Devon Cricket Board - 2013 U13 v Blundells report

2013 U13 v Blundells report

Devon U13's v Blundell's

"History Repeats Itself ? "

Devon's season started with the now traditional game against Blundell's. Always an interesting game, if only because there is usually a plethora of Devon players in the school side. This year was no exception with county captain Sam Maunder, Monty Crowe and Jack Gibbs representing Blundell's. Dressing room bragging rights are always important, so several individual battles were expected.

Unbeknown to the players the manager was more than slightly apprehensive about the game. His previous experience with an U13 side against Blundell's resulted in an embarrassing 9 wicket defeat that had him tearing out his hair in frustration.

On a typically English Spring Day, freezing cold with the threat of squally showers, Devon won the toss and elected to bat. This suited both sides, and especially Jack Gibbs who opened the bowling for the school and took great pleasure in dismissing both Devon openers Tom Williams and Leon Horn in an impressive five over spell. With the score at 14-2 the manager was beginning to fear the worst. Things got little better with gun batters Mikey Cooper and Tom Lammonby soon back in the pavilion thanks to their East Devon colleague Charlie Fanous. 43-4, the managers hair was under threat, as was his placid nature!

It needed a couple of players to build a partnership, and bat for a long period of time (remember how we talked about this throughout the winter?). Cometh The Hour - Cometh The Men. Take a bow newcomer to the squad Jamie Khan, and the irrepressible,in all ways, Ash Causey. They got their heads down and showed what a simple game it can be. They defended the good ball, ran their singles and dispatched the inevitable bad ball. Result ? A partnership of 110 for the 5th wicket in 24 overs, which set the side up for a final total of 161-6 in 40 overs.It also cemented Jamie's place in the squad for the first 5 games.

A relieved, if not happy, manager at tea.

The Blundell's reply got off to the worst possible start as debutant Charlie Hannan dismissed the mercurial Monty Crowe 2nd ball, thanks to a smart catch by Dan Bullock at backward point. Not Monty's day. Blundell's were relying on Gibbs and Maunder to score big, if they were going to threaten the Devon total. Both got in........and out, to Matt Parker who was looking to prove his fitness after a miserable winter with injury. Lammonby took especial pleasure in catching his Devon captain, almost immediately after announcing to one and all that he would do so. Can you do my lottery numbers for me Tom?

69-8 became 69-9 as Leon Horn snared the tail with some interesting leg spin. However, Blundell's would not lie down quietly as Fanous and Gresswell put on 37 for the last wicket, before Hannan made up for a misjudgment in the previous over, with an absolute stunner of a catch on the boundary to complete a 55 run victory.

A useful first game, with plenty of plusses, and plenty to improve on. A great partnership between Causey and Khan, but it was the only one of more than 16; well below expectations. Batters must learn to capitalize on their starts. 15's and 20's are not enough. On the bowling front it was good to see Matt Parker bowling again, but it would be better not to see so much of Mr. Wide. Mr Wide needs to be banished from the squad. He is not helpful.

As always, Blundell's were excellent hosts. Many games would not have started, but the ground staff were brilliant and ensured an enjoyable. if cold, day for players and spectators alike.

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