Herefordshire v Devon

at Colwall C C

Herefordshire resistance thwarts Devon win ambitions

Devon completed their final game before the ESCA Festival with a draw against a dogged Herefordshire showing nine changes from the side that were bowled out for 21 last season.

A hot dry day saw Devon win the toss and elect to bat. A solid start was interupted when Lewis Gregory was very unlucky to be given out caught from a ball that was obviously a no ball (shoulder high) to everyone in the ground apart from the man that mattered, the umpire. Skipper Matthew Hickey was then harshly given run out and Henry Parkin's barren trot continued as he was bowled third ball for nought. At 26-3 and the 58-4 things were looking a little uncomfortable for the vistitors. However, not for the first time this season Devon dug in and the lower order batted very well as a unit. Good partnership's between Luke Tuckett (42) and Matthew Thompson (20), Miles Lenygon (37) together with Will Gater (20) and a responsible knock from James Toland (16 no) saw Devon post 199-9 from 47 overs.

Herefordshire's reply was hit almost immediatley as Alex Carr cleaned bowled one of the opening bats and a fiery opening spell from Toby Ingham was unlucky not to produce further wickets. Always behind the run rate and not really looking to play too many shots was frustrating for Devon, nine bolwers were used in the end to try and get the win. JJ Debenham picked up two wickets as did James Toland as Herefordshire closed on 110-7. We all woke up then and went home!

Devon go to the Festival in good heart and face a tough week, one which I think they will find rewarding and a week where they will learn a lot about themselves and where their individual games lie at the moment.

Finally a thought for next week -

"Only those who are not afraid to lose rise above the horizons"