third ball taking a caught and bowled and last ball Thompson held another good catch. By far the best game of the season and despite a slight disagreement on the field a very fine team effort. The only down side was the two injuries to Tidball and Parkin which necessitated James Harris coming off the bench. The driver has only been visiting the Island for eleven years but got lost on the way home, it must have been the excitement and the forecast for the next day remained worrying.
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