The Under 17 2010 Season
 ECB Two Day Semi-Finalists

A.Brown (captain); B.Huxtable (vice captain); R.Ashworth; Z.Bess; H.Booker; C.Bryan;  M.Cousens; M.Curtis;  R.Davies; S.Defriend; C.Eaves; M.Golding; C.Grainger; M.Kidd; P.Mawalage; T.Mitcham; C.Overton; J.Overton; R.Skinner; G.Yates;

The 2009 report concluded with the words - please let the 2010 report tell a story of play and sunshine. Well we achieved at least fifty percent of this hope and we did actually have some sunshine! This was infact a remarkable summer, the side won all of its two day group games on first innings, bowling out its opponents in these and the semi-final against Middlesex. Due to the demands of three concecutive days cricket, a conscious decision was taken to give greater opportunities to squad players in the one day competition and, although only one game was won, against the eventual group winners, it probably assisted the success in the two day competition. Devon won the division by a comprehensive 23 points. The unfortunate long term injuries to Zak Bess, Michael Cousens and Max Curtis proved the exceptional depth of talent at this age group with the sixteens once again playing important roles.

The 2010 Under 17 season was indeed approached with real optimism as on paper it was one of the most talented squads. Cricket is played on grass and the half term friendly with Buckinghamshire exposed more flaws than could possible have been imagined the previous August. Bucks showed all the Devon core values – unity, desire, determination, discipline, pressure building, brilliant fielding, skill, ability etc, etc. There had to be a major rethink in selection following this game. The weather forecast for the game was just a couple of hours out. The heavy overnight rain was due to stop by 8.00am and then clear with a perfect summer’s afternoon. However the rain did not stop until 10.00am and then, just as it all started to brighten up, the tide turned and the Kelsey Ground was engulfed in mist. The host club were pulling out all the stops and were initially hopeful of a noon start but were thwarted by the mist. This made life difficult for the caterers who were bombarded with different times for lunch. Eventually it was taken at 1.30pm with a 2.00pm start and the game reduced to 40 overs. The Braunton catering team was brilliant and they somehow produced the pasta salad, lasagne with chips and meat curry dead on time. Play started at ten past two and, apart from a wet ball, in ideal seam bowling conditions. There was no early breakthrough as debutant Matt Kidd went for 4.2 and Ryan Skinner 4.6 an over. PowerPlays were introduced in the one day game in 2010 and it was interesting to watch how the side responded. Craig Eaves and Matt Curtis took over and slowed the rate right down. Eaves first five overs went for 3.6 but Max Curtis only conceded 12 runs off his revised allocation of 8. He also took a wicket, trapping Potter on the back leg after the openers had put on 74 off sixteen overs. Another twenty–two were added as Devon looked poor in the field, they were all playing cricket either at school or club so there were no excuses. Matt Golding replaced Craig Eaves and, with his under 16 spin partner, Devon looked in control for the only time in the game as only nineteen runs were added in seven overs. With the help of a catch from Ryan Skinner at long off Golding removed Hampton for a match top score of 44. Connor Bryan then monopolised proceedings, bowling his seven overs for 40 runs but taking five wickets. His wickets were the result of two stumpings from Grainger, a catch from Cousens and a clean bowled. He was however despatched by Helm through a greenhouse roof but the ball was still returned! Extras amounted to the third highest score of 29 and resulted in an additional two overs. Irrespective of the damp conditions, this performance had been reminiscent of the previous below par performance at Exmouth in 2009 against the Duchy, it had been simply dreadful. The captain had a sore back which did not help and could not bowl as in the Cornwall game the previous summer. Indeed Zak Bess had a long term injury and, although he batted against Hampshire, he was not to feature after early July. He was a major loss in every direction. Apart from Bryan, the seamers under performed but fortunately the spinners did bowl well and thought was given to bringing in a third spinner. However Curtis’ subsequent injury and Golding’s reluctance to bowl kyboshed this proposal. Connor Bryan's figures equalled David Lye’s performance against Warwickshire in 1996 being the eleventh best return at under 17s. Despite the lack lustre fielding and bowling performance, a target of 4.6 an over would surely be achievable by this extremely strong batting line up.

Despite a now classic summer afternoon with drying outfield, they were never in the chase as the visitors opening attack extracted far more bounce and carry than the home side had achieved and Devon were reduced to 24-2 with Michael Cousens mis-pulling Nix and Brown being caught off Ellemore. It got worse as Devon were exposed to a level of pressure cricket that they should have applied themselves, reaching 53-6 after twenty-two overs and then 74-8 off twenty-seven. Huxtable batted twenty-four minutes for one and his partner in the match winning partnership over Exmouth in the cup the previous Sunday, Tom Mitcham, succumbed after an hour and four minutes at the crease for 24. Acceleration and change in impetus had now been an urgent requirement and the inform Craig Eaves and Matt Kidd were invited to provide it. Eaves was fifth out when he gave backward square leg a simple chance with a lap sweep, the injured captain was stumped on the same score of 53, so much for partnerships of at least ten. Kidd had tried to show some intent hitting 11 off twenty-two, Cameron Grainger worked the ball through mid wicket and Devon passed the two lowest under 17 totals. Again two wickets fell in quick succession; Grainger was caught on 71 and three runs later Kidd was dismissed in a similar manner. It was now just a case of trying to achieve some respectability and not featuring in the green book. Connor Bryan, yet another batter in the side making important contributions at his club, helped add 34 with Matt Golding and took the side past the hundred and the third, fourth and fifth lowest totals leaving just one more target to avoid entering the record book’s scores lower than 120. Bryan was bowled sweeping for the third score in double figures. The under 16 spin twins, Golding and Curtis, took their team to respectability if not success in putting on the best partnership of the innings – an undefeated 37. Golding completed a fine all round performance in being undefeated on 30 and Curtis ended the game on par have conceded and scored twelve.

It had been good to return to Braunton after a lengthy absence and they could not have done more for either side – simply they were exceptional. Devon did not fully get a grasp of the Powerplays not even taking their batting one so there was much to build on. This performance had been one of the most disappointing in the eighteen years of under 17 cricket. The side had been unable to put into practice all that has been preached and agreed over the past eighteen months. The hope is that one swallow does not make a………….and fortunately it did not!

Looking around the beautiful Sandford ground before the expected 10.45am start, something was missing but what was it? The fully present Devon side was being worked hard by Matt Thompson, Matt Theedom was in attendance on ground duty, the track was being mowed and the umpires were inspecting the ground. It was Hampshire! It transpired they were travelling up on the day and had not requested a delayed start. A phone call indicated they hoped to get to the ground around 10.30am having started their journey four hours earlier. The time went on and another call was made. They were in their first team’s 55 seater luxury coach and were now stuck in a narrow lane a couple of miles from the ground. Oh the joys of TOMTOM! The driver was more used to getting sides to Lords, Edgbaston and Trent Bridge than reversing two miles in Devon to get to Creedy Park! They eventually arrived some time after 11.30am with play starting 80 minutes late at 12.05pm.

