Devon Cricket Board - Devon U13's v Isle Of Wight U13's 2011

Devon U13's v Isle Of Wight U13's 2011

Devon U13's v Isle Of Wight U13's

"The Codfather"

At last a beautiful sunny, summers day to greet the teams at Axminster. The sunny day only matched by the welcome from Les Haynes and the Axminster faithful, who put on such a well organised day for visiting Devon teams.

With last years captain, and 2011 captain elect ,Will Thompson still hors de combat, it is decided that Toby Codd should take the reins on a more permanent basis. We wish Will well, and look forward to a return to a level of fitness that allows him to compete at this standard of cricket. It was no surprise that the skipper returned from his trek to the middle with the news that he had lost the toss. It was more of a surprise to hear we had been asked to bat. The loss of the toss was to be about his only mistake all day.

The Devon innings must have been as good as any seen by most supporters at this age group. The record books are being dusted down to see how many records have been broken. Codd and Sam Lathwell stake the first claim with their partnership of 141 in only 20 overs, for the first wicket. Lathwell scoring 33 in 65 balls as Codd was enjoying battering the bowling at the other end. Such was the dominance of this pair, it was a surprise when Lathwell was bowled. Jake Reddick, fresh from his mauling of the Gwent attack, was not going to miss out on a flat Axminster track. Taking on aboard the message from the coach to run all the runs that are available, Codd and Reddick added another 127 in 16 overs before Reddick got a leading edge, just as his 100 was in sight. He scored 82 from 72 deliveries, with 11 fours, and 1 six. During their partnership Toby Codd reached his first ever 100, with a delightful mixture of cuts, dabs and drives. He then cast his net far and wide eventually trawling 123 from 98 balls with 17 fours and one six, before his sails were trimmed. A truly impressive innings from the Abbotskerswell opener. The final total of 296 for 4 from the allotted 40 overs was more than adequate!

The challenge for the players was to maintain this level of performance in the field. The regular opening partnership of Green and Goodey did not disappoint, taking an early wicket each to put the Islanders on the back foot. Dan Wolf, bowling a lively spell at first change, was the main wicket taker, with 4 for 37 from 5.3 overs. With The young Island team not threatening the Devon total there was a chance that the intensity of the Devon performance would drop, however after the final drinks break the opening bowlers were re-introduced in to the attack and did a good job of wrapping up the tail. Green was impressive with 2 for 10 from 8 overs, and Goodey with 2 for 31 from his 8 overs. Charlie Barriball led the fielding honours with a sharp catch, and a fine run out. The evetual margin of victory was 132 runs.

This was a disciplined and rewarding performance by this side, who have set the benchmark with their efforts. All we need is someone to get the injury gods to be kind to us. Alfie Huxtable was todays victim, pulling a muscle in his back turning for a run, and being too uncomfortable to field. Do the U13's need a full time physio?

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