Sunday July 23

SEB Benton bowled Devon to an unlikely nine-run win over the Royal Navy at Cornwood yesterday with a devastating spell of six for 17 off 6.2 overs.

The Navy, chasing 209 to win, looked handily placed at 144 for three with opener Chris Smith just out for 65.

Captain David Court had tried a number of bowling options without much success before throwing the ball to the Paignton off-spinner – and the effect was instantaneous.

Benton got a wicket with his first delivery, grabbed another three balls later and took four of the next five to fall as the Navy were scuppered for 199.

Devon 's total of 208 was built around a solid knock of 89 from Sidmouth opener Josh Bess, who looked odds on for a ton before going for a fourth six and being caught at long-on.

Bess and Braunton's Dan Bowser put on 97 for the first wicket – Bowser making 31 – but not enough of the remaining batsmen came off.

Skipper Court (20) and his Exmouth team-mate Rob Debenham (15) put on 33 for the sixth wicket after Bess went at 153 for five.

Once the Exmouth duo were parted, Devon lost their last five wickets for a mere 22 runs as they were bowled out with 10 balls of their 50 overs to come.

Devon 208 (J Bess 89, D Bowser 31, D Court 20; J Parker 3-33, G Peachy 3-33), Royal Navy 199 (C Smith 64, N Penner 29, S Benton 6-17, W Murray 2-28). Devon bt Royal Navy by 9 runs.

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