Devon won the toss, batted and soon lost both openers to Prentice with similar shots – mis-pulling - 14-2. Brown and Huxtable added 58 off 71 balls when Gibson caught Brown. Craig Overton scored a four ball two but was caught behind – 75-4 – problems! This side bats all the way down but it was not the intention to utilise this attribute as Huxtable and Connor Bryan took the side past the hundred but only just. On 103 Bryan was caught and Devon had passed the half way stage, something was needed. Instead Nelson struck yet again as Huxtable was caught and bowled by the Hampshire captain and spinner, Finney. He had batted well reaching 58 off 59 balls but should have batted on. Fortunately under 16’s Jamie Overton and Matt Golding added a vital 75 off 81 balls, both were looking most accomplished young cricketers. Overton was stupidly run out for a forty-three ball 37 having hit three fours and a six. The 186-7 after 42 overs was well below par but Defriend and Golding started to take it up to respectability. Defriend, whose chances in 2010 were limited, is the ideal team player as he knows his own strengths and utilises them fully. His fielding later in the game also played an important part. Golding was majestic. He lost Sam Defriend at 227 and Eaves three runs later. Max Curtis was in trouble, he had scored a big hundred the previous day, when he was supposed to be resting, and tweaked something in the warm up. It transpired the tweak was in fact a major injury that would subsequently rule him out for the summer. He has undoubted skill as a genuine off spinner, is a most accomplished batter and a thoroughly good egg. Like Zak Bess his was a big void to fill at three levels and fortunately the subsequent surgery appears to have been a total success. This was a huge loss for Devon cricket but gave Harry Booker his break. Curtis added five with Golding, who was undefeated on 68 off just 67 deliveries in seventy-one minutes at the crease. His innings had provided his team with a score that was still below par but received some encouragement from the locals if not the management. The opposition and everyone else at the ground had appreciated that Golding’s innings had been a most important one.

Lunch was taken at ten past three and Hampshire started their reply at 3.46pm. Devon had an exceptional first twelve overs reducing their opponents to 49-4. Jamie Overton took the first two when he bowled Marriott for 6 (shades of Lewis Gregory uprooting stumps in 2008) and had Stone leg before. Connor Bryan replaced Eaves and took his first wicket, bowling George. In his seventh over Overton had Alsop caught by Golding. The fifth wicket yielded 86 as Gibson and the Isle of Wight’s, Hose, rescued the situation. In the sixty-seven minutes together they faced 124 balls and started to take the initiative. As often is the case, it was a piece of brilliant fielding that broke the partnership. A direct hit from Craig Overton, who was out in the country, ran out Gibson. Gibson was in excellent form; he had played a critical innings against Devon in 2009 and took the Somerset 16s for a double hundred the following week. Devon now nibbled away with the highest partnership of 37 being for the ninth wicket. Haggety was caught Craig Overton bowled Bryan, Hose fell to the same bowler caught Eaves. It was eight for 155 when Craig Overton deflected a drive onto the bowler’s stumps for more points. The ninth pairing of Prentice and Rood irritated with 37 off just 17 but it was Craig Overton who tied it all up having the keeper Rood caught by the captain Bess and catching Finney off his own bowling. The Overton twins add much to the sides they play in but their fielding and catching was a gigantic plus to us. Devon picked up the two points and some much needed confidence. Despite Curtis not being fit enough to participate, all of the other bowlers compensated for his absence and performed well. The fielding was also of the highest order. This performance removed the memories of the disappointing performance against Bucks at half term.

It had rained overnight at Exmouth but on arrival the covers had been removed. However it transpired that they had not been put in place the previous evening and a start was made to prepare what was to be a green track. With showers around, the latest coach tales were heard from our opponents. Their coach could not get down the hotel driveway so Hampshire had to enlist the help of taxis! The memories of the trip to Cornwall when the previous user had filled with unleaded petrol and we had to get taxis to our hotel flooded back. Oh the joys of cricket management always providing the unexpected. Play started at noon, Zak Bess in his final appearance won the toss and Devon fielded. There were two lengthy interruptions for rain but at 53-7 it was a good toss to win. Jamie Overton had replaced Max Curtis and Devon, apart from Matt Golding, was a seam attack and how well they bowled in ideal conditions. Stone was well held by Brown at second slip and Marriott at first by Huxtable, both off the impressive Matt Kidd. He also took the third wicket with the first Overton catch – Jamie. Hose was caught behind by Grainger off Eaves and the next wicket was the big one, when Craig Overton pouched Gibson off Eaves. Kidd then took out King caught by Connor Bryan and keeper Rood was Grainger’s second victim off Craig Overton. All was going to plan until an eighth wicket partnership of 56 between Alsop and Haggaty created unease. The pair faced 166 balls batting for 82 minutes. With just three overs remaining in the day, they were parted when Jamie Overton took his first wicket in the sixty-sixth over, trapping Alsop leg before. Joe Smith, who had been filling in for Matt Thompson, gave the side a typical debrief and just two wickets to take in the morning.

Overnight rain (this time the covers were on) and mist prevented a prompt start, crazy golf was taken in but a rugby ball lost. A call was made to the ECB to clarify the 60% rule and our view upheld. Lunch was taken early and play started in decent conditions at 2.15pm. The fourteenth ball of the session removed Haggaty, caught Brown (2^nd slip) bowled Kidd and twenty-five balls later Jamie Overton struck again, giving Grainger his third catch. Hampshire were all out 117. Jamie Overton had bowled 22.4 overs, 12 maidens, 26 runs, 2 wickets, Kidd 21-6-35-5, Eaves 7-3-13-2, C.Overton 7-3-11-1, all were well supported in the field. This was the second lowest score in a two day game against Devon, who themselves had come unstuck on a similar track against Hampshire in 2002.

