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"Devon Back To Winning Ways On Blundells' Belter!" Having lost the toss and been put into the field and despite a disappointing opening spell Devon fought their way back against Gloucestershire at Blundells to eventually win by 5 wickets, thanks to an opening stand of 167 between skipper Luke Bess (74) |
and James Burke (77). In intense heat, Will Denford took an early wicket before Shane Evenden and James Burke started to gain some control as Gloucestershire raced to 41-1 off 8 overs, partly due to the quality of bowling and fielding and small lightening outfield. The introduction of Matt Clarke (3-20), Luke Bess and Tom Cross changed the match with Clarke at one point on a hat trick. A breathtaking piece of fielding by Bess, which others could do no better than copy, and a great pick up by Harry Stephenson, keeping with Sam Smith injured, accounted for the 6th wicket and at 104-6 Gloucestershire were struggling. Devon however let them off the hook and superb agressive batting by Cresswell (65NO), taking the match to Devon, supported by Jones, gave Gloucestershire a chance. 220-7 off their 50 overs.
After another fine tea, thanks again parents, Burke and Bess fairly untroubled started to accumalate the runs, on what was an excellent track with both pace and bounce. Burke playing positively reached his 50 first and on 77 went to take as second run without looking and was run out. A 167 1st wicket partnership off 31 overs. Bess whose last 30 runs saw him back to his best then fell for 74. After a wobble Devon easily reached their target with 5 wickets in hand and 6 overs to spare. Devon go to the Taunton Festival in good spirit hoping to emulate the sides of 2002 and 2004. Our thanks to Blundells School, John Smith and Peter Gordon, the parents, Mike Denford and the Umpires.
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