Devon Cricket Board Youth Association Under 14s
 Gwent Match Report

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What could have been a really frustrating, up at 6.00am and 2 hour 45 mins drive, 325 mile round trip and disappointing day, turned into a comprehensive and satisfying win for the Devon Under 14s against Gwent in South Wales. The weather forecast always said it was going to rain or drizzle and to arrive at the Severn Bridge and not see the other side was ominous! On arrival at Abercarn CC, Joe Calzagie’s gym along the path, it was no better, low cloud hanging on the mountains and constant drizzle. It was not the Table Cloth although we could have done with one as a cover. After waiting around for a couple or hours the chance of rescheduling to Abergenny CC where we were told it was dry and sunny was a stroke of genius. Driving up through Pontypool you still could not believe that would be the case. But it was and we got the game in thanks to someone’s very kind efforts and Abergavenny CC’s kind generosity.

With so much disruption and lack of time to warm up it was decided to bowl first on the pitch used the day before. Jack Thomas and debutant Kieran Vinnicombe opened the attack. Needless to say we had the usual gusting wind which we have had for the last few weeks and it was not as warm as it looked. All went well until the wind got the better of both bowlers who then struggled a little for control. Seb Ansley was very unlucky not to have had Jones run out with a direct hit. Unfortunately no one was filming the match at the time otherwise we would have gone upstairs. The introduction of Jack Brazier did not help but Dom Bess opened with a maiden and some normality resumed. In the 16th over Bess who had had a couple of chances put down, Thomas had had a sharp chance missed too, had Jones LBW, 67-1. Thorp-Jones (68) all the time was batting very sensibly and playing some super shots. The only way we were going to get him out was if he gave his wicket away and he did when Marcus Hoddinott took the first of his two fantastic catches, running in from deep mid off, almost misjudging it, but sticking out a hand and it stuck! Henry Gater than coolly ran out Wellinder, 109-3 off 25 overs. A small stand developed before the introduction of Man of the Match, Matt Skeemer. A double wicket maiden, yes a maiden and two wickets, Gwent 149-5. Barny Meadowcroft also took a wicket thanks to Hoddinott’s second catch to get rid of the hard hitting Hariharen (49) and Skeemer then took two more and Hoddinott ran out Philpott and Gwent ended 206-9 off their 40 overs.

Bowling/ fielding goals achieved? You know and we discussed these. Lessons to be learnt - pitch it up and bowl straight, with a short boundary players on the boundary stay on the boundary and don’t walk in and we need to sharpen up/ and be even more alert in the field and take every chance/half chance.



After tea Dan Powell, who has been in great form and Matt Skeemer opened. The pacey Harris went for 12 off his first over, including an edge and there were 9 off the second over including 4 wides. 30 off 4 overs before Jones’ leg spin slowed the scoring rate. Powell and Skeemer cleverly  however knocked the singles around and took every scabby run and after 10 overs Devon had 54 on the board. The 11^th over went for 15 and before we knew it Powell had scored his 50. Hodders was heard to say don’t throw it away.. The century opening partnership came up in the 17^th over and in the 19^th over Skeemer (44) nicked Phillpott and was caught behind. A rush of blood then followed and Powell (57) was stumped off the excellent Jones. Did we need to loose a second wicket then? 126-2. Marcus then played on. 138-3 in the 22 overs. Still plenty of time and batting to come.  Henry Gater joined the elegant Jack Maunder who was untroubled and together they put on 45 in 5 overs before Gater who played some lovely shots missed cued a pull, top edged and was caught. Seb Ansley and Maunder then comfortably took Devon past Gwent’s total in the 36^th over with Maunder ending 43 not out. Devon won by 6 wickets.

Batting goals achieved? Again you know the answers. Things we need to improve upon.? Thinking all the time and not losing two wickets quickly. Otherwise what a mature batting performance.

After food on the way home, Gater watch your diet and discussions on what needs to be done to improve further, it is back to Plymouth at around 10.30pm - a long but eventually satisfying day.

Our thanks to Gwent Youth Cricket, John the umpire and Abergavenny Cricket Club; to all the parents and Gran parents for driving up to Wales and for their support and thanks to Sue for scoring. I hope Mrs Meadowcroft got home.

Gwent 206-9 off 40 overs. Thorpe-Young 68. Hariharen 49. M Skeemer 4-15. Devon 207-4. M Skeemer 44. D Powell 57. J Maunder 43 no. Devon won by 6 wickets.

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