Devon Cricket Board - No shame in T20 cup final defeat says defeated skipper Chappell

No shame in T20 cup final defeat says defeated skipper Chappell

Tension mounts on the bench during Exmouth's semi-final win over Pudsey Congs

SEMI-FINAL REPORT & CARD | FINAL REPORT & CARD

EXMOUTH captain Gary Chappell said there was nothing to be embarrassed about by the eight-wicket defeat at the hands of Ealing in the NatWest Clubs T20 final.
Ealing knocked off Exmouth’s 174 for seven with nearly two overs to spare – a massive margin in the shortest form of the game.
Exmouth’s bowlers struggled to contain Ealing, whose charge to victory was led by former Middlesex all-rounder Chris Peploe with an unbeaten 70.
There were some expensive overs – David Lye for 19, Trevor Anning (17) and Chappell 16 – with little respite from the onslaught.
Anything short, wide or both got the treatment and from a long way out it was clear which way the game was going.
“I didn’t feel we bowled that badly, but Ealing hit the ball very cleanly on a flat pitch,” said Chappell.
“We were on the same pitch used by England and Australia for a T20 the day before, which wasn’t like anything we were used to and didn’t act the way we would have liked.
“Ealing are a big club – bigger than us – with huge resources and players used to this sort of occasion.
“It wasn’t the first time they had been to the finals day of the competition, whereas we had never got that far before.
“We would like to come back and have another go, although it is hard getting all this way through four qualifying rounds and sets of play-offs.
“We nearly went out in the first round to Alphington, so in some respects we were lucky to get as far as we did.
“Our win over Pudsey Congs in the semi-final was an exceptional performance, to win with a ball to spare.
“We beat Wimbledon in the quarter-finals off the last ball, so no one can say we haven’t had our moments either.
“We have played some good cricket all the way to the final and in years to come that is what this group of players will remember.”
Sky TV were at the game to record a highlights programme which will be shown later this month.

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