Devon Cricket Board - Rain stops play in first friendly

Rain stops play in first friendly

SUNDAY, APRIL 3

DIRECTOR of cricket Roger Newman insisted Devon got some benefits out of yesterday’s rain-ruined game against the University of Bath at Axminster.

   The students, skippered by Devon’s Gary Chappell, were 104 for three when the skies emptied over Cloakham Lawn 28 overs into the 40-over match.

   A mixture of experienced Minor Counties players and next-generation prospects made up the Devon team as options were weighed up for the season ahead.

   Matt Kidd’s lively medium pace claimed two of the wickets to fall in the University’s total.

   First to go was opener Sam Cooper, who walked across a straight ball looking to work it through mid-wicket and was comprehensively bowled.

   Johnny Orchiston was victim number two for Cornwood all-rounder Kidd when he went fishing outside the off-stump to a ball best left alone and got a bite through to stand-in keeper Matt Thompson.

   Plymouth’s Callum Whittaker had started the game behind the stumps, but had to go off injured when he was hit hard on his left thumb.

   With Thompson and Bovey Tracey’s Nick Seager in the side as well as himself, Devon’s acting captain Sandy Allen wasn’t short of wicketkeeping cover.

   Kidd’s Cornwood team-mate Mike Wood took the new ball and looked sharp during his four overs.

   Jason Hall, another Cornwood player, impressed in the field with his throwing and also took a brilliant diving catch at ankle height to dismiss Charlie Hinchliffe off the bowling off spinner Harry Booker.

   Although Booker bowled a nine-ball over to start with, he turns it a long way. New bowling boots were blamed for problems of line and length which saw him called for five wides in four overs.

   Rain stopped play 28 overs into the 40-over match and once the skies darkened there was no prospect of a resumption.

   Newman said although the early finish was a disappointment, there were positives to take from the match.

   “Matt Kidd has looked good in the nets all winter and transferred that form outside,” said Newman.

   “Mike Wood had a good opening spell and Jason Hall’s catch was as good as you will see.

   “It was disappointing that the weather ended the game so early, but all three Cornwood lads will be involved in the next warm up game so we can have another look at them.”

   Devon’s preparations continue this Sunday at Sidmouth, where the opposition will be the Devon Lions, the county’s new U21 development team.

   Meanwhile, Devon’s opening bowler Ian Bishop has confirmed he won’t be continuing as Budleigh Salterton’s player coach this season.

   Bishop, who lives in Taunton, has been commuting to Budleigh to play for the past seven seasons. He has signed up for West of England Premier side Bridgwater instead.

   “The Devon League have brought the start times forward to 1pm this summer and as I have to work most Saturday mornings I have no chance of arriving on time for the home games, never mind the trips to Plymouth,” said Bishop.

   University of Bath 104-3 S McConnell 58no; M Kidd 2-21) v Devon. Rain stopped play.

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