Devon v Hampshire

ESCA Festival at Kings, Taunton

Devon slip to third day defeat

For the third game running Devon were asked to field. A fine exhibition of spin bowling from Freddie Gabbitass and Ned Menheneott, both taking 4 wickets saw Devon bowl out Hants for 124 in the 39th over.

With 61 overs to get the runs another Devon victory looked on the cards. Unfortunately, for the second time this season the Devon batting collapsed to snatch defeat from almost certain victory. After the loss of Tom Mitcham and Alex Brown, Henry Bennett (27) and Alex Hill (20) took Devon to 81 and within sight of the finishing line. A sorry procession of poor shots followed, eight batsmen out either bowled or lbw as Devon lost their last 8 wickets for 25 runs. Too many batsmen playing too many big shots and no one taking any responsibility or adapting to the situation, which required occupation of the crease, meant Devon slipped to an embarassing 18 run defeat.