Hampshire was soon back in the game when fourth ball an experienced bat was hung out to dry, Devon 0 -1. Cousens and Brown put on 47 before Cousens was run out, whatever the rights and wrongs it is imperative that vital wickets are not lost in such a manner. Five runs later Brown was caught for a well fought 33, throughout the summer the minimum of ten partnerships did not seem to have worked. Huxtable was in control and the captain came in to play a critical cameo as he hit the bad ball hard. Thirty-five were added, just thirty needed when Huxtable was caught with an indifferent tentative shot. Craig Overton contributed seven runs to the partnership that took Devon within five runs of the win points but they were an essential seven. Bess was displaying his outstanding batting skills that were now unfortunately to be lost, striking 8 fours and a superb straight six that just left the bat with the minimum of effort, great timing. He was caught nine short of his fifty so the prowling started again. There was no need for any concern as the Overtons marched past the target putting on 41 in a most accomplished and confident partnership. The next objective was bonus points, the twins got the first one and had made good headway to the second when Craig was caught two short of a deserved fifty. Craig Eaves confused instructions and lasted just one ball – 180-7. Connor Bryan understood instructions and, despite a short interruption for rain, the two hundred was passed. Supposedly with the benefit of experience, it was decided to call the players in but the decision incurred the wrath of the scorer and subsequently Joe Smith, who felt that the third point should have been attempted at least until the 8^th wicket fell, as this would not have given Hampshire any more points. Jamie Overton was not out 40 striking the ball well, hence the criticism, and Bryan had done his job not out 3. This was a brilliant start to the two day programme with 16 points. The recent injuries had also reinforced the original intention of rotating some of the players as an awful lot of cricket was being played by some members of the squad. We had been incredibly fortunate with the weather as the clouds separated as they approached the ground and the rain had been shed in Exmouth but not at the Maer.

TOMTOM provided a very quick route from Dunsford and we left Exeter on time, arriving at Tiverton at 9.25am, despite the limiter set to 55mph, and Joe Smith’s sound navigation took us to the Taunton Deane ground although TOMTOM took the scorer another way. This was our first visit to the town centre ground, which is surrounded by parks, and, despite a short boundary, it looked a pleasing venue. Alex Brown who was now in place as the side’s new captain called correctly and Devon batted. Cousens and Mitcham put on the best start of the summer, which in truth does not mean a lot, putting on 35. Mitcham was caught at slip off Williams and next ball Brown faced the best ball of the day that cut back sharply and he was caught behind. Cousens and Huxtable put on 63 off 55 balls before Cousens inexcusably showed signs of frustration. He had scored 42 off 48, was building up momentum and then tried to pull Carpenter to be caught and bowled. It transpired that he thought he had faced seventy balls! He and the others must realise that if a change is needed a drink will appear. Another lesson to be learnt by the players is that you make the most of the good days, as Cousens was to learn the following day you also have bad ones! His loss was a major one as the complexion of the game changed with it. This was confirmed two runs later when Huxtable was on his way back caught behind off Mount. Another crucial lesson is teams will only normally be successful if their batsmen bat on and make hundreds in both formats of the game. The Overtons added 52 when Craig became Lintott’s first victim. Another 50 were added by Jamie and Matt Golding with Jamie now past his first under 17 fifty. Overton called the final PowerPlay and then holed out to long on. His 55 off 60 included five fours and two lost balls. Devon was now ideally placed at 202-6 with 8 overs left to accelerate. Fours would take them up to 234, sixes to 250 which might still not have been enough. Instead Devon did not even bat the overs – a total disaster. They lost their last four wickets mustering only 26 off 43 balls, mainly due to a partnership of 18 by Golding and Bryan. Golding was left high and dry on 29 off 39 with one six. The next day showed that perhaps Booker should have batted as opposed to being twelfth man but it had been a really poor show and not utilising these balls made Somerset’s task so much easier.

After lunch Devon took an early wicket with the first of the statutory Overton catches – Jamie off Kidd but a 124 partnership between Ellison and Lintott killed the game. The track was an interesting one but Devon did not make the most of it, they out-fielded their opponents and tried their best but it was a poor bowling performance. Harry Booker took his first wicket at this level when Ellison was caught Mitcham but the third wicket put on another 100 (this is an example of what is regularly needed - high scoring partnerships). Lintott, who seemed to have been hit on every part of his anatomy, fell five runs short of his hundred giving Craig Overton a catch off brother Jamie. Devon’s score was passed in the forty-fourth over which just rubbed salt into the wound. Joe Smith had a quiet word, the manager bit his tongue. Rain was in the air on the short drive to the Blorenge House and the Anchor Inn was most welcoming. Craig Eaves was now preparing a presentation on Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi for the Worcester trip and the conference room was booked!

It was not raining at the hotel at 5.00am when Silas requested an early morning walk that subsequently necessitated a morning appointment at a local Vet’s surgery. It had rained hard and the police squad car most certainly did slow down to watch the early exercise. It was not an ideal weather forecast and discussions at Blorenge House suggested the cinema/bowling complex, confirmed by our own Taunton resident, would be the most likely venues later in the day. On arrival at the ground the scorer departed for the consultation as the weather looked bleak. The huge advantage at playing at Taunton Vale is that, with their excellent ground staff and coverings, you know that play will be more likely than at most grounds. It was to be a rain interrupted first day which makes the final result even more gratifying. Zak Bess visited us in the afternoon and reported that his on going back problem was not getting any better. Alex Brown, who was leading before his annual holiday in France the following week, won the toss and batted. This was a wise decision as it gave Devon, in a rain affected game, control of the allocation of overs. Tom Mitcham and Mike Cousens opened the innings at 11.57am. An hour later lunch was taken and Devon was reasonably placed at 64-1. On six Cousens had been disastrously run out for the second time this summer. This was to be his final innings as a week later he too had joined the worrying and rapidly increasing injury list. As captain of the West at the Bunbury under 15 Festival in Cheshire his long term wrist injury was diagnosed as more serious than at first believed. He would need four to six weeks rest and did not play again in 2010. Whose fault the run out might have been does not really matter but it was another waste of an important wicket, something that this side in particular cannot afford. Captain Brown and Mitcham navigated to lunch scoring at fours. As is now increasingly common, county boards are now imposing budgets on catering to, in this instance, the real disappointment of coach Joe Smith. In the fifth over after lunch Tom Mitcham undid all the hard work he had put in during his seventy-one minutes at the crease with a lame shot resulting in a simple catch to Lintott. At 2.27pm after twenty-nine overs the players came off with the score 93-2 and disappointingly they did not get back on. At 5.00pm we made the short journey back to the Blorenge, allowing the coach to return to Tiverton for his club’s crisis meeting (everyone knew they would get promoted). The Anchor was again most welcoming but it is really remarkable what Hot Sticky Toffee Pudding and other desserts can be changed to with chalk on the sweets blackboard! The normal culprit from North Devon continued to deny it a week later! Craig Eaves decided he would enlist the help of Pavi on his presentation and the West’s captain was given the subject of David English’s pop groups and artists of the sixties, sadly he was not involved again to make this presentation. The coach was already back to welcome us home.

