Devon Under 17s
1996 Season 's Report
Played 13 Won 9 Lost 4
Friendly Fixtures
v WARWICKSHIRE at Axminster C.C. - Devon won by 7 wickets
WARWICKSHIRE 142 all out (D.Lye 5-40; A.Bailey 3-29)
DEVON 144 - 3 (I.Gamble 40; D.Lye 58)
v SOUTH AFRICA UNDER 15's at Tiverton Heathcoat C.C. - Devon lost by 56 runs
SOUTH AFRICA 250 - 8
DEVON 194 - 9 (D.Lye 67)
The Texaco Under 17 County Championship
v SOMERSET at Taunton County Ground. - Devon won by 63 runs.
DEVON 254 - 5 (J.Boase 32; W.Johnstone 72; D.Lye 42; J.Williams 42)
SOMERSET 191 all out (M.Edwards 5-54)
v DORSET at Sidmouth C.C. - Devon won by 27 runs
DEVON 155 all out (D.Lye 76)
DORSET 128 all out (M.Edwards 4-35)
v GLAMORGAN at BP Llandarcy, - Devon lost by 5 wickets
DEVON 141 for 9 (D.Gibson 55)
GLAMORGAN 142 for 5
vGLOUCESTERSHIRE at Sandford C.C. - Devon won by 87 runs
DEVON 247 for 6 (I.Gamble 35; D.Lye 61; J.Williams 65; A.Theedom 33)
GLOUCESTERSHIRE 160 all out (A.Theedom 4-55; M.Edwards 3-55)
v CORNWALL at Braunton C.C. - Devon lost by 8 wickets
DEVON 163 all out (I.Gamble 57)
CORNWALL 169 for 2
v WILTSHIRE at Chippenham C.C. - Devon won by 79 runs
DEVON 246 for 6 (J.Boase 65; D.Gibson 46; A.Bailey 32 not out)
WILTSHIRE 167 for 6 (M.Edwards 3-37)
v DORSET at Canford School - Devon won by 31 runs
DEVON 214 for 7 (D.Lye 90; D.Gibson 36)
DORSET 183 for 9 (A.Theedom 4-41; A.Bailey 3-38)
v WILTSHIRE at Budleigh Salterton C.C. - Devon won by 24 runs
DEVON 185 all out (D.Lye 55)
WILTSHIRE 161 all out (M.Webb 5-29); A.Theedom 4-42)
v CORNWALL at Redruth C.C. - Devon won by 39 runs
DEVON 229 for 8 (D.Lye 102)
CORNWALL 190 all out (M.Wood 3-39)
Quarter -final
v WARWICKSHIRE at Exmouth C.C. - Devon won by 117 runs
DEVON 372 for 7 (J.Boase 32; I.Gamble 58; A.Bailey 39; D.Lye 130;
M.Wood 44)
WARWICKSHIRE 255 all out (A.Theedom 3-52)
Semi‑Final
v SUSSEX at Exmouth C.C. - Devon lost by 177 runs.
SUSSEX 318 all out (A.Theedom 3-56)
DEVON 141 all out (M.Wood 56 not out)
The 1996 Squad D.Gibson (Captain), T.Alldis, M.Allin, A.Bailey, J.Boase, M.Edwards, L.Elmore, W.Johnstone, I.Gamble, A.Green, D.Lye, D.Orchard, A.Smith, A.Theedom, M.Webb, J.Williams, M.Wood.
The transformation achieved from 1995 Texaco group wooden spoonist's to national 1996 Texaco semi-finalist in twelve months by virtually the same squad was quite amazing. It had always been believed that the missing ingredient had been the ability to score sufficient runs and equally importantly at the right pace. In 1996 this vital ingredient was discovered and what followed was an unforgettable season. In addition to this improvement there was also a change in selection policy with teams selected specifically for each match, as opposed to the system employed the previous season, when the job of twelfth man was shared out between several players. Although this change inevitable created some problems, possibly one player withdrew because of it, some of the unsung heroes of the side were those players who acted as twelfth or thirteenth man. For the past three seasons I have been writing glowing reports about the Devon Under 17 squads but because of the make up of this year's programme the achievements of this squad could not be bettered, well perhaps two more victories might!
