Devon Cricket Board - Must-win time for Devon in title race

Must-win time for Devon in title race

IT’S win at all costs for Devon when they face Shropshire in the Minor Counties Championship at Exmouth tomorrow.

Devon trail leaders Berkshire by 20 points at the top of the table – and time is running out to catch them.

Both sides have two matches to play, the second of which is against each other in the last match of the season. Berkshire are away to Oxfordshire in the current round of fixtures.

There are 24 points up for grabs in each game – eight in bonuses, 16 for an outright win – so it is no exaggeration to say Devon have to win.

Any result other than a Devon will hand the title to Berkshire with a game to go.

“Unless we win this one and get all the bonus points, we can forget all about it,” said Devon skipper Neil Hancock.

“Our first priority has to be to secure all the first innings bonus points as it is our failure to do so that has left us lagging behind Berkshire already.

“At the same time we have to remember the game is there to be won. Maximum bonus points will be worthless if we draw or lose.

“It’s a bit ask whatever way you look at it, but the way we beat Wiltshire tells me we can do it

“We didn’t have a great first innings, but we pulled it round over three days to win the game relatively comfortably.”

Devon have had numerous selection problems for the game, starting with spinner Gary Chappell and bowling all-rounder Scott Barlow pulling out of the original 12 due to work commitments.

Sidmouth all-rounder Will Gater (pictured) has been knocking on the door for some time and in the absence of Barlow comes in as an additional seamer.

Josh Bess is recalled to bat at five having missed the Wiltshire win due to a job interview.

Keeper Sandy Allen, who missed the Wiltshire trip due to work commitments, hasn’t been so lucky.

Torquay’s Matt Thompson deputised against Wiltshire and did a good enough job behind the stumps to stay in.

Allen said he was disappointed to be left out, but hopes to get his place back.

“It has always been a pleasure and a privilege to play for Devon and not something I have ever take for granted,” said Allen.

“I will remain available for selection if needed.”

Former captain Bob Dawson stays in despite making just eight runs in the last two games and getting out first ball twice.

Dawson, a veteran of 102 Minors games for Devon, may be moved down the order from four to five to give Dave Lye more time to bat, but remains part of Hancock’s plans.

“Bob is a highly experienced player, a valuable member of the team and likely to score runs when you need them,” said Hancock.

Devon (probable, from): R J Woodman (Taunton Deane), J E Burke (Budleigh), R J Holman (Exeter), D F Lye (Exmouth), R I Dawson (Budleigh), J J Bess Sidmouth), N D Hancock (Sidmouth), M W Thompson (Torquay), W H Gater (Sidmouth), T S Anning (Exmouth), C Bradley (Bovey T).

Shropshire: J D Whitney, R Lockley, C P Murtagh, J T Ralph, R K Oliver, T Collins, A K D Gray, S Gregory, M A Downes, M D W Delaney, N C Saker.

Umpires: P W Matten, M J Brown.

DCB Ltd, University of Exeter Sports Hall, Stocker Road, Exeter, Devon EX4 4QN Company Registration Number: 7024773