Fortunately there was no need for a dawn walk but calculators were out early busy working out the overs available to Devon and the game plan was set. It was a much brighter day and despite a very difficult breakfast conversation with one of Somerset’s longest serving supporters, now living in London, all seemed satisfactory. How often do game plans work, this one certainly did not even get started. Devon would be entitled to bat a further forty-nine overs leaving their opponents a minimum of fifty-three. Huxtable fell in the thirty-seventh over and so did Craig Overton, Huxtable was caught behind for a fifty ball thirteen and Craig for a first ball leg before. Huxtable had experienced a brilliant first half of the summer but was now suffering and a rest was offered but declined. Devon was now 109-4 and soon 142-8. Jamie Overton was caught off Lintott for ten with 2 fours and Golding was leg before to Mount for 2. Lintott bowled Bryan on 139 and Grainger was caught Mount again off Lintott for one. The sole redeeming feature was the performance of the captain. He was playing beautifully and was undefeated on 44 when he lost his keeper. Harry Booker, playing in his first two day game, provided Brown with the vital support needed. His obdurate innings was vital for the situation. The pair put on sixty-three runs, importantly occupying nearly twenty-two overs and taking in lunch. Brown played one of his most important county innings and eventually succumbed after facing 201 balls in a stay that lasted 4 hours 21 minutes. His fifty had come up two minutes under the three hours. It had been an exceptional performance, one that deserved three figures but he was out twelve short. He had hit five fours and a six and his partnership with Booker had set his side up. In his captain’s company, Booker had been gaining in confidence that needed a bottle of water to ensure he left the stroke play to Brown! His contribution cannot be underestimated; he ended undefeated on 24 off 82 balls in 85 minutes. Craig Eaves ensured that Devon’s full quota of overs were utilised as Devon ended on 216-9. As they had not passed the two hundred in 50% of the overs available they had only picked up one batting point but it had been a splendid recovery.

After 30 overs Somerset were 91-6, tea had been taken at 44-3. Ellison was brilliantly caught by the diving Grainger off Kidd who was bowling from his non-preferred end, Brown snapped up Phillips at second slip off Jamie Overton, and the key wicket, Lintott, was bowled Eaves. First over after tea Mount charged Booker to be stumped by Grainger. Forty-seven had been added for the fifth wicket when Jenkins, who had been given a couple of lives, was caught and bowled Booker. This wicket was not witnessed as invaders were being investigated in the dressing room. On the same score Booker took his second wicket, trapping Gabbitass leg before. Rouse and Pittman then put on 31, taking Somerset up to 122. Pittman had been dropped badly at mid on and was missed again in the outfield when the following week’s captain, Huxtable, called but did not reach it. Another major contribution from Booker removed the dangerous Rouse, when he took a splendid catch at fine leg off the charged up Jamie Overton. Pittman and Haggett put on an annoying 52 off 46 balls when the same bowler bowled Haggett. Somerset was now 174-8 with 8 overs left needing five and a half an over. With Pittman still at the crease Somerset gamely kept at it, but Booker enticed the former Wiltshire player to hit him down Bryan’s throat for a well judged catch in front of the sight screen, another of the side’s safe hands. This had been a remarkable three sessions of cricket and Devon was now on the verge of a possible remarkable win. Brown turned to Huxtable to bowl the penultimate over and third ball he had Carpenter leg before. There was something different about this group and this was a brilliant all round achievement, made possible by the two B’s and their new record partnership. One of the Manager’s most important rules was waived as the mini bus took just three back to Exeter, fortunately the captain kept his music (!) to himself. For future reference this will only apply to games played in Taunton. Fantastic!

A number of this year’s under 17 squad could have been playing seven days a week; some were involved in tilts at league titles or relegation dog fights. So it was decided to continue to rotate selection for the one day game against Wales in the full knowledge of the likely consequences. It would also provide an opportunity for players pushing for places a chance to sample the standards required and achieve what a number of players strive for - a regular county place. The result of the one day game with Wales could have been a lot worse, if the tail had not wagged. Barnie Huxtable lost his first toss and Wales scored at a very comfortable 4.84 despite being 80-4 after twenty-one overs. Openers Preece and Herring put on 47 in ten overs before Eaves bowled Preece. Twenty runs had been added for the second wicket when the two debutants combined and Heering was caught Rhys Davies, bowled George Yates. Two Welsh batsmen departed at 80, Smith caught Mitcham at deep square leg off Booker’s tried and tested long hop. Then the skipper Owen was bowled by Yates second ball. The selection policy seemed to be proving a success, as at 108 half the Welsh side was in the pavilion as the Booker/Davies combination removed the Welsh keeper, Lowen, stumped. The initiative started to change with a sixth wicket partnership of 65 off 71 between the much admired Salter and Baker. The former Paignton pairing of Ashworth and Bryan ran out the first danger man Salter for a 74 ball 47. However this wicket did not stem the tide as forty-one were added off thirty-two balls by the now dominant Baker and Claybrook before Baker became Yates third wicket caught by the every reliable Matt Golding for 61 (52 balls, 59 minutes, 7 fours). The pressure was kept up by the Welsh as twenty-eight were added off nineteen when Golding and Eaves took their second wickets. George Yates was the pick of the bowlers with 3-33 off nine which also resulted in his losing the under 16 captaincy the following Thursday!

Connor Bryan opened for the first time since the fateful innings at Totton and Eling but only faced two balls more for one run. Richard Ashworth was unable to convert his Abbot’s run spree to the county arena but helped Tom Mitcham put on 31. Mitcham was in regal mode, looking the top batsman he could and should have been all summer, but he then watched his partner depart bowled Pryce. Next it was Mitcham’s turn to leave the stage, having stroked seven fours in his forty-three deliveries, he again departed playing another poor shot, caught and bowled low down by Leering for a season’s best 36. With the foreshortening of the camera angle on such dismissals the third umpire may have given him the benefit but he did not have the luxury of being able to cross a T. His captain was soon back to discuss current affairs with his Braunton team mate, bowled Leering. Matt Golding was making another major contribution but lost his under 15 partner Rhys Davies run out. This was the third run out of an under fifteen in the summer and was not acceptable; instructions were given to make a call in the future even to the detriment of a senior partner. From 64-5, Golding and Yates added 23 before George was caught by Leering off spinner Salter. Resolution was the new order of the day as fifty-six balls were faced by Defriend, fresh from his week in the operating theatre, and Golding. Defriend became over ambitious as he drove in the air to become Morgan’s only wicket. Craig Eaves was caught by Heering off Salter with Devon still 130 short. Kidd, who was off next day on a fishing trip on the Cam with the England under 18s, watched Golding depart seven short of a fifty after having helped put on 27. He had batted 102 minutes, apparently in no trouble and continued to look a key player. Kidd continued where he had left off at the weekend at Sandford, smashing four fours with the long handle in a 44 minute and ball stay at the wicket and scoring a county career best of 34. Booker was his sensible self as the pair equalled the best partnership of the innings, putting on another 27 off thirty-four balls. Devon was all out in the forty-ninth over 76 short. The rugby ball was retrieved from the clock golf, not without a fall out, and no one was given the subject of the River Cam which according to Wikipedia runs for 40 miles to the sea from the university town. This performance could have been worse but perhaps not much!