The season started with a friendly against the touring Warwickshire squad at Axminster C.C. The side put on a most professional performance to complete a comprehensive victory over the side who came third in the Texaco competition the previous season. The win revolved around a brilliant all round performance from David Lye. He took 5 - 40 and was well supported with the ball by Alex Bailey and Mark Edwards and magnificent all round fielding. The achievement of bowling out this strong batting side gave the team great confidence and, with Ian Gamble making his debut and batting very sensibly against his old county, he and Lye put on 53 for the second wicket. On the dismissal of Gamble, Lye, with his old sparring partner Jeremy Williams, virtually took the side home with a partnership of 56, falling for an outstanding 58 with two runs needed. Unfortunately there was a gap of nearly five weeks before the next match and it was hoped that the benefit of this confidence booster would not be lost.
The squad arrived at the Taunton County Ground for its first Texaco Trophy match in a reassuringly confident mood to take on last season's Texaco group winners and was somewhat surprised when Somerset invited them to bat on a perfect batting track. What followed really set the side up for the remainder of the season. The openers, James Boase and William Johnstone, put on 93 for the first wicket off 180 balls in 112 minutes, both batting very sensibly and blunting the Somerset attack. Johnstone's splendid fifty came off 89 balls and he hit 11 fours in a most accomplished innings. The scene was set for the arrival of David Lye who immediately set the tone for his season with a scintillating innings. He batted for only 33 balls in his forty-six minute stay at the crease, striking 8 fours and two huge sixes into the stands. Initially well supported by Johnstone in a partnership of 43 off 24 balls, he then added a further 51 runs with Jeremy Williams. At the fall of Lye at 187, nine overs remained and Williams was joined by his captain, David Gibson. With excellent running the pair kept up the momentum, Gibson scoring his 22 at a run a ball. Under 16 Andrew Theedom came in with fifteen balls remaining and he made his intentions clear with a straight six first ball and scored his 18 off 8 balls. Williams remained undefeated for an excellent 42.
Mathew Webb struck a crucial blow first ball by removing the dangerous Edwards. Webb was to make many early breakthroughs during the season and his bowling and 15 wickets played a major part in the team's success. A second wicket partnership of 99 had steadied the Somerset innings when off spinner Mark Edwards took a vital wicket. In tandem with Andrew Theedom, Edwards destroyed the home side's innings taking 5-54 off his fifteen overs. The combination of Edwards and Theedom bowling together throughout the season was to play a key role and they tended to take wickets for each other and proved splendid foils. They ended up as the season's highest wicket takers with Edwards amazingly conceding less than three an over. Theedom's strike rate was also excellent as was his return of 27 wickets. David Orchard took the final wicket of the Somerset innings in his only appearance due to a most unfortunate illness which kept him out of the action. Overall this was a superb TEAM performance.
On winning the toss at Sidmouth, David Gibson decided to bat, as he did all season, and Dorset struck early with the removal of Johnstone but Lye once again took the initiative with his 76 taking 78 balls. He was fourth out at 104 and the team were struggling. On a wicket that was taking spin, Gibson, Bailey, Edwards and newcomer Austin Smith stuck to their task and took the score to 155. What followed was a dog fight, Webb took a wicket second ball and the side showed tremendous character and determination to bowl Dorset out for 128. Edwards took another valuable 4 wickets and the fielders did not concede one unnecessary run. The character of the side had never been doubted and the 43.4 overs they bowled were high class, now no one could doubt the calibre of the squad,
The next day we played Glamorgan which necessitated a long drive to the BP ground at Llandarcy. The captain was welcomed by a Devon based, Oxfordshire educated Glamorgan captain who was to play a key part in our defeat before he was removed from the game in the final over with a broken finger attempting to stop a fierce straight drive from Smith. Devon batted in overcast conditions and lost three wickets before reaching 20. With Johnstone, Gamble and Lye, first ball, back in the pavilion and Williams on work experience Devon were up against it. Alldis, in a 103 minute stay at the wicket with Gibson, retrieved the situation to a certain extent in a partnership of 55 off 99 balls in 71 minutes. Gibson was batting, as he had in 1995, with great determination and with Alex Bailey put on 39. Once these two were dismissed only Mark Edwards was to reach double figures and the side were 9 down for 141 at the end of the overs with the Glamorgan captain removing four of the first five Devon batsman.
No early breakthrough was forthcoming as the Glamorgan openers put on 82 off 150 balls and they then both fell in quick succession. Glamorgan was finding it just as difficult to score on this wicket and Devon kept up the pressure with a splendid spell of off spin bowling from Tim Alldis and Ian Gamble. The home side only reached their target with five balls to spare. A long journey home to contemplate a disappointing defeat with some of the squad's parents also suffering from a police speed trap, not the most auspicious first under 17 visit to Wales.
