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The Under 16 2005 Season    

The 2005 Squad

J.Smith (captain), G.Chappell (vice captain), E.Acton, S.Ashplant, S.Benton, S.Boardman, D.Carroll, D.Hardy, J.Hyde, C.Lock, H.McDowell, J.Parkin, O.Robinson, J.Seward, S.Smith, D.Wrench

A new season is always approached with a mixture of great expectancy and a little anxiety with regard whether the selected squad has the right balance and attitude. The first under 16 game of the season showed that there was every reason to look forward to the season and that, apart from the known problem with the balance - the shortage of a second genuine spinner, there were no obvious reasons to be too anxious. However for the second successive year the weather intervened, again whilst at the Isle of Wight festival, and the side’s full potential was not fully realised. For the first time in fourteen years there were major availability problems, which started in the autumn of 2004 and continued, resulting in a major destructive effect on the balance of the side. It confirmed all the known reasons for the previous preference for a settled squad of players to complete the entire summer and it was perhaps the most disappointing element of the season. Despite the criticism of its inflexibility, it is likely that we will maintain this approach.

The season opened with a game against Wales at what was to become effectively our home ground, Axminster, where we spent five most enjoyable days. Although the side lost a very tight encounter on the fourth ball of the last over, the character, desire and commitment shown with not a little talent was most encouraging. Within half an hour the captain, Joe Smith, had lost the toss as Wales called heads and London had won the bid for the 2012 Olympics. Devon was inserted, a course of action that did not disappoint as, had Smith won the toss, he would have batted. However after 45 balls the home side had slumped to 14-3 with Smith yorked second ball by the impressive Welsh opening bowler Owen, Gary Chappell chased a wide one with the argument that the ball was swinging both ways and he had no idea which way that one was going! The imaginative David Wrench was bowled behind his legs by the other opening seam bowler Jenkins. Fortunately Daniel Hardy, who was viewing this collapse with serenity, was joined by Seb Benton, who due to a stateside family holiday had only the first two games to stake a claim for a festival position in the side. Their century partnership off 133 balls in 72 minutes splendidly dug the side out of quite a large hole, as they looked in little difficulty and were beginning to take their side to a position of respectability. Disappointingly on the one hundred and first run of the partnership and Benton’s fiftieth, he was run out taking on a reasonable arm from the shorter boundary. Even the most cynical would not have begrudged Benton his 50 as he trooped off a disappointed man. At 114-4 some more digging was necessary but only 8 runs were added for the fifth wicket and 15 for the sixth but more critically this wicket was that of Dan Hardy, who had played sensibly, as he had promised on entering the affray. Having faced 113 balls he was surprisingly bowled by Jenkins returning for his second spell. Hardy’s 50 had come off 93 balls and he had looked set for a maiden county hundred but this was unfortunately not to be on this occasion nor indeed in the season despite having completed the spade work on two occasions. He is a free thinker and a key all rounder in the side and in 2006 we will look to him to reach three figures on more than one instance. His wicket keeping is much underrated and he is a vital cog in the side. At 137-6 after 36 overs the side had four wickets and 84 balls to score the 64 runs to reach the side’s initial target of 200. Thanks to a bright 19 from Scott Boardman and a vital unbeaten last wicket partnership of 39 between the Joel Seward, on his home ground, and Ollie Robinson, fresh from his hectic cross country train journey from Basingstoke, the side reached 197 at the end of their overs. Seward hit 3 fours and a six in his 20 off 26 balls and Robinson two fours in his vital eleven.

Devon enjoyed an excellent tea with cautious optimism whilst the Welsh with possible uncertainty. However a first wicket partnership of 97 off 141 balls created the side’s second deep crevice and some magic was needed. Enter Seb Benton, obviously now over the disappointment of not getting his 50 as he then played his second crucial part in the game. He took two wickets in his third over, he bowled Jones two short of his 50 and then under 15 debutant James Parkin, playing his only game at this level, picked up Glover at square leg. Benton followed up this key breakthrough by bowling the other opener Campion. Gary Chappell trapped Blackwell in front and Wales were not so well placed now at 118-4. Jenkins was to embark on a critical innings as he put on first 25 with Williams, whom Benton well held in the deep off Eliot Acton, and a vital 30 with Sullivan, who offered a chance to square leg which was not taken. Fortunately Seward held him shortly afterwards, again off Benton who finished with the impressive figures of 4-30 off ten. Unfortunately overs 44 and 46 yielded 20 runs to help relieve the visitor’s pressure. Eventually Robinson had Jenkins leg before for an excellent 40 but he had taken his side to a now comfortable 190 -7, Jenkins’ only chance was a difficult low leg side stumping and he had guided his side with some style. Seven runs were needed with fourteen balls left - keen fielding, kept up the tension which was not eased when an underarm flick, sadly on the lean back, was too high for Hardy with the batsmen stone cold dead. The final over arrived with 5 needed. On the fourth ball Lovering opened his account with a straight four – game over. At least the side’s initial target of 200 had been realistic and interestingly, comparing the two innings, it had been nip and tuck virtually all the way through. Listening to Roger Black on Radio Five Alive on the way home his view that you use defeat to get better was appropriate – hopefully the reasons behind this narrow defeat will be taken on board by the side.

