Devon slip to opening day loss at U17 Festival
A young Under 17 side missing several of their older players opened their Under 17 Festival campaign with a 7 wicket loss at the hands of Essex. After losing the toss and put in to bat Devon were soon in trouble as 18-0 quickly became 18-3 as Essex's opening bowlers shared two wickets each. Tessa Dibble showed some stubborn resistance but when she was caught by Elyssa Penketh off the bowling of Hannah Courtnell Devon were in deep trouble at 38-5. The fact that they managed to get to a 100 was due in no small part to a 37 run 6th wicket stand between Rebecca Donohue and Esme Ansley, whilst the tail managed a further 25 to at least give Devon a couple of batting points.
To their credit Devon made Essex fight all the way for their victory, indeed a few less wides would have made things very interesting. As it was too few runs made it very difficult to contain the Essex girls as their top three all amde double figures as Essex eased home by 7 wickets.