Devon Cricket Board - Rain Stops Play

Rain Stops Play

Leaving Kingsbridge the sun was shining but the weather forecast predicting some green patches on the radar over Taunton. Jonathan Mears and the West contingent were passed on the A38 and the team left the services early although 9.30am is slightly early for ice creams. There was a definite build up in cloud as the side advanced North for the first time since 1996 to play at the County Ground. Interestingly that was the only year the Greenbook was blue! On that occasion Boase, Johnstone, Lye and Williams had scored 254-4 off fifty to impress a Somerset Director of Cricket now living in retirement in Dartmouth. Somerset reached 191 all out in reply. The side went on to beat Warwickshire in a two day historic quarter final at Exmouth only to lose to Sussex on the same ground in the semi-final. The warm ups were interrupted twice by showers as the large green spot got darker. However there was encouraging news that the sheets were being taken off and play would start at 12.19pm. At least the side would have an opportunity of playing on the County Ground, however brief. Somerset inserted their near neighbours and took their first wicket in the second over - Sargent caught behind - Devon 5-1. Three balls later 5-2 as Skeemer was adjudged caught behind leg side off Tompkins. The normally placid all rounder actually raised both eye brows. It was unfortunate to be an Indian summer as the DRS showed no hot spot. The dismissal will be available on the season's DVD. Dan Powell and Dominic Bess then batted fluently, showing the benefit of knowing each others game taking Devon up to 58 off twelve overs when the green spot arrived. An early lunch was taken, Somerset were hopeful of getting back on but it rained and rained. The mighty Blotter cleared the sheets but the game was eventually abandoned. Somerset had been incredible helpful in making all the arrangements and allowing us the chance of playing at Taunton. We made our biennial trip to the Blorenge House, the screen timings rules out a film, the offer of bowling was only taken up by three and cancelled and an already very tired looking team took a nap. We again returned to the Anchor navigated by TOMTOM, mainly to put the bus driver under an initiation test for his ability to drive in narrow lanes. Mears passed the test and we returned on proper roads. Food was reasonable, Brazil five down at half time. The eight hours message was passed on

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