Devon Cricket Board - Suppiah benefit goes with a swing

Suppiah benefit goes with a swing

ABBOTSKERSWELL cricketer Charlie Hill won’t forget his appointment with Somerset in a hurry after taking two big scalps.

The Cidermen visited Two Mile Oak to play Abbots in a delayed benefit game for Arul Suppiah, who is pictured above (third from left) with the two teams

The Malaysia- born all-rounder who had two seasons with Devon, was forced to retire from First Class cricket earlier in the season on medical grounds.

The first attempt to play the game in June fell foul of the weather, but there were no such problems second time around.

Somerset still fielded a strong side including captain and former England international Marcus Trescothick and pace bowler Jamie Overton, fresh from his time with the England one-day squad.

Somerset batted first and set a formidable target of 236 for four with young wicketkeeper James Regan hitting an impressive century and Trescothick adding an unbeaten 41.

The bowling duties were shared around and included spells from 12 year olds Jonnie Joseph, Elliot Adams and Charlie Smout-Cooper.

Hill picked off the Overton twins Jamie and Craig in consecutive balls to end the innings.

Abbots’ captain Richard Acton showed real attacking intent with 48 off only 17 balls, and Toby Codd weighing in with 38, but wickets fell at regular intervals and the hosts were all out for a respectable 175.

A crowd of more than 300 people enjoyed the big hitting. The game and fundraising through the season raised more than £500 for the Children’s Hospice South West.

The raffle draw for a bat signed by the Somerset team was made with the winning number of 358 being selected. If you have the winning ticket please contact Steve Cooper at s.j.c.cooper@btinternet.com.

Abbots have been busy recently as the club’s presentation night has also been and gone.

Each of the three league sides maintained their status, a particularly impressive feat for a 1stXI that often had an average age below 20 in the highly competitive A division.

Australian Ryan Williams picked up the 1stXI player of the year for his 541 runs and 26 wickets.

Acton collected the award for club batsman having scored 478 runs. The colts’ sides were also recognised with 15 year old Toby Codd the colt of the year for his performances in colts and senior teams

Opening bowler Hugo Whitlock, who is 16, won club bowler.

Abbots as start indoor action this Sunday with three sides in the South Devon Indoor League. Anyone who is interested in playing indoors should contact Paul Mitchell on 07778 017326. All ages and abilities welcome.

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