Devon Cricket Board - Devon U13's v Berkshire U13's 2011

Devon U13's v Berkshire U13's 2011

Devon U13's v Berkshire U13's 2011

"The Codfather Part II"

The longest trip of the season, made especially enjoyable for the management team as they were taken around the leafy backwaters of Berkshire in the company of the scorer, who knew the "pretty way", having lived fifteen years in the area. Arriving at the ground in the well appointed grounds of Wellington college,with a sense of achievement probably not equalled since Captain Cook landed in Australia, they were greeted by a vivid green wicket, and a 35 yard boundary on one side, and the threat of heavy showers. A good toss to win.

Coddy sems to have got the hang of it. The broad grin on his face as he stode back to the team said it all. Berkshire were inserted, amid dire warnings from the umpire of thunderstorms at 3 o'clock. Hearing this, the earlier proclaimed desire to start early by Berkshire, seemed to lose its importance.

With Dan Goodey rested, Hannibal Lector (aka Ben Steer) made his return to the side, opening the bowling with Ben Green. Once again the openers put the opposition in trouble with Steer taking the first two wickets to fall, with only 11 on the board. The coach had suggested that full and straight was the answer on this pitch. Steer got both openers with......two short balls! There followed the only significant stand of the innnings. 49 for the 3rd wicket. However the bowling and fielding was tight, and the Berkshire batters were unable to take advantage ofthe short boundary. Green (7-2-23-1) Steer (8-0-30-3), West (7-1-20-0) Wolf (7-0-26-0) all bowled tightly and Dan Pyle with 2 for 9 from 5 overs really tightened the screw. Codd then made sure there was no escape with 2 for 23 with his off spin. The final total of 136-9 was a testament to the control shown by the bowlers, and fine support in the field.

The promised rain did not materialise, and Devon ate their tea, knowing that a decent batting performance should see them home. Berkshire threw a spanner in the works by opening with a leg spinner, setting the openers an unexpected challenge. Lathwell was disappinted to be given out caught behind, and when the fit again Thompson followed soon after, there was a little disquiet in the Devon camp.The captain stood firm at the bridge, and found a willing ally in Jamie Telford who took the score to 91 in a partnership of 63. Telford was able to do what Berkshire found impossible, find the short boundary. He utilised his hockey skills to help the ball to and over the short side, with judicious use of the bottom hand. A thinking cricketers innnigs. When he was out for 29 the game was almost won.

Codd carried on to his 50 as he and Hussey put on a further 30 runs. Not one to hog the stage, Codd decided to let Charlie Barriball, a late call up for the still unfit Huxtable, finish the job. Unfortunately Charlie perished in the attempt. A long journey for 3 balls and no runs! Thanks for coming.

The unflappable Hussey saw the team home with Ben Green, ensuring the long trip back was at least a victorious one.

A lot of plusses. A disciplined display in the field. A solid batting performance and no new injuries!!!

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