This time everyone including the opposition was present at Creedy Park. The forecast was heavy showers on Tuesday particularly around mid day and the cloud cover was building up with some humidity. The twins wanted to bowl but it was decided to bat if Wales called incorrectly. Barnie spun his wrong un and decided to bat. The first wicket was worth 13 of which Mitcham contributed 8 before being bowled by Higginson. The captain then lasted four balls before he was caught behind. There was huge relief throughout the county when his success the following Saturday against North Devon was reported. It was to be 34-5 off just fifteen overs as Craig Overton, Harry Booker and Matt Golding (the last two in successive balls) fell. Light rain was around but much to their credit the umpire’s ensured play took place all day. Jamie Overton and Connor Bryan had added 39 when another run out broke up a decent partnership. Devon was in real difficulty at lunch on 88-7. Jamie Overton lasted five minutes after the break but he had helped complete stage one of the stabilising process. With no increase to the interval score he was caught for 34 (65 balls, 69 minutes, 5 fours). The full recovery now began with Yates and Grainger putting on an incredible 96 for the eighth wicket. This might have been 19 short of the record between Miles and Jenn against Sussex in 2003 and had been against Gatting and Raynor in a lost cause but the 2010 partnership turned out to be a match winning affair. They batted together seven minutes over two hours facing 233 deliveries Yates added 43 and Grainger 46 and were assisted by a short sub standard period of fielding when the Welsh seemed to be practising shelling peas. In no way should this detract from a remarkable partnership. As it transpired Wales was not able to pass the score of 184 achieved at the end of this partnership. The pair was still together at tea with 171 in lights, both close to personal milestones. Yates did not reach his as he fell three runs off a county best. His 51 had occupied 148 minutes and he had faced 149 balls, hitting 6 fours and more than made up for the presence of his mother all day! However Cameron deservedly achieved a maiden county fifty and was undefeated on 63 (159 mins, 146 balls, 5 fours). This had been a truly outstanding effort. Devon reached 209 in 83 overs as the new ball removed Defriend and Eaves. It was however sad that as the day progressed Craig’s very supportive grandfather and our number one supporter all summer appeared to be spurned. The weather predicted for the second day was brighter so it was important that some inroads were made before close of play. Devon would bowl eighteen overs and the end product of 41-5 was more than anyone expected. Eaves wanted the top end so Jamie Overton was given the bottom end (shades of Gregory against Berkshire in 2008). He bowled two venomous maidens and with the first ball of his third over he had Preece leg before. Three balls later he bowled Smith and with his twenty-ninth delivery he took out the big one, Salter, thanks to a world class catch from Grainger. Herring’s was a more orthodox catch for the keeper off Craig Overton but another important wicket. The pressure exerted on the Welsh captain, Owen, by a top level bowling and fielding performance resulted in a run out, Eaves to Craig Overton. The night watchman, Higginson, hit two fours but Devon was now right back in the game. Grainger’s all round performance had been extraordinary; he could not have had many better days on a cricket field. The side had been a brilliant unit for the sixty-six minutes they had been out there together.

The omnipresent cloud cover of the first day was not evident on the second and it looked as if it would be a typically perfect batting day at Sandford. Overton and Eaves opened up at the same ends as the previous evening and Wales advanced to 64 with little apparent difficulty. Devon suffered a huge loss in the ninth over of the morning when Jamie Overton pulled up lame clutching his ankle, ice was applied but he had to come off. The psychological loss and gain on both sides was interesting to gauge. His bowling with an 8-1 field had been as impressive as any over the years. Booker replaced Eaves in the thirty-second over of the innings and struck with the first ball of his third over, when Bryan held Lowen off a rather injudicial shot which the batter probably immediately regretted. On the same score, 64, another vital wicket was taken when Monday’s hero, Baker, was caught at square leg by Sam Defriend third ball off Connor Bryan. Without adding to the total a third wicket fell when the night watchman, Higginson, was bowled for 18 by Booker. Could Wales make a similar recovery to Devon? In fact they fought very hard as Devon entered remote mode. It was obvious that they thought they had done the hard work but for the final 45 minutes before lunch they were simply dreadful. Lunch was taken at 122-8 and rockets were fired. The ninth wicket partnership passed fifty, sixty, seventy, eighty, ninety! Local brains were tested, do something left wing, bowl bouncers, set strange field settings was their answer. Without assistance the Braunton brains trust (surely an antithesis) brought Defriend up as a short point to stand with the captain, Eaves found the edge and Claybrook was missed at slip. Was the chance to win now gone? Claybrook passed his fifty as he and Leering took the score up to 157 and inward alarm bells were sounding when Harry Booker did it again. He had Claybrook caught by Craig Overton. Sheer relief all round. The final pairing had put on seven when the so reliable Sam Defriend swooped at mid wicket for Grainger to do the business and run out Morgan for a duck. The answer to the question of whether Devon would have enforced the follow on is “No”, with Jamie Overton laid up and Sandford playing as normal, it was anticipated that more points would be achieved batting a second time. With a lead of 45 Devon’s first target would be some batting points in the fifty-five overs available. It would also be a chance for the top order to regain some form. By the tenth over Braunton were putting the world right again, Mitcham out for 13 and Huxtable without troubling. Booker and Craig Overton put on a more than useful 69 before Craig was out two runs short of the fifty that would soon be his. Thirty-seven overs had been used and the decision was made to risk Jamie as a batter. First Golding navigated his potential king pair, putting on thirty-four with Booker. They acquired the first batting point but Booker was caught for what was another important 36 with his side twenty-nine short of the next point. The Jamie Overton experiment was not a success as Devon were still twenty short with five down in the final hour and eleven overs remaining. The 200 looked unlikely but the 150 was achieved in the twelfth over of the final seventeen by Connor Bryan and Golding. The T was indicated to the batters and Bryan charged and was stumped and the captain then called them in. He and Mitcham had been a good leadership pairing, being outstanding influences when not in the best of form themselves. Huxtable did blot his copy book, real shades of Benton, Acton and Buzza at Warminster. Retrievers retrieve Barney, throw a ball and they try to retrieve it. Beautifully captured by our lucky photographer, Michael Overton, whose work over the summer had added a new dimension.

