Devon v Oxfordshire (2)

This left Oxfordshire six overs to face and they seemed to be progressing satisfactorily when in the fourth scheduled over Miles took a hat trick, all leg before wicket. This followed his maiden half century the previous week. Devon could be satisfied with a reasonable days work.

Following the miracle undertaken by the Sandford ground team the next day's play started only just over 2 hours late and with the extra hour 67 overs would be bowled in what were now ideal conditions. At 31 Miles bowled the visitors skipper Smith with a cart wheeler and 31 runs later Mark Bettiss took a neat stumping off Damian Price, who in this game had waited until his second over to get a wicket. The sixth wicket pairing of Eason and Dobson put on 42 when just before tea Eason was caught behind off Watkin. Devon’s skipper Watkin, Miles (his fifth) and Jenn took wickets to leave their visitors 126-9 and discussions were undertaken as to the best way of picking up additional bonus points. The County’s Development Officer felt the large crowd deserved a run chase and at ten to six this seemed appropriate. However the Oxfordshire last pairing put on 19 and more annoyingly used up another nine overs. The innings ended when Bettiss picked up his third victim when Wigley had the promising Oxfordshire under 16 player Phillips caught behind for 23.

Devon was left with 16 overs to score 100 and as with the first innings just fell short, this time by one as they ended on 99-7. It was a good attempt, with Bettiss, Horton, Watkin, Piper and Wigley all contributing but two vital runs outs at the wrong time were crucial. There will be a full Stewards Enquiry into why Leon Loveridge had to bat at nine to face the critical last three balls when two runs were needed. It was particularly poor cricket and totally unfair on our off spinning number 11. The real winners were Sandford Cricket club who provided an excellent arena to play and more importantly wanted us to play. As usual the food was only average!

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