Gloucestershire were the next side to suffer on our annual visit to Sandford. Batting first the side scored at just under 5 an over in another dominating batting display. After the early loss of Alldis, Gamble and Lye put on 77 off 99 balls in 62 minutes for the second wicket and then Jeremy Williams and Lye batted together, as they have over the years, with great authority. Lye was out leg before at 119 with nineteen overs left but Williams kept up the good work with his season's best. Andy Theedom (33 off 18) and William Johnstone gave the final push when the side was scoring at ten an over for the last ten overs of their innings. Another very confident batting performance. Webb took two wickets in his second over and Gloucestershire having lost three wickets in their first ten overs were never up to the required run rate and were dismissed in forty-two overs with Theedom picking up four wickets and Edwards three, a professional and very competent performance.
It was back to earth again the next day when it was Devon's turn to lose comprehensively. Cornwall exerted a stranglehold over the Devon batting when it took the side thirty-three overs to reach three figures losing three wickets in the process on the side's first visit to the hard and fast Braunton pitch. To compound the situation the side were unable to bat through their full allocation of overs. The Cornwall openers had no such problem and they were scoring at 6 an over for the first ten before Theedom and Edwards pegged them back to four an over by the twenty-fifth. Ryan Driver played perhaps the best innings against us all season and he was unlucky not to reach his century due to his partner taking a liking to the leg spin of the captain by despatching him twice into the corn field. This was the sides only real below par performance in the field and they suffered for an all round poor performance.
On another splendid summer's day the side travelled to Chippenham to experience an Australian type warm up, courtesy of Sandford's Matt O'Brien which put them into the required positive attitude, despite falling foul of the home side's groundsman. The side reverted to the opening partnership that had served them so well at Taunton and it was James Boase's turn to play the critical innings. He batted with great purpose before falling after a 141 minute stay at the wicket in intense heat. On this humid day even the super fit David Gibson and Alex Bailey suffered as they demonstrated the art of running between the wickets in putting on a vital 62 for the sixth wicket in only twenty-eight minutes off forty balls. Wiltshire struggled from the start taking ten overs to reach 20 with Webb taking his customary early wicket. Whilst batting Jeremy Williams injured his back and Wiltshire sportingly allowed our twelfth man, Lee Elmore, to keep wicket and again he performed well not letting through a bye, a feat he had also achieved against Glamorgan.
The double was completed over Dorset who felt they had a point to prove after their earlier defeat. Devon's innings revolved around David Lye's most mature knock. In hindsight this was a turning point in the season for Lye who instead of being the sides pace maker with his quick fire approach had suddenly started to leave balls alone!! His batting throughout the season had been thrilling, indeed exhilarating, to watch but to add the final missing piece of maturity made him probably the best batsman of the entire competition. The bars emptied with David at the wicket and surely there cannot be a better batsman at his age in the country. He unselfishly gave his wicket away being caught at long on ten short of a deserved century after a 140 minute stay at the wicket. This was a most impressive innings and, not for the only time in the season, a match winning performance.
Devon had the strongest all round bowling attack of the group and were also the best fielding side. Dorset struggled and, if some easy runs had not been given to them at the end of their innings, they would have been bowled out for twenty runs less. Alex Bailey, the quiet man of the side who never seemed to put a foot wrong, took three vital wickets This victory suddenly put Devon in contention to win the group with no ground booked for the possible quarter finals!
Two games left, maximum points required with a visit to the side's bogey team Cornwall to complete the group fixtures. At Budleigh on another of Devon's top batting tracks the side were bowled out disappointedly by Wiltshire for less than 200. The final score could have been substantially less if the tail had not wagged with Bailey, Edwards, Smith and Webb all playing vital innings in a somewhat tense atmosphere with their colleagues encouraging from the boundary. It was felt that Wiltshire fancied their chances but Matthew Webb made another telling contribution picking up five wickets at less than two an over. Theedom picked up four more and the side caught anything that moved. An annoying last wicket partnership of forty slightly took the gloss of the performance. It was after this game we said good bye to Tim Alldis who had played his part and would have been invaluable in the two day games in the later stages of the competition.