This had been another outstanding result but the injury curse seemed to be still hovering we had now lost Curtis, Bess, Cousens and now possibly Jamie Overton. The Welsh game had always been the problem fixture with Brown, Cousens (at Bunbury), Kidd and the injured not available. This made the end product even more impressive as our opponents were at full strength for possibly the only time during the summer. New Zealand's captain Aimiee Watkins took over Sandford for a session with their ladies as we departed. Defriend's spelling lessons will be missed but he had played an important part in the side’s success last summer.

The journey up to Worcester did not have the smoothest of starts as Tom Mitcham’s efforts at breaking the radio’s code disappointed. The high esteem in which West Buckland’s new head boy was held rapidly diminished due to his inability to break the Enigma code which resulted in 29 minutes and 59 seconds of silence – what joy! However it was an opportunity for the narrow one run victory in the previous Saturday’s derby to be interestingly discussed from two different viewpoints. It was enhanced by Barnie's report on his raid of the bins to retrieve some Slazenger gear of a former Somerset/England international. With an older bus, not subjected to the 55mph limiter, good speed was made to the Diglis on the banks of the River Severn. This hotel is likely to share the best accommodation award of 2010. The Midland trait of pubs not serving meals on a Monday sent us to the Fox Inn at Bransford to everyone’s pleasure and they were sounded out for a possible return on Wednesday. A feature of the Cathedral City of Worcester is spires, towers, clocks and chimes. Devon left for Pershore dead on time as the hour was being chimed. A warm welcome was received from the attractive market town club that has changed little since previous visits in the sixties and seventies. The returning captain was texting progress reports - back in the UK at 4.30am, an hours sleep from 6.30am and due at the ground at 10.40am. In Brown’s absence Huxtable tossed and Devon batted. Following his vital Saturday runs, it was decided to open with him and Mitcham in the hope that Devon would enjoy a decent opening partnership for the first time that summer. Despite both looking in no difficulty they were both soon back in the hutch to discuss the captain’s holiday. The partnership equalled the best of the summer, a totally inadequate 35 (the others 8, 13, 9, 0, 6 and 13) which caused problems all summer. Mitcham was bowled playing down the wrong line in the ninth over and second ball of the tenth with no further addition Huxtable did exactly the same – simply awful cricket. The Overton twins batted with the confidence needed throughout the side, adding 15 off eleven before Jamie was leg before on the same unlucky score as Mitcham – 13. Craig and Matt Golding nearly added a hundred failing by just nine (123 balls), with Craig, now past his previous favourite score of 48, caught and bowled for an excellent 70 ball 55. Enter the tired captain, who soon brought out his brush as 78 were added off disappointingly 107 deliveries as the accelerator was not pushed. This has been a shortcoming in the 50 over game but conversely is a major advantage in the two day competition. Brown was the second leg before, having previously been severely reprimanded for standing on the pitch. He had batted for a minute over the hour for his 36. Craig Eaves hit a three ball 8 to take Devon up to another below par score of 227. Golding’s rich vein had continued with an undefeated 68 in just over two hours.

With the resting of key bowlers a priority for the important two day game that was to follow, this was never likely to be enough and Worcestershire passed the target off the penultimate ball of the forty-seventh over. Worcestershire looked a confident batting side as regular twos keeper-batsman, Ollie Steel, hit 80 off 132 balls. He had a life on 32 when Huxtable’s arm would not stretch to run him out. Not good and he was soon invited to the bench. Worcestershire openers set their team up well, milking the leg side boundary with flicks and glances. Keeper and one day opener, Dodd, was the first to fall, bowled by Yates, whose presence in the side with bat, ball and some really brilliant fielding has filled an important void. Forty-three runs for the second wicket took the target to 5.09 from the original 4.54. Matt Kidd held Coleman off the economical Harry Booker, another major find of the 2010 season. The third wicket pairing then took the score up to 140 before Craig Overton trapped Brighton in front. On 185 the opposition’s top batter fell, brilliantly caught and bowled by Connor Bryan. This brought in Brown to join opening bowler Mason and both enjoyed themselves, driving powerfully on the up. Mason was the Overtons’ catch of the game, Craig off the returning Kidd, but Brown targeted the Devon bench at long off with three successive drives to win the game. It was obvious that the two day game could be a 400 playing a 300+ making the toss vital. Booker’s 2-29 off ten was Devon’s best. Pershore were splendid hosts pulling out all the stops. The code was still working on the radio but George Yates still broke all records for silence as his indecision on the next tune disappointed his colleagues and he was swiftly removed not to be seen again. There was a shortage of sirloins and profiteroles at the Huntsman but Buzza would have enjoyed the banana splits. The clock was chiming ten as the mini-bus was parked. Much had been learnt and the question was ‘Could it be applied at Ombersley?’. The Huntsman’s booking for Wednesday was cancelled and the Fox would be revisited.

