The Devon Cricket Board was invited to provide some opposition for the England Development Programme Under 17 squad who were at Millfield School as part of their preparation. In view of the excellent working relationship between the four non first class counties in the South West it was agreed to combine forces and select an Under 21 side to take on the young England Lions. The result was a most exciting game at Millfield School won by the South West by just two runs with two balls remaining. The side was selected with Dorset, Cornwall, Devon and Wiltshire nominating four players and this was reduced to three from each county to ensure a balanced side. Due to a late injury to Wiltshire’s Ben Gardner Devon were represented by a quartet of their under nineteen’s – Zack Bess, Max Curtis, Matt Kidd and Matt Golding. The coach to the team was Devon’s ECB Level 4 Matt Wood.

  Considering all the rain over the previous two days and indeed on the day it was the result of magnificent co-operation and hard work of the Millfield ground team, helped by a Brumbella a game was played. It started late having been reduced to 35 overs a side and the conditions which were surprisingly good favoured the bowlers as the South West reached 106-5. The Cornwall pair of Jake Libby and Taylor Williams made important contributions. They were confronted by five of the best young spinners in the country and two outstanding opening bowlers. The players came from a large number of first class counties and have been together for over a month this summer.They work with an outstanding support team of highly qualified coaches and specalists and were watched by performance boss David Graveney.

  Matt Kidd, opened up with Wiltshire’s Jake Roberts, and beat the opening pair with pace and bounce. Kidd conceded just ten runs off his four overs. Devon spinners Max Curtis and Matt Golding then played an important part in the game and despite both being despatched over the boundary bowled well and were the only two West bowlers to complete their full allocation. Curtis bowled his seven overs for just sixteen runs and Golding with the help of some fine catches, including one from Bess, finished with the vital figures of 4-30. England were reduced to 82-8 but Sakande and Levy added sixteen for the ninth wicket. Roberts came back to bowl the last two batters in an excellent game of cricket. More of the same was the request and the South West non first class counties should be very proud of what their players achieved. Taylor Williams was an outstanding keeper and captain and the unity at the end demonstrated what can be achieved in just hours. The Cornwall Cricket Company provided the unique kit – thanks to Shaun Hooper who will shortly be bringing his nineteen’s to Exmouth.
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