Two days later Devon took on Haberdashers’ Aske School as this series of friendly fixtures entered its second decade. The home side came out winners for a fifth time as both teams enjoyed magnificent weather, the outstanding hospitality of Axminster Cricket Club and an independent ice cream seller! Having lost the cloud cover and perishing wind of two days earlier, the ground looked a picture as Joe Smith won the toss enabling at least his batters to put in hand the first phase of the game plan. If this were to be achieved, it would be necessary to have more than two partnerships over 35 that were all that had been completed against Wales. All started well with captain and vice captain putting on 60 in ten overs. The leadership pair then had their first open disagreement of the season as Smith was run out by Gray for 19 – partnership one. Dan Hardy then strode to the wicket and again looked in good form but the second wicket pairing did not get the required tick in the box, as they had put on only 13 when Chappell was caught, not for the first or last time in 2005. Partnership three did get their tick as debutant Chris Lock took his time in adjusting to county cricket and put on 46 off 56 balls with Hardy. Lock was beginning to look settled when he played a shot straight out of the P & D League and was bowled for a 34 ball 25, when he should have been looking to get a maiden county 50. The young Bradninch groundsman Hardy apparently decided he did not want to outscore his wicket-keeper colleague, and seven balls later was caught. Partnership 4 no runs and one of the bigger crosses, as it also incorporated one the bigger don’ts - we do not lose wickets in pairs – pre-season key point 16. Two new batsmen at the crease, David Wrench and Seb Benton, both left handers and both had batted this summer in the top three in the Premier – the omens were good as they batted competently adding precisely 31 which took the score up to 150 off 206 balls in 121 minutes. Unfortunately more was expected from this talented duo - they should have batted out the remainder of the innings. Wrench was trapped in front by the visitor’s captain and another cross was entered in the box – the current situation of two ticks and three crosses was not the acceptable ratio from the top order. Danny Carroll, back in the fold, fresh from his school’s Hampshire festival, along with inquisitive brother in tow, provided with Seb Benton the second highest partnership of the innings – 53 off 50 balls which was a marked improvement. Unfortunately Carroll fell three runs past the two hundred for a brisk 22 and again the top order was failing to bat on. Fortunately States bound Benton was making a point to the selection panel and it looked at least as though he would leave the country with a century, as although it was hot and he was visibly tiring a county ton is a county ton. However with Devon now well placed and approaching the two fifty and Benton well past a personal fifty off 49 balls, he too was out. He had hit ten fours and two sixes facing only 62 balls for a splendid 75, giving only one chance and adding to his superb all round performance against Wales. Under usual circumstances he would normally have gained immediate promotion to the 17s. His performances and attitude had to date been top draw and it was most important that he now fully appreciated that he was a key player in this side and that he understood the added responsibility that goes with such a position. His departure on holiday was a major disappointment. Benton departed at 240 with his side 10 runs away from their initial target with 26 balls left and three wickets in hand, his partnership with Joel Seward yielding 37 – tick number 4 in the box. This had left only Gibson, McDowell, Seward, Wrench and the outrageous Carroll (279!) in with a chance on the betting on the estimate of the final score. Seward chanced his arm at comet destruction only to be held by what originally looked a routine catch but ended up an outstanding one with Ruthirapathy flinging himself backwards and catching blind left handed – a right little poseur. In fact it was a truly brilliant effort. Throughout the season Joel Seward proved a point with both bat and ball, being one of the cleanest hitters to come through the Devon system. In the two day game he should aim to create a special niche in the side and not just play cameos. The last three wickets disappointedly only produced 19 runs, which is not acceptable or more importantly sufficient. McDowell was bowled and next ball Simon Ashplant entered the Devon record books being the first debutant at this level to get a first baller. The only disappointment for his twelfth man club colleague, George Greed, was that the stump that was knocked backed flat had not cart wheeled! The final score was acceptable and all in all four partnerships over 35 was just about adequate on this occasion but the side should be looking to put together partnerships of three figures all the way down in 2006.

