Devon Cricket Board - Devon O50s' report

Devon O50s' report - season 2011

DEVON Over 50s had a fairly good season in the Championship. Five wins out of seven in the group stages ensured that we made into in the knock out stages. At one time we ‘topped’ the group however, as Hampshire & Somerset had games in hand I always felt that we would finish in third place.
After a disappointing season in 2010 it was felt that the minimum objective was to reach the knock out stages. Basically we had the same squad of players as in 2010. We both felt we needed to get off to a good start against Wiltshire. This we did followed by a ‘nail biting’ win against the Isle of Wight, by just 3 runs. Two defeats followed against Hampshire and Cornwall.
After four away matches, it was time for our first home match against Dorset at Torquay. We recorded a win and followed it up with wins against Somerset at Exeter and the Channel Islands at Bovey Tracey.
By finishing third we were drawn away against Gloucestershire. We were absolutely ‘thrashed’ I fully expected Gloucestershire to go on and win the Championship. Such is the quality of the competition, Gloucestershire lost to Kent in the semi-final and Kent lost to Derbyshire off the penultimate ball of the Final.
I have not mentioned any particular player because I feel it was more of a collective team performance rather than individuals. I also believe that our ‘team spirit’ got us through the group matches. The belief, commitment and determination of the team was magnificent.
Only sixteen players were used and they all made a significant contribution in one match or another. I thank each and everyone for their support.
I thank all of the Umpires who officiated in our matches, and in particular Di & John Wadsworth. Thanks to the Clubs that hosted us and provided excellent teas.
Our Scorer Chris Dove was not in the best of health at the beginning of the season and missed the first three matches. He joined us in Cornwall and quickly got the statistics up to date. “Thank you Chris”
The statistics did indicate that Mike Canning would be making his 50th Championship appearance against Gloucestershire. A terrific achievement.
Additionally, after the match, we also discovered that Francis Pyle had taken his 50th Championship wicket, another great achievement.
In my other role as Team Manager, I have to work closely with David Amery the Captain of our Over 50 2nd XI. Dave works very hard ensuring those players who do not make the championship side have enough cricket. Dave also helps me in ensuring any players we need to consider for the Championship are given every opportunity. At times, we do struggle to get 11 players onto the field, however, we usually fulfill the fixture and much of this is down to David Amery.
Typical of the man, an injury on the eve of our match with Gloucestershire I found myself a player short, I contacted Dave and without a moments hesitation Dave agreed to play. “Dave Thank you for all that you do”
I mentioned earlier that this season was a team effort, however, as there is an award for ‘Player of the Year’ and as he topped the batting averages and finished in the top four of the bowling averages I feel the worthy winner is Neil Murrin.
Over 50s cricket is very enjoyable, we are always looking for new players, especially those who have just reached 50. The Championship matches are competitive, however, they are played in a good spirit
Nigel Mountford
Captain & Team Manager
Devon Over 50s.
Results
Devon: 193-9 Rob Newing 53, Neil Murrin 31, Harold Stevenson 34.
Wiltshire: 137 all out. Neil Murrin 3-23, Harold Stevenson 3-38, Fred Harding 2-27.
Devon won by 56 runs
Devon: 225-8 Neil Matthews 75, Harold Stevenson 32, Barry Flicker 25.
Isle of Wight 222-5 Harold Stevenson 2-49 Mike Canning 1-24
Devon won by 3 runs
Hampshire 276-9 Tim Cooke 3-55.
Devon 245-9 Rob Newing 61, Richard Tidball 39, Francis Pyle 36.
Hampshire won by 31 runs
Cornwall 238-5 Phil Bees 2-27,
Devon 232-8 Neil Murrin 69, Mike Canning 41, Rob Newing 35.
Cornwall won by 6 runs
Devon 148-9 Neil Murrin 51, Francis Pyle 27* Barry Flicker 19.
Dorset 122 all out Francis Pyle 4-34, Neil Murrin 3-36 Phil Bees 2-2
Devon won by 26 runs
Somerset 176 all out Tim Cooke 3-23, Francis Pyle 2-32, R Newing 2-38, Phil Bees 2-23.
Devon 176-7 Neil Murrin 55, Rob Newing 39, Mike Canning 21
Devon won by losing fewer wickets with the scores tied.
Devon 269-7 Neil Murrin 49, Neil Matthews 49, Barry Flicker 41, Phil Bees 40. Rob Newing 36.
Channel Islands 262 all out Phil Bees 4-47, Francis Pyle 2-52
Devon won by 7 runs
Gloucestershire 317-3 Francis Pyle 1-58, Harold Stevenson 1-57
Devon 148-9 Neil Murrin 35, Harold Stevenson 24, Mike Canning 20
Gloucestershire won by 169 runs.

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