Devon Cricket Board - 2013 U13 v Wiltshire report

2013 U13 v Wiltshire report

DEVONU13's v WILTSHIRE U13's

at LEWDOWN

The wonderful summer weather continued as we made the trip to West Devon and the convivial hosts Lewdown. Arriving a little late, in the company of Senior Scribe, it is clear our hosts have once again pulled out all the stops to make our stay a memorable one. The groundsman has even given us the same strip Lewdown first team had scored shed loads of runs on the previous day. Please, please, please let us win the toss!!

Mission accomplished. We bat first and are soon brought back to reality with the early dismissal of Mikey Cooper for nought. Indeed Wiltshire bowl very well with the new ball, and Tom Williams and Jamie Khan knuckle down to see it off. This they do with maturity, taking the score to 79 in the 18th over. Is today the day we see the really big partnership and score from the top order? Sadly not ,Tom is dismissed for 39.

Kazi and Jamie put on another 30 before Kazi is bowled for 9. Ash Causey and Jamie fall soon afterwards and at 118-5 we are in danger of wasting a good start on a tremendous batting wicket. Jamie had batted really well scoring another Devon 50. However he is clearly still not a hundred percent fit , and he will have to manage his knee problem carefully to enable him to get through five days of cricket at the festival. It seems there are several players who have long term injuries, who need to be honest about them, and make sure they give themselves every chance of both getting to, and getting through, the festival. (You know who you are, and it is up to you to decide how much cricket and other sport you should be playing between now and then - Grumpy Manager Rant over).

One player who seems fit and in a rich vein of form at the moment is Jack Gibbs. His partnership with Sam Maunder, 59 in 7 overs, turned the innings decisively in Devon's favour. This pair look the part batting together, running well and choosing their shots judiciously. When Jack goes for 42 in 30 balls it gives The Ferret the opportunity to scamper around on his home ground. Sam and Leon take the running to another level, and the score over 200, before Sam perishes for a well constructed 26 (again!). This brings Dan Bullock to the crease for a rare knock. He keeps the score ticking over before allowing Yabbers to get to the crease. Leon ends 21 not out, all run, and a final imposing total of 223-8.

Then the real highlight of the day (closely followed by Dan B batting) - The Horn Family tea. An especially good effort as the Horn female contingent had been on the moor most of the night on a sponsored 17k midnight full moon walk, with liquid refreshment!!

Jack Gibbs Bowling

Matt Parker in Full Flow

The opening bowlers, Kazi Szymanski, Matt Parker and Jack Gibbs all performed well, each taking a wicket and keeping a lid on any thoughts Wiltshire had of chasing down the total. Then it was over to the spinners.......

No surprise as Chris Yabsley proves almost unhittable with 2-15 from 8 overs and Tom Williams, Dan Bullock and Leon Horn all take wickets at little cost as Wiltshire are blown away for 67.

Yabbers Contemplating.

This has been a pretty impressive performance from this team and hopefully the good weather will continue and they can show what they are capable of over five days at the Festival in August. They have all the tools and it is a case of using them all at the right time.

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