Devon Cricket Board - Bess ton keeps Devon in game

Bess ton keeps Devon in game

DEVON are hanging on in there against Herefordshire at Colwall going into the final day of the match.

A skipper’s knock of 113 not out by new captain Josh Bess helped Devon recover from 59 for five before lunch to 302 all out shortly before tea.

Along the way there were stands of 67 with Sandy Allen (42), 98 with Rhys Davies (63), 42 with Trevor Anning (24) and a bonus partnership of 43 for the final wicket with last-man in Mark Orchard (12).

Bess was on 82 when Orchard went out to bat and had the Exmouth tail ender to thank for reaching his second Minor Counties ton.

The new Devon captain made his first last season in the drawn game against Berkshire at Finchampstead.

Spinner Brad Wadlan finished with seven for 121, the best return by a Herefordshire bowler since fixtures started 20 years ago.

Not for the first time this season the bottom half of Devon’s order has made up for the deficiencies at the top.

Devon are having to change the top four in every game they play and that lack of stability seems to be causing problems.

That’s a point not lost on Keith Donohue, Devon’s director of cricket.

“There is no shortage of endeavour when we are in trouble, but we never seem to do it from a position of strength,” said Donohue.

“Our batters showed real grit and determination and there were some fantastic knocks, not just from Josh but the rest of the guys as well.

“It is a shame we are doing it from five down, not from the start.”

Picking out individuals is a thankless task and one Donohue generally steers clear of.

However, if one player captured his attention it was Rhys Davies.

“That is three 50s he has scored now in as many games for us and I every time I see him bat I think what an exciting prospect,” said Donohue, a veteran of more than 100 games for Devon during his own career.

“Rhys had good judgement and a good temperament – and knows how to hit the ball.

“I cannot recall seeing anyone his age with his ability at this level of cricket before.”

Herefordshire, 42 ahead on first innings, extended their lead to 210 by last night’s close, losing three wickets reaching 168.

There were two for Chris Bradley, who has now bowled 47 overs in the match, and one off the final ball of the day for Trevor Anning.

Mike O’Shea is on 83 not out overnight and on the flattest of pitches will be disappointed not to complete a century on the final day.

Herefordshire 344-7 (B R W Stebbings 133, D J M Cox 80no, C A M Walker 57; J J Bess 2-32, C Bradley 2-87), & 168-3 (M O’Shea 83no, C A M Walker 34; C Bradley 2-50), Devon 302 (J J Bess 113no; R W Davies 63. A P W Allen 42; B L Wadlan 7-121).

DCB Ltd, University of Exeter Sports Hall, Stocker Road, Exeter, Devon EX4 4QN Company Registration Number: 7024773