After another good Axminster tea, James Gibson set the game plan and the side failed by only eleven runs to attain it. Joe Hyde’s second ball took out the visitors’ dangerous captain, Clements, and in the next over Harry McDowell bowled the equally talented Baker – an excellent start. 7-2 became 76-7 with McDowell and Danny Carroll sending back the middle order. Lock and Hardy both held catches, the second one removing the accumulating Pandy, and Lock showed his versatility by running out Soni with a brilliant throw. The spinners Chappell and new Primary Club member Simon Ashplant entered the attack and together demonstrated the importance of spin to the strategy of the side. Ashplant made up for his initial batting disappointment with a good first county spell assisted by a stumping from Hardy but he did not help his own cause with a disappointing missed caught and bowled chance as the next ball was planted over mid wicket – a lesson there to be learnt. Chappell bowled a miserly spell going for 1.6 an over which is exactly the same as Joel Seward, whose bowling impressed Devon’s legendary left armer Doug Yeabsley. Chappell showed his increased appetite for fielding with the side’s second direct hit and, apart from the 17 wides and a disappointing 24 ball ninth wicket partnership of 45, this was a good all round performance. Harry McDowell’s figures of 3-37 were his personal best in a summer where he struggled with the ball but his influence on the side was still noticeable.

A professional performance was sought from the side in their second Inter County game and, in a rain reduced fixture, they put on one of the best of the season. Devon was inserted by the Isle of Wight and the captaincy team opened with a 70 run partnership off 75 balls, when the light rain and rubber studs combined to create a slip and Smith was on his way back, run out again, for a 31 ball 26. After 17 overs and at 86-1 the light rain became heavy and the umpires took the players off the field and after a subsequent second break the game was reduced to 42 overs a side. Gary Chappell was well set but lost his fellow Bradninch clubman, keeper Hardy, immediately after the first break when Hardy took sympathy on his opposite number and was stumped. David Wrench, who had an outstanding Premier League season, started to play his natural game for the first time this county season, putting on 59 with Chappell before Wrench, not for the first time in 2005, played across the line to be caught for a 51 ball 38. David’s county season was generally disappointing and hopefully in 2006 he will return to his previous form, which brought him county hundreds at under 14 level. After 31 overs Devon was 154-4 with Chappell run out for the first time in the week. His 66 was off 93 balls with 8 fours and he had batted with great skill and ability. The Plymouth pairing of Danny Carroll and Chris Lock then pushed on scoring 55 off only 30 balls with Carroll the leading partner. Lock was bowled at 209 and Carroll continued the charge with under 14 keeper/batsman Sam Smith. The pair put on 29 off 13 balls including two sixes. In his 61 (a maiden county fifty) Carroll hit three sixes and six fours. Smith was not out of place in this company or partnership and his one handed six over the keeper was one of the season’s more memorable shots. He was caught behind but his cheerful and enthusiastic persona created an outstanding impression. His dismissal brought Joel Seward to the crease and, with the free hitting Seward and Carroll in their current form, it could have been carnage but Carroll was run out after adding another 15 off six balls. His innings had lasted just 32 balls and took 47 minutes. Seward scored 25 off 10 balls and under 15 Eliot Acton 6 off 4 with Devon having scored at a very acceptable rate of 6.67 an over.

The Isle of Wight took up the mantle but faced Eliot Acton in prime form. He picked up 6-22, just 2 runs off the best ever under 16 bowling performance by North Devon’s Martin Gear who took 6-20 against Warwickshire in 1993. The Island’s openers put on 45 when Acton entered the attack and he took two wickets in his first over – thanks to catches by Lock and Carroll. In his third over he bowled Whitefield and finished his first spell with a wicket maiden, when the captain held Wadmore. Acton’s figures of 4-15 off 5 were exceptional. Chappell bowled Robinson, Seward broke Phelps wicket, Acton returned, taking two more, and Ollie Robinson chipped in with two ending the Island’s innings at 128 off 36.1 overs. This was a good professional performance from the entire team.

