They began the “final assault” in the 40th, taking ten off it and this seemed to throw Somerset somewhat into disarray as the brakes were were now well and truly off the Devon run rate. Although Thompson (19) was disappointed to get out on 180 Parkin was stroking it around at more than a run a ball and with occasional boundaries as well, a total of 200 looked a reasonable bet. Miles Lenygon played a short cameo innings containing a huge 6 into the trees at the road end, and Michael Collinge was run out taking a 2nd as the innings approached conclusion. But then everything caught fire in the last over as Walker prepared to bowl to Henry Parkin who was on 41. Could he, would he reach his 50? First ball - 2; second ball was a full toss on leg stump. With an almost effortless flick the ball cleared the boundary and landed in the middle of the adjoining pitch. He had to change bats as his own was now broken, but after stroking another 2 with the borrowed “weapon” he then despatched the hapless Walker for three more 6s over long on and long off. As his jubilant team mates thronged to congratulate him he left the stage on 69 not out, and Devon ended up on 225-7. 28 off the last over - thrilling stuff!!

As has often happened this season, the starting patterns of both innings have been somewhat identical. So as Matt Hickey and Alex Carr opened up for Devon we wondered what further dramas were about to unfold. The waiting was not too long…..in the second over Walker dabbed a ball well short of the infield and set off for a run. Then hesitation with Thomas and amidst this yes-no interlude Luke Tuckett swooped and ran out Thomas with a direct hit at the bowlers end. So now Somerset needed to rebuild their innings and Walker and Barrow set about the task with comparative ease. Whilst Hickey was tidy Carr was not at his favoured end and was less economical. They were replaced by Hugh McDowell and the spin of Miles Lenygon. McDowell struggled with his line and for two overs Lenygon his length. At first drinks (15 overs) Somerset had advanced to 57 and were ahead of Devon at the same stage.

As often happens the “drinks break effect” plays a part in proceedings and this one was immediate and dramatic…..Miles Lenygon’s next over saw the tide turn Devon’s way. After picking up Barrow lbw he bowled Barnes next ball and two balls later he also trapped Walker lbw. Suddenly 60-4 didn’t look quite so promising for Somerset, but Spurway and Balcombe set about restoring some momentum for their side. For 6 overs all seemed in order until another flurry of wickets for Lenygon (now in tandem with JJ Debenham) brought the visitors back down to earth with a bump. How many bad balls take wickets? The scorebooks never say – but Spurway hit a leg stump full toss towards mid on for Toby Ingham to make the catch look straightforward.

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