| Covers were removed and a start made to prepare what was a green track, showers were around as the latest coach tales were heard. The coach could not get down the hotel driveway so Hampshire had to enlist the help of taxis. The memories of the trip to Cornwall when the previous user had filled with unleaded petrol and we had to get taxis to our hotel flooded back. The joys of cricket management always providing the unexpected. Play started at noon, Zak Bess won the toss and Devon fielded. There were two lengthy interruptions for rain but at 53-7 it was a good toss to win. Jamie Overton had replaced Max Curtis and Devon, apart from Matt Golding, were a seam attack and how well did they bowl in ideal conditions. Stone was well held by Brown at second slip, Marriott at first by Huxtable both off the impressive Matt Kidd. He also took the third with the first Overton catch – Jamie. Hose was caught behind by Grainger off Eaves and the next wicket was the big one when Craig Overton pouched Gibson off Eaves. Kidd then took out King caught by Connor Bryan and keeper Rood was Grainger’s second victim off Craig Overton. All was going to plan until an eighth wicket partnership of 56 between Alsop and Haggaty created unease. The pair faced 166 balls batting for 82 minutes. They were parted in the sixty-sixth over of the day with just three remaining in the day when Jamie Overton took his first wicket trapping Alsop leg before. Joe Smith, who had been filling in for Matt Thompson, gave the side a typical debrief and just two wickets to take in the morning.
Overnight rain (we had covered) and mist prevented a prompt start, crazy golf was taken in but the rugby ball lost. A call was made to the ECB to clarify the 60% rule. Lunch was taken early and play started in decent conditions at 2.15pm. The fourteenth ball of the session removed Haggaty caught Brown (2nd slip) bowled Kidd and twenty-five balls later Grainger took his third catch off Jamie Overton Hampshire all out 117. Jamie Overton had bowled 22.4 overs, 12 maidens, 26 runs, 2 wickets, Matt Kidd 21-6-35-5, C.Eaves 7-3-13-2, C.Overton 7-3-11-1 all well supported in the field. This was the second lowest score against Devon in a two day game, who themselves came unstuck on a similar track against Hampshire in 2002.
Hampshire was soon back in the game fourth ball bat hung out to dry Devon 0-1. Cousens and Brown put on 47 when Cousens was run out, rights and wrongs it is imperative that we do not loose vital wickets in such a manner. Five runs later (we must get these minimum of ten partnerships working) Brown was caught for a well fought 33. Huxtable was in control and the captain came in to play a critical cameo as he hit the bad ball hard. Thirty-five were added, just thirty needed when Huxtable was caught on an indifferent tentative shot. Craig Overton contributed seven runs to the partnership that took Devon within five runs of the win points but they were an essential seven. Bess was really batting well striking 8 fours and a superb straight six that just left the bat with the minimum of effort, great timing. He was caught nine short of his fifty so the prowling stated again. No need for concern the Overton’s marched past the target putting on 41 in a most accomplished and confident partnership. The next objective was bonus points the twins got the first one and made good headway to the second when Craig was caught two short of a deserved fifty. Craig Eaves confused instructions and lasted just one ball – 180-7. Connor Bryan understood instructions and despite a short interruption for rain the two hundred was passed. Supposedly with the benefit of experience it was suggested to call the players in but the decision instigated the wrath of the scorer and subsequently Joe Smith who felt the third point should have been attempted. Jamie Overton was not out 40 striking the ball well, hence the criticism and Bryan had done his job not out 3. A brilliant start to the two day programme with 16 points. This may well be Zak Bess’s last game of the summer as he has been fighting a loosing battle with a back injury, his loss will also be great but the squads depth of talent will continue to be tested. Some rotation of payers will be necessary as an awful lot of cricket is being played. We had been incredibly fortunate with the weather as the clouds separated as they approached the ground and the rain had been shed in Exmouth but not at the Maer. |
