v OXFORDSHIRE at Kingsgate, Winchester College. Devon won by 6 wickets
OXFORDSHIRE      138         (Dunkerley 4-51, Hugill 3-31)
DEVON                  140 for 4 (Evans 59, Sewell 47)
Semi-Final
v HAMPSHIRE at Lords Ground, Winchester College. Devon lost by 16 runs.
HAMPSHIRE            201 for 7 (Sewell 5-75)
DEVON                     185      (Gear 74, Edwards 38)
Third and Fourth Place Play Off.
v DORSET at the Mead's, Winchester College. Devon won by 137 runs DEVON 244 for 7 (Evans 97, White 32)
DORSET                   107        (Hugill 6-49)

The 1993 Squad

D.Edwards (captain), T.Dunkerley, J.Evans, M.Gear, N.Heale, M.Huggill, M.Humphries M.Hunt, T.Kennedy, G.Sewell, M.Smith, W.White

The first season of Devon Under 17 representative cricket commenced on a hot summer's afternoon at the pleasant Canford School when, alter putting Dorset in to bat, Devon missed four reasonably easy early catches and allowed the home side's opening pair to put on 79. However, once they had removed the high scoring Insall, Devon started to control the match. Tom Kennedy bowled his off spinners to great effect and was supported well in the field and by the other bowlers and we were very satisfied when we dismissed Dorset for 167. Unfortunately, faced with a tricky thirty minutes before tea, Devon lost three vital wickets for six runs and, despite a rearguard effort from Tom Kennedy, Daniel Edwards and keeper Marc Humphries, were finally dismissed for a very disappointing 64 in only 38 overs.

The inaugural Under 17 Festival at Winchester, however, brought a tremendous transformation. What started as an average side on paper ended the week undoubtedly the best TEAM in the competition. Under the inspirational leadership of Daniel ‘Syd' Edwards the side played some outstanding cricket, getting to grips with the 60 overs game at an early stage. Apart from losing to eventual finalists, Sussex, on the first day, the side were the equal of any of their opponents and were unfortunate not to reach the final.

Devon were initially rather tentative when batting first at Winchester College's quite beautiful, well manicured and historic Lords ground. Tom Kennedy was the only batsman to come to terms with the hostile Sussex attack that included England's Robin Martin-Jenkins. The spectators included his father, Christopher, former England Manager Micky Stewart and the South's national coach Les Lenham, all of which may have added to the pressure on the Devon side. Kennedy was supported by captain Edwards (22) and two Under 16 players, Matthew Hunt and Martin Gear, both of whom showed their considerable potential and should hopefully benefit from the experience when they return in 1994. A final score of 146-6 was always considered insufficient and so it proved to be, with Sussex passing the score in 42 overs.

On the Tuesday Devon struck their rich seam of form. Changing tactics, Edwards, who won the toss in every match, asked Somerset to bat and they were restricted to 21.3 for 7. Required to score at just over 3.5 an over, Devon achieved their target at a rate of 4.5 an over with a magnificent unbroken second wicket stand of 175 in 40 overs between left-handed Sewell and opener Nick Heale. The manner in which this excellent victory was achieved gave great confidence to the whole squad.

Next day Devon played for a place in the semi-finals against Oxfordshire, who had impressively beaten Sussex the previous day, and we again decided to bat second. For the third successive match HugilI took a wicket in his first over and, despite a spirited 49 from Carey, Oxfordshire were no match for a buoyant Devon attack. Toni Dunkerley, who had a good festival as third seamer cleaned up the their tail taking 4 wickets in 4 overs. Guy Sewell then continued where he had left off the previous day and, with Kelly College student Jonathan Evans put on 80 for the second wicket. Evans, hitting the ball with great power, scored his maiden fifty for Devon in only his third game. Skipper Edwards and Braunton's William White steered the side through to a semi-final against Hampshire. 

Making a welcome return to the Lords ground, Devon were now less overawed and restricted the high scoring Hampshire side to 201 - in the final the following day they took the Sussex attack for over 300. Guy Sewell completed his transformation to a true all-rounder taking 5-75 in 24 overs and the side's outfielding was exceptional. Despite losing early wickets, Syd Edwards and Martin Gear completed a heart stopping partnership of 95. taking the side within grasp of a famous victory. Gear, showing maturity far beyond his years, struck one huge 6 and five 4's but despite a gallant effort from the tail, the side were to end 16 runs short.

The spirit, attitude and behaviour of the side was truly outstanding and it was a pleasure to be associated with them. Festival umpire Percy Govier and scorer Elizabeth Webb were vital members of a squad that was a great credit to Devon.