The rain band was due to start around 5.00am but did not start until close to 8.00am when droplets were evident on the Severn. It rained as the cross city route was taken to Ombersley, with Harry Booker soon realising he had not got his kit but action being delayed until the ground was reached. Rain was still in the air but the playing area was fully covered and the ground team were using a hog to remove the water from the sheets. The scorer returned for the kit hopeful that she would be visiting the suite but that was occupied by Matt Kidd. As with Taunton Vale, Ombersley is a regular venue for second team cricket and has all the kit to ensure play takes place whenever possible. They also have a retired groundsman from New Road who has a single aim of ensuring as much cricket as possible is played The scorer returned and entered into a long conversation on one of her earliest loves, the Girl Guides, who were celebrating their centenary over the road with a large camp. It was International Day and she offered Craig Eaves to make his presentation on Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi! Climatic conditions improved and a 12 noon start would be made. Brown called incorrectly and a long day in the field was anticipated on a potential road. Jamie Overton who had been a major worry with his ankle problems since Sandford then set up Devon with two quick wickets and a request for new boots and ice after his seven overs. Without overblowing this, his spell was always going to be critical to Devon’s day and he produced the goods. He had Steve Rhodes’ son caught for a duck by his brother, not entirely cleanly, and then bowled Brighton with the score on 32. Thirty-six runs later Paignton’s George Yates then took THE wicket when he trapped Steel leg before on a similar score to that on which he had not been run out the previous day. One run later Yates dived forward to catch the hard driving Brown off his own bowling, a critical five balls from the impressive all rounder. From 75-4 Worcestershire had advanced to 93-4 at lunch with the visitors reasonably satisfied with the first session. Booker took his first wicket in the fifth over after lunch when Mason took him on (apparently the Worcester coach did not think he had been attacked enough the previous day) and was caught by Kidd. This looked to be a potential disaster as the fielder totally misjudged his positioning on what looked a simple chance and had to resort to sticking out a hand over his head. This was another turning point but Kidd’s ability to catch fish (a 2 lb 13 trout his best on the Cam) far more easily than the ball was still a major concern. Thirty-three runs later Booker showed once again how to catch a ball as he stuck out his hand high above his not insignicant height to hold a memorable caught and bowled. His next wicket came four runs later when Jamie Overton pouched a vital slip catch. Most of the previous day’s batters were now out and Devon were really well placed with the opposition on 132-7. The eighth wicket had put on 32 runs when, with tea approaching, the captain chanced his arm by bringing on the leg spin of Tom Mitcham and himself (bowling type still undefined), it amazingly worked. Woodhouse wacked an awful Mitcham ball to mid wicket where Jamie Overton clung on and next over the pressure that Brown’s bowling was exerting(!) resulted in a suicidal run, leaving Huxtable and Grainger to clean up. Tea was taken at 164–9 another very special performance in the field. The last pairing added 35 but did not reach the second batting point as Booker returned to take his fourth wicket and second caught and bowled, diving to his right, two handed – pretty impressive. As with the loss of Bess and Cousens, the unfortunate injury to Max Curtis gave others real opportunites and the way that the Overtons, Yates and Booker responded and took their chances was really amazing and gave the side some real bite and not a little additional ability. Booker finished with 4-48 off 16.4 but his day had not been completed. This was not the time to express inner fears but it was likely that the next 24 overs would decide the side’s fate for the season. Not for a number of seasons had it been necessary to undertake a WALK, Joe Smith resorted to his book (not a Booker Prize canditate according to Mitcham). The instructions were for Mitcham and Huxtable to grind it out and be there at close. Ombersley Village was where the first wicket fell. Mitcham’s disapointing run continuing with an 18 ball four. Harry Booker had been invited to bat three, although he might not understand that this was a huge compliment as he had batted resolutley whenever given the chance. An orange and lemonade was not enjoyed at the Kings Arms but the local paper was read from cover to cover with an interesting report on a 71 year old ASBO offender! At five to six the decision was made to return to the ground and a surreptitious look over the hedge was made, Booker was there but the other batter was not visible. The scoreboard showed 52 runs and was that just one wicket – yes. Sheer relief but the dogs were still to be under the cosh until close. On returning to the pavilion it was good to see Connor Bryan padded up along with the captain but Huxtable then on drove just over mid on’s head and shouts to keep going eminated from his team. Close was reached at 69-1 with firm instructions from the coach to conceal the pleasure, this was kept for the dressing room. The Braunton pair must have batted exceptionally, confirmed by all who had watched. Game on. We reached the Fox at 8.30am when Booker made an interesting presentation on Gilbert rugby balls and the significance of 1823. Eaves photographic aides had the management close to tears in another very well received presentaion. The food went down well. We had our first real contender for the Alex Hill Question of the Year (rugby tour). The Great Wadham, no not the famous magician but the bowler that had ensured premier cricket in 2011 for Heathcoat, joined his club vice captain on his way to the A Team movie.

It was a brighter second day, a nominal lie in was offered as accounts were settled and a minor complaint received with regard to banging doors. For future reference banging doors do irritate! Batting was the theme of the warm up but the coach gave the fisherman some special work, sadly to no avail. The overnighters were told to bat to lunch, seeing off the first hour which they did with no difficulty. Barnie passed three figures in the penultimate over before lunch when, ringed by a one saving field, he lifted Biddulph over the inner field to the boundary. Lunch was reached at 179-1 off sixty, something inconceivable at 5.45pm the previous night, and the batsmen received a most deserved ovation. The morning session was enlightened by a photo shoot and it was interesting to watch the contortions that the bowlers got themselves into in order to get into the next edition of Worcestershire Life. Back to the cricket the green book had been checked earlier but discarded. The best second wicket partnership record was 208 (Neil Bettiss and Brent Garner v Dorset 2001) which was also the second highest under 17 partnership ever, surely they would not get close. It was not to be beaten but following the interval the pair had advanced their partnership to 186 when Booker’s exemplary concentration failed and he gave Biddolph the charge. Huxtable had failed with the instructions to ensure a maiden fifty for his partner. Devon was now just five runs short of the ten points. This had been the fifth highest under 17 partnership and the pair had batted for 209 minutes, facing 400 balls of which Booker’s share was 202. They had ensured their side would complete a clean sweep of first innings wins in 2010. This had only been achieved once before, in the then third division in 2005 by another exceptional group of cricketers, this side was playing in the top division. Brown and Huxtable ensured the win points but then Huxtable did it again, as on the previous Tuesday, when he followed his partner, stumped by Dodd. His 139 was the eighth highest Under 17 score and, after a lean spell, he showed the world his character and skill. He had only recently attended a session at Worcester and here was clear evidence to the county of his huge ability. The final four partnerships gained full bonus points Brown and Craig Overton - 28, the twins - 30 off 30, the two Craigs - 5 and Eaves and Golding an unbroken 33. Craig Overton scored 31, Matt Golding 21 not out and Devon declared at tea, which was another splendid spread. There were thirty-three overs left in the day and Worcester reached 103 off 25 with Alex Brown holding three catches, an additional point apiece and time for the motorway. Biddulph was caught at gulley off Kidd's ninth ball, Steel had made 37 when a full blooded flick was held at the forward of the two short legs and Brighton was held by a diving one handed effort at short leg, these two had been off Booker and a close relative would have been proud of both. Mitcham had nearly picked up another wicket but the diving Yates just failed to make it. It started to drizzle shortly after close of play and four coaches in convoy made life difficult. It was again Burger King and Kentucky Fried, where an under eleven was interrogated on his day in Herefordshire, and we were back home before 9.30pm. Even with the success of the Glee TV programme it is a real disappointment that mini bus community singing is a dying art. Perhaps Usher and Eminem do not offer much potential material to the mini-bus singers but, based on this trip, it is likely that the twenty-ones will be the last of a long line. Maybe Gareth Malone should be invited to a winter workshop. These were two days to be remembered.