Because of a mix up by the Cornish management, the final game was now being played on the last possible date and it was learnt that whoever won the game would go through to the quarter finals. Cornwall who had been confident of winning the group had their quarter final ground booked in October, whereas Devon, who had not dared tempt providence, had still no ground arranged. For some unknown reason this group of players had a very poor track record against Cornwall but they made full amends with a pulsating performance. Lye truly came of age against a side who had previously had the upper hand over him, scoring his first Texaco century. It was a superb innings, taking him both a 100 minutes and 100 balls. Lye was now hitting the ball along the ground and they still went like a rocket with thirteen fours and, to prove the point, no sixes. He put on 76 with Jeremy Williams off 88 balls in 46 minutes for the third wicket and he was then joined by his Exmouth colleague Matthew Wood, who had rejoined the squad after his England experience, to put on 72 off 79 balls in 42 minutes. Once these two were dismissed four wickets fell quickly but Bailey and Edwards saw the team to a respectable score. At this point Cornwall was obviously disappointed and the Devon bowling attack then turned the screw. With Webb and Andrew Green both taking early wickets, Cornwall were 16 for 4. It appeared that the game was over but the Cornish fifth wicket bravely fought back with a partnership of 140. David Gibson then turned to Matthew Wood's off spin and he responded with three wickets. Devon suffered a nightmarish ten minutes when chances were being spilled and runs conceded unnecessarily. Was the pressure telling? No, Cornwall was finished off and the celebrations began.
The first priority was to arrange a venue for the prestigious quarter final against Warwickshire the following week. Enter Drummond Johnstone, who within an hour of the completion of the game, had liaised with the ground committee of his club Exmouth to host the next round. We were exceptionally fortunate that a club of such standing could help and they hosted both this match and the semi-final superbly. We owe a great debt of gratitude to everyone concerned at the Club for the splendid arrangements and in particular the Wood and Johnstone families.
The Exmouth ground was in perfect condition although the weather was uncertain and, on winning the toss, Warwickshire invited the home side to bat after previously consulting the Birmingham airport weather bureau! It was a rather strange experience, when the captains returned from the toss, for both groups of players and supporters to simultaneously show their pleasure at the result! The Exeter school pair Ian Gamble and James Boase then batted to the game plan perfectly, being still together at lunch with 88 on the board after 36 overs. The pair went on to complete their century partnership after lunch only for both to fall within five balls. Alex Bailey, batting at three in the 100 over games, and David Lye then put on 140 for the third wicket. This was the highest partnership of the season and virtually took the game away from Warwickshire. After facing 118 balls in his 115 minutes at the wicket Bailey was out one over before tea. It was always known that he had a natural aptitude for this type of game and he batted really well. Lye was 91 not out at tea and he soon passed his second successive competition century off 104 balls in 130 minutes. Another remarkable innings which sadly ended after 172 minutes at 130 off 139 balls with 18 fours and no sixes. He made his mark with the first ball he received when he drove the most perfect of extra cover drives to the boundary. The Warwickshire coach, Steve Perryman, who played for both Warwickshire and Worcestershire, compared this shot with the arrogance of Vivian Richards at his best - what more can be said. Lye was out at 265 and Matthew Wood then took up the mantle with David Gibson and the side reached the excellent score of 372 for 7. Wood's 44 was off 50 balls and included three fours and a six. The side went to bed with a job well done but with much still to do.
Warwickshire lost their first four batsman for 59 and were 88 for 4 at lunch. A fifth wicket soon fell after the interval but Devon then experienced their only poor session of the match when the Warwickshire sixth wicket put on 96. Sixth wicket post lunch partnerships were to prove to be a problem for the side but on this occasion a lucky run out, when Theedom deflected a straight drive on to the stumps to run out the non striker, swung the game back in Devon's favour. Warwickshire were bowled out with sixteen overs to spare with Theedom taking three wickets, Wood two and the other bowlers Webb, Green, Edwards and Gamble all playing their part. Williams dismissed three victims to complete yet another super performance behind the stumps. His willingness in 1996 to revert to his keeper / batsman role after a year off was another important decision that helped give greater balance to the side. Exmouth again very kindly agreed to host the two day semi-final against Sussex and Devon were now one game away from the final! What a difference a year makes.
