The forecasters got this one completely wrong; the radar indicated we should get a game in until predicted rain around six. As it was an early 12.00noon start there was real optimism driving up to Exmouth. On arrival at the Maer the cloud was building up over Dawlish and Dave Foreacre, fighting with a puncture on his tractor, was not hopeful. Devon had a reasonable warm up with all the seventeen’s joining the squad for the first time this summer. Zak Bess won the toss and inserted. Ryan Skinner and Matt Plowman bowled economically but with the captain carrying an unreported injury uncertain he could bowl. He had only fifty overs if all the front line bowlers bowled their full spells. The drizzle became heavy rain and after four overs the umpires called the players off. An eighteen minute break resulted and gave an opportunity to learn that Australia had lost two wickets before lunch. Devon then bowled another twenty-one overs and at drinks the rain returned and brought an early lunch – bangers, mash and beans and an early conclusion as the rain did not stop. Indeed it did not stop for 36 hours! The forecast was totally wrong and resulted in further dejection in a season full of depression. The under 21s game the following day at Truro was called off before 7.30pm. It rained most of the next day which at least had been forecasted.

What was most disappointing, indeed disconcerting, was the twenty-five overs that were bowled. Despite the awful climatic conditions apart from the first few overs there seemed to be no real purpose, desire or indeed inspiration in the field. This must be found before the team commence a packed August with three two day games and another one day game with Somerset. Selection is being completely reviewed and a hundred per cent improvement will be sought when the side play Somerset at Taunton Vale. Connor Bryan took the one wicket to fall bowling the impressive Jenkins. He and the remaining bowlers should have been very disappointed, despite the ball and outfield being very damp. The Test Grade A ball had to be replaced and the second innings one lost – an expensive 25 overs. There was general lethargy which was a major concern. Libby continued where he had left off at Truro and disappointingly Devon still did not block up his milk shot to mid wicket which was most annoying and cost them at least ten of his nineteen runs off sixty balls. Cocking enhanced his reputation as a batsman of real talent.
Scorecard