Losing a semi-final does not get easier, just ask the scorer, but in this case Devon were perhaps a catch or a decent top order partnership away from playing in the final in September at the St Lawrence Ground, Canterbury, where Matt Wood’s side played Durham in the final in 1998. However life is not about ‘what ifs’, it is about what happens over the two days play. This was to be a straight one hundred overs a side with winner takes all affair. The weather forecast was interesting for the two days but in reality way off the mark which made the booking of the cricket centre for a bowl out slightly foolish!! Play started on time on the first day after the Torquay team had worked overtime. Matt Kidd gave his side the best of starts bowling Simmons, seventh ball when he and the team were on one. On eight he had Khan caught behind by Grainger. This was another ideal start. In at four came Adam Rossington, fresh from the England Under 19 Twenty20 squad that played Sri Lanka, with appropriate swagger. Rain resulted in an early lunch after sixteen overs with Middlesex 37-2 but, with the additional hour, virtually no time was lost. Middlesex’s captain, Kettleborough, had dropped anchor but, when he was on 15, he was critically missed at square leg by one of the side’s safer pair of hands off Jamie Overton’s first ball, second over after the interval. George Yates, who should have been in London celebrating his sixteenth birthday, then took the first of two important wickets, when he yorked Rossington for a 41 ball 31. This really was a vital wicket as the noise level from the balcony reduced substantially and there was less of a swagger. Middlesex were now 64-3 and it was time to regroup, which they did well. Six past the hundred they were four down, as left hander Gubbins was bowled behind his legs by off spinner Harry Booker. Haberdashers’ Selvakumar and the captain then put on the highest partnership of the game, 76 in 170 minutes off 85 balls. Selvakumar was eventually unbeaten on 49 and faced 166 balls in his 209 minutes at the crease – possibly a match winning contribution, as whilst he was at the wicket his side advanced from 106 to 284. Yates bowled the captain on 92 with his side’s score on 182; a major recovery had been completed. Paul helped add 53 off 58 before Connor Bryan took another good caught and bowled.  The same bowler with a Brown catch then removed Shah six runs later and Devon was getting back into the game. The eighth wicket fell in the eighty-eighth over when Porter gave Bryan his second catch to provide Booker with a second. Six had been added for the ninth when Grainger held another special catch off Craig Overton. The time was eleven minutes past six and there were another four minutes before Devon would not have to bat that evening. However the final wicket did not come until 6.36pm after adding 32 additional runs when Jamie Overton trapped Mehta leg before for a contribution of eight to the partnership off nineteen balls. Extras had escalated over the second half of the innings and had contributed 13 to this partnership and 34 to the total, far too many wides, a total of 23, had been bowled. The end product of 284 all out would have been accepted at the beginning of the day and for the fifth time in the two day game during the summer the opposition had been bowled out – probably a first. The non-batter, Cousens’ colleague from Harrow, was the opening bowler Pratt, who was allegedly semi blind and had wisely ignored Michael on his run the previous evening in Torquay. He had to stand in his path to be seen the following morning. It was again impressive that the two invalids, Cousens and Curtis, took the time to support the side over the two days. Cousens reported on a conversation with David Graveney, ECB National Performance Manager, on his increased involvement at National level. The players went off to celebrate George’s birthday, you felt some real sympathy for “Elephant” as she was putting up some of the real undesirables from North Devon! Would her home ever be the same again? The support of the South Devon parents over the two days had been over and above the line of duty.

It was A level result day and Matt Thompson was on his way to Cardiff University after checking in on the internet at 6.30am, the other results seemed OK but the West Buckland Head Boy's standards had dropped slightly. Barnie was, however, using the letter A a lot. The weather forecast was a shower at ten and then the likelihood of no play after two, the availability of the indoor centre was checked; the scorer prepared a run/over chart and the game was delayed by 30 minutes following the predicted rain. It is anticipated that if Devon had been in a similar situation they would have taken the Middlesex approach. Our opponents were brilliant, they were first out for the warm up, they had good activity, there was no moaning or complaining (although perhaps their player should not have expressed his view that he considered the pitch was a form of excrement in front of the umpire who had toiled for days preparing it!) they just got on with it – really annoying as it was just the right thing to do and actually set them up for the day. Devon needed a minimum of 25 overs batting to constitute a match and they did not sit back, slow things up and wait for the rain they were totally positive. Devon needed to be on 72 at twenty-five overs and the openers were told to just treat it as normal and review it as it got closer. In fact from the twenty-third over onwards Devon was in front of the clock. Sadly Huxtable did not last to 25, he did not even get halfway, and after being dropped early at slip he was caught behind with the score on 24. It was essential that one of the senior batters batted through for the 16s to support but Mitcham was also back before the game proper had started. With Brown he put on the side’s best partnership 44 off 74 when off spinner Paul had him leg before on the back foot with his first ball. As he had all season, he gave the impression that he was in good form but again did not convert a 30 into a decent contribution. The summer must have been a huge disappointment for both last year’s leading batsman and his side. Craig Overton had come out all guns blazing but Devon then lost their captain in the twenty-ninth over, Brown was two steps down the wicket and padded up on the full to be Paul’s second leg before. The Overtons batted to lunch giving the impression that all was well with the world. No sign of any dark cloud, although the local former youth players were all confident that the covers would be on at 2.30pm, North Devon radar said 3.30pm and it was pouring in Plymouth. The lunchtime Spotlight weather forecast had much less blue in the Torquay area and it was now looking as if the game would go the distance. Unsurprisingly Middlesex had ringed from ball one. All that was needed was for the Overtons to bat an hour or so but Jamie was bowled fourth over after lunch, 114-4, and inwardly there was some concern. Craig and Golding took Devon up to 137-4 when Craig Overton was caught behind off an inside edge and the false smile appeared. He was Devon's top scorer with 42 off sixty-three. George Yates had problems with Paul and looked as if he would have preferred to have been in London. He lasted 21 balls, seventeen off the spinner, and was then caught by their captain. Connor Bryan lasted 28, another caught behind, bowled Podmore, 171-7, and the skies were bright. Meanwhile Golding was undertaking the game’s number 6 role batting very sensibly. Eaves hit two fours in his 18, another catch for the captain. Booker, who had played an awful lot of cricket, lasted seven for a duck. Grainger, who had been held back for just such a situation, came in the over before tea with ninety still needed. He and Golding had put on 32 off 25 when Grainger was bowled Porter for 22 and Devon were out of the competition at three minutes to five. He had performed well all summer as had Golding who had another red inker, 37*. The Middlesex openers were bowled out and Paul only had three overs left so our opponents had completed the execution on the wire. Middlesex went on to beat Nottinghamshire in the final.

The rain came as the car was being loaded at around six o’clock but it was nowhere near as hard as had been forecast. We never play to forecasts but it would have been unwise not to keep an eye on the run rate and Devon at least got this right even if they were 57 short. It had been a good summer; the players had been a special group and will be remembered in the dotage, which is not far away! Not being a renowned parent person it has to be stated that this lot were also pretty good and players and management do appreciate what they did for us during the summer. Following the loss of Zak Bess, the leadership team of Alex Brown, Barnie Huxtable and Tom Mitcham performed minor miracles with an outstanding group of players. Jamie Overton was the 2011 Player of the Year, Harry Booker the Bowler and Matt Golding the Batsman of the year - all under 16s - and it is to be hoped that they will all perform to the same level in 2011. Our host clubs were splendid although it is sad that Sandford will not appear on the fixture list in 2011, the first time in nineteen summers that Creedy Park will not host us. Joe Smith filled the void, at very short notice, splendidly assisted when available by Matt Thompson. This had been a special year – one to remember.