Devon v Somerset

ESCA Festival

Kings, Taunton

Devon come up short on final day

Kent, Somerset, Hampshire and Devon went into the final day of the Festival all with realistic chances of winning the competition outright.

Devon opted to bat first in an attempt to put Somerset under some early pressure. This plan backfired quite dramatically as Devon were reduced to 6-3. The slide continued o 52-5. Matthew Thompson and James Toland were together again as they added 66 before Toland fell for 42. Alex Carr then helped Thompson add a further 25 and if Devon could get to 175 they would have at least maximum batting points and a chance of a win. The loss of both within the space of two balls was a blow and Devon slipped to 161 all out, the first time this season that they have been bowled out.

Somerset set about their reply with vigour and got to 46 before Will Gater removed one of the openers.  Alex Carr was brought back on after tea and he sparked a bit of a collapse as Somerset were reduced to 145-7 after being 88-2. They couldn't quite press home the advantage and Somerset held their nerve to get home in the 47th over.

Kent's victory over Lancashire and the surprise defeat of Hampshire at the hands of Worcestershire left these close rivals in 2nd and 3rd place respectively. For Devon to finish third in a group that contained five first class counties was a very creditable effort. The future looks bright.