Devon Under 12s v Gloucestershire

Again the conditions were overcast and damp. Having won the toss, skipper Michael Cousens opted to ask the visitors to bat.The Devon team quickly put the Wales debacle behind them with a spirited fielding and bowling display. Gloucester were limited to 157-8 with Jodie Dibble, Jack Popham, Charlie Watson and Freddie Jayarajah all doing their bit with the ball.  Pick of the bowlers were Sam Loud, in only his second game for the county, and debutant Paul Heard.

On a damp, slow and low wicket, a score of 150-plus was always going to be difficult but if we got the right start, built partnerships and put pressure on the fielding team it was always possible. Opener Rhys Davies went early doors but Josh Mailling, promoted to number one for the first time and skipper Cousens got us back on track and looked comfortable for the first time. Cousens nicking one behind to the keeper was the turning point. So, too, were Gloucester’s two spinners who killed – and ultimately won - the game during their 16 over spell. We were all out for 82 – again with some pretty indifferent shots being played.

Manager Jim Parker and coach Andy Fairbairn were pleased with the progress shown between the first two games and are confident we are not too far away from becoming a very capable and winning team. A change in attitude, ‘harder;’ cricket and more self-belief is needed… and we will get it.

SCOREBOARD

Gloucestershire 157-8(Coles 40, Young 25;  Heard 2-8).

Devon 82(Mailling 14, Cousens 11, Jayarajah 12).

Devon lost by 75 runs.