The picturesque setting of North Devon CC, home of former Test umpire David Shepherd, saw Devon Under 12's open their 2006 campaign against the touring Wales side.

Skipper Matt Golding duely lost the toss and Devon were asked to field. Jamie Overton and Osama Alam bowled a tidy and occasionaly hostile opening spell on what looked like a belting batting track.

The pressure was kept on by Joe Abbot and Craig Overton and it was Abbot who claimed the opeing wicket bowling C Herring for 9. Jack Richardson sent down four miserly overs for just 2 runs before Max Curtis with his off spin bowled Lewis for 9. Matt Golding then came on to bowll his leg spin and together with Curtis kept the run rate in check. Wales went to lunch on 69-2 from 27 overs.

Devon changed keepers during the lunch interval as Seamus McKenna took over from Amara Carr, who had kept very tidily on debut conceding just 2 byes. Devon managed to keep breaking parterships which helped to slow the Wales advance and apart from a couple of big overs did very well to keep the visitors below 200. Matt Golding picked up 2 wickets and Osama Alam claimed his first wicket bowling very impressively at the death. Two run outs saw Wales close on 192-7 from their 50 overs.

A steady start from Devon saw Alec Bosomworth and Tom Ansell add 15 before Bosomworth got one that squared him up and was caught in the gulley. Matt Golding then fell cheaply for 16 in the 16th over as Devon were reduced to 39-2. Craig Overton and Tom Ansell then added 47 for the 3rd wicket before Craig was stumped for a patient 26.  Harrison Folland then added 19 at nearly a run a ball before being run out. Tom Ansell batted very patiently for 34 before he was also run out as Devon endeavoured to pick up the scoring rate. When Seamus McKenna came to the crease 90 runs were required from the last 15 overs. Together with Jamie Overton they got Devon home in the 46th over, McKenna smashing an unbeaten 52 from 37 balls with Jamie Overton adding an unbeaten 18 from just 11 balls.

An excellent opening win with everybody contributing. There is work to be done with field placings and the catching needs to be addressed but overall a very satisfying first game.