Devon Cricket Board - 2001 - Oliver sways it South Devon's way

2001 - Oliver sways it South Devon's way

DAX Oliver was named Man of the Match after steering South Devon to a four-wicket win off the last ball over Ipplepen in the re-arranged Midas Cup final at Paignton.

Chasing 89 to win in 15 eight-ball overs, South Devon were playing catch-up with four overs remaining on 40 for six when Oliver came out to join Pat Duke in the gathering gloom at Queen's Park.

Ipplepen's bowlers kept it tight and with two overs to go the target was 30 to win. Oliver promptly smacked a six, a four and ran a two and suddenly it was game on again.

South Devon got down to the last over needing 15 to win and with a ball to go it was one to tie, which would have given them the game on fewer wickets lost.

Oliver didn't mess about, dispatching Steve Bowden for four to give South Devon their first piece of silverware at senior level since 1971 when they won the old Shiphay Manor League.

Oliver finished with 26 not out off 18 balls and was deservedly named Man-of-the-Match by adjuticator Malcolm Kingdon.

For Ipplepen it was a case of so near yet so far as they had made a brave attempt to defend their total of 88 for nine - Simon Mahoney top scoring on 39 to pull them round from an unimpressive 14 for four after an early burst from Gary Bowles.

Mahoney then bowled four overs for figures of two for 10 and with Duncan Christophers taking three for 28 it looked like Ipplepen's game.

Then Oliver and Duke turned the game round to spark South Devon's celebrations at an unlikely win.

Ipplepen 88-9 (S Mahoney 39, T Cooper 10; G Bowles 3-12, M Smith 2-31, P Duke 2-15), South Devon 91-6 (D Oliver 26no, P Duke 24no, S Mahoney 2-10, D Christophers 3-28).

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