 |
"Devon Despair at Dorset Defeat" In a closely faught match and despite Robbie Debenham's 42 Devon slipped to defeat against Dorset at Sherborne School by 8 runs. On a blustery day Devon won the toss and put Dorset in. Excellent opening swing bowling by Scott Boardman and Tom Whittle lay the foundation for a good bowling and fielding display but a late rally by Dorset's tail took them to 161; nevertheless a gettable target on a reasonable |
pitch.
After the initial opening spell, Joe Webb (1-21), Garth Tidball (2-15) and Robbie Debenham (3-26) all bowled well and Mark "Scrumpy" (2-30) almost had a hat trick in the first over after lunch.
With only 3 an over Devon were not under any pressure and James Parkin (31) and Gareth Tidball set off at a brisk pace scoring 33 off the first 6 overs. Tidball then got a good delivery and Parkin unfortunately ran out Joe Webb. Soon after Parkin played on and Dorset's confidence began to grow having initially been suppressed by the openers. Ollie Pyne went cheaply before James Fletcher and Robbie Debenham began to rebuild the innings with a partnership of 38, then Fletcher was given out. Dan Pickard helped put on 23 before he was out to a rash shot and soon after Debenham unnecessarily caught the same bug. Even so there were over in hand and Devon's tail had the ability to win.
It wasn't to be however and hard as Devon tried, Dorset with their tails up and appealing for everything from everywhere, got home by 8 runs and with 5 overs left.
An excellent tight match. Thanks to Dorset for their hospitality. Devon look forward to the rematch at the ESCA Taunton Festival at the end of July.
.jpg)