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"Brilliant Wrench, Inspired Nicholls and Magnificent McDowell defy the heat to salvage a draw" For the fourth day running Devon found themselves fielding first in the sweltering heat. Because of the bowling restrictions, sensibly imposed to protect the quick bowlers- but what about all those nets?- Harry McDowell found |
himself opening the bowling with James Nicholls, as Ollie Robinson was on a visit to the County Ground to see the Somerset physio. McDowell responded magnificantly bowling his first 5 overs for only 5 runs including 28 dot deliveries! He was supported with great skill by Nicholls who had his bets game for Devon, only going for 12 off his first 5 overs which included 24 dot balls. After 10 overs Kent were 17-0 and not a wide in sight!! TEAM work.
On an easy pitch and a fast outfield every chance had to be taken but even though everyone was giving their all for the TEAM, the 2 chances that "Little George" Marshall gave escaped a very tired Dan Hardy behind the stumps and he went onto score an impressive 80 before being brilliantly caught by James Nicholls diving forward at mid wicket. Dan refused to give up the gloves for a well earned rest at lunch which typified the desire and spirt of his TEAM and he went out and proved after lunch, why he was voted the Players' Player of the Year, by putting on a faultless performance during the hottest part of the day. What guts! Kent finished 246-3.
For the first time this season the top three fail to put on any decent partnerships and at 48-3 any thought of victory seemed to have evaportated. David Wrench had other ideas as he batted heorically, for 130 minutes and faced 103 balls of which he hit 13 for four and 1 huge six in his total of 96. Fatigue finally got to him, just as he was about to reach the 500 runs for the season mile stone and be the first player under Jon Mears's management, to score both 500 runs and two centuries in a season- and oh yes he was thinking of having a go to try and get the runs.What a player- TEAM player. Sensible batting by Crombie and Carroll ensured Kent never had a sniff of victory and after a quick calculation it became clear that it is all down to the last match between Essex and Devon as to who will win their Festival group and be crowned champions for 2003. It will be another scorching day- what ever happens!
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