It was not to be, Sussex won the toss and elected to bat. Webb took another wicket first ball and Green removed the other opener. England under 19 batsman Hayward fell to Lye for 10 and Sussex were 93 for 5. The sixth wicket fell at 101 and Devon were very much in the driving seat. What followed was the most disappointing session of the whole season the sixth wicket pair put on 205. One possible catch was missed, which may have made a difference as Sussex had no batting to follow, but generally the fielding and bowling were not up to the high standard the side had set itself. Nerves were obvious as tempers became a little short and it was sad to watch the game going away from this brilliant and outstanding side. Once the sixth wicket pair were parted it was a matter of timing to ensure that Devon did not have to bat a difficult thirty minutes. This was achieved to the minute as Sussex were dismissed for 318 off ninety-six overs. Theedom and Wood cleaned up the tail as the last four wickets fell for twelve runs. Having had Sussex in real trouble at 101 for 6, the anti climax and disappointment of now facing 319 to win was acute. Later it was surprisingly learnt that the side was also sub consciously concerned at facing Yorkshire in the final, as they had been beaten comprehensively by them at a younger age group and they did not want a repeat in the final - Oh negative thoughts! In reality this side could be as good as any in the country but at the final hurdle lost faith in itself - probably my fault! The body language the next day was not good when the England Under 17 Manager John Abrahams and representatives from the coaching staff at Middlesex came to watch. It was a pity they chose this particular day as the side did not show it's true quality. Only Gamble, out of the first four, batted well, Lye struck two fours and a six in his twelve ball innings before walking to a short leg catch when it appeared the umpire was not going to give the catch - some bloke this Lye. At 63 for 6 Devon were in dire straits but Matthew Wood continued his fine form and batted with great authority. His undefeated 56 included nine four's and he impressed everyone in the large crowd with his undoubted class. After 43 overs the innings ended with a very depressed dressing room.
It is now hoped that the players fully appreciate what they achieved in 1996. They won their group which included three first class counties, Devon was the only minor county in the Country to reach the last eight, they twice comprehensively beat Warwickshire, the third best Under 16 side in 1995, and had Sussex on the rack. WHAT A SET OF MARVELLOUS ACHIEVEMENTS.
The side also managed a friendly game against the South Africa Under 15 side who richly deserved to reach the semi-finals of the Lombard World Cup. The tourists batted first and from the very first ball demonstrated splendid understanding, fitness and technique in their running between the wickets. It was interesting to watch their hard wicket techniques and their very positive attitude as they scored 250 off their 50 overs. David Gibson filled in bravely behind the stumps taking a catch. Although nine Devon batsman reached double figures the mainstay of the innings was David Lye's 67 (60 balls, 73 minutes, 12 fours and 1 six) which greatly impressed everyone on the ground including the South African management who marked him as a batsman of the future. Devon finished six runs short of 200 with one wicket in hand in a game that had proved to be both an enjoyable and beneficial experience. The fielding of both sides had been outstanding.
The side scaled heights that were inconceivable at the end of the 1995 season and it was a team performance laced with splendid individual performances. Every member of the squad made an important contribution with new member Austin Smith accepting the twelfth man role on more occasions than he must have considered fair. He supported the side well and when asked to field was magnificent. It is hoped that his opportunities increase in future years but he always accepted the difficult selection decisions with good grace. David Lye also played an important part off the field being involved in team selection and strategy. Whispering David Gibson, immortalised in James Boase senior's prose on the squad and supporters, reaped the success that his spadework the previous season deserved. His tactical acumen was excellent and this year he had the benefit of sufficient runs. In eight of the thirteen games his leadership lead to the dismissal of the opposition and on one other occasion nine wickets were down. He was positive in every action keeping the side on their toes and involved throughout the long season. He lead by example and his fielding in a strong side was outstanding. He adjusted his batting to the situation and put the side and others before himself. He was the perfect captain.
The Devon Society of Umpires provided our impartial umpires, the Association of Devon Coaches and Gordon Lord helped prepare the side, Axminster, Tiverton Heathcoat, Sidmouth, Sandford, Braunton, Budleigh Salterton and Exmouth (twice) Cricket Clubs hosted our home fixtures with excellent teas, warm welcomes and good wickets. Invaluable financial support was received from the Devon County Cricket Club and the Devon Cricket Association. The parents were magnificent in their support and encouragement, they travelled hundreds of miles were always there but unobtrusive - a super set. THANK YOU ALL and a final thank you to the scorer whose role goes far beyond the score box.
The D.H.Watkins Trophy for the Young Cricketer of the Year was awarded for the second year in succession to David Lye.