Following Cornwall’s defeat of Wales the final group game at Exmouth became the critical game of the programme as it would determine who would go through to the National Finals. It was a great complement to the Devon side that they kept the Cornish management on the calculator and slide rule right up to the final overs. In truth Devon had an outstanding opportunity to put one over this very strong Cornish outfit. It really was a case where each and every member of the side could have said IF ONLY….Collectively they could and should have either saved or scored the meagre thirteen runs that eventually separated the two sides. The four ball count perhaps sums up why Devon did not force the calculator into decisive action. Devon conceded 112 in fours whilst Cornwall gave away 88, proving what Matt Wood had advised the 17s the previous week that if you cut out the boundaries you win at Exmouth. The 24 extra runs were critical. When driving to the ground thoughts had revolved around containing the fine Cornish batting line up, many of whom had featured against the 17s and were unbeaten in 2005. While England was rolling over Australia in the bar, Devon was putting on a tremendous performance as they ripped the heart out of Cornwall’s top order. Second ball Lock combined with Hardy to remove Edwards without facing, fourth ball Carroll dived forward to catch Roberts off Acton 0-2. Rowe, the outstanding under 17 batsman the previous week, and Angrove, with a full county appearance in 2005 already under his belt, put on 30 in eight overs when Acton struck again and cleaned up Angrove, It was 43-4 as the key wicket was taken with Dan Hardy holding a magnificent diving leg side catch off Seward to remove Rowe for 56 runs less than his previous appearance at the Maer. Game on. Smeeth and House recovered the situation but Devon continued to take wickets and, after a partnership of 51, Chappell enticed Smeeth to drive to long on to be well held by Boardman. 94-5 after 27 overs. House, who was in a very confident bat twirling mood, was batting well and getting his side out of the mire. He put on 30 with Davis and tellingly a critical 72 with keeper Kellow. The pendulum was now swinging in the wrong direction as 195-7 after 45 overs was a magnificent recovery. Kellow was run out by a magnificent throw from McDowell, who had unselfishly sacrificed a day watching the 17 wickets at Lords to be playing. Devon had slightly lost their way with too many short pitched deliveries on a shirt front. Chappell’s outstanding spell, conceding less than three an over, just reinforced the need of a second and preferably a third spinner. Nine runs were added for the eighth, six for the tenth when House was caught by Seward off golden arm Carroll, who in his four overs took two wickets. House had batted for 117 minutes facing 165 balls in what was to be a match winning knock. From 211-9 Cornwall finished annoyingly on 227 as an undefeated 18 runs were added in 8 minutes.

At the start of the day looking at the hundreds or runs conceded at Exmouth over recent weeks, Devon should have been exceedingly happy and Cornwall bitterly disappointed but perhaps satisfied after being 43-4. Devon would now have to play to their 2005 batting strength, however this was the first time they had batted second and would chase. All started well but at 31 Smith walked past one to be stumped. Fifteen runs later the first of two critical run outs took place when Chappell was left badly stranded. Both openers looked competent all summer but this side needs large opening partnerships and next summer, with Chappell in the Caribbean, this experienced pairing will sadly be broken up. Hardy overcame the pressure of being tragically involved in the run out and reinforced what a vital component he has become in the side by batting on. Wrench looked to be in Premier mode, as opposed to his 2005 age group form, and the signs were good. However Wrench was caught again flicking and getting a leading edge. Devon was on the back foot at 66-3. Danny Carroll played another cameo and in hindsight had he batted longer it would have made the later overs easier. Thirty-four minutes of the in form Carroll was just not enough as he gave Angrove a catch. Smeeth, who was containing well, was tactically removed from the attack in order that he could come back later when the charge would be in full flow. Lock came and went the second unlucky run out victim. This one had an effect on Hardy and for a time Devon struggled to keep up with the rate. From 125-5 after 33 overs Devon needed 103 off 17 at just over 6. The side was then in an identical position to the 17s the previous day at Reading, needing 100 off 15. Twenty two runs were added for the sixth wicket when, with Smeeth now back in the attack and bowling his last over, Devon decisively lost two wickets. It is vital that batsmen are alert to changing situations and the big disappointment in Hardy’s wonderful innings was that he now played his first and last rash shot with lesser bowling still to come. For the second time this season he should have reached a maiden county hundred, he fell 21 short having batted beautifully for 109 balls, hitting nine fours and his role was to bat through to the final over. With Smeeth's last ball Boardman fell in identical fashion to his captain, in the circumstances a major indiscretion. The bowlers, or to be more polite the all rounders, did their best with Joel Seward and Eliot Acton leading the way with some excellent running including an amazing three from McDowell and Robinson when the ball was virtually in the bowler’s hand. These two have a somewhat basic, almost unique, attitude to running but one that should rub off on to the rest of the side. Irrespective of whether Devon would have qualified on wickets taken, they should have won this game against, what is without doubt, a fine Cornwall squad. With not the largest of boundaries, 227 at Exmouth should have been achieved but regrettably many of the if only’s revolved around half trackers and careless shot selection plus a couple of interesting calls! As always it was a great pleasure to play at Exmouth who were outstanding hosts

At the third time of asking Devon embarked on a two dayer with Somerset. Two years ago the 21s needed the ground on the first day to play Sussex in the national quarter finals and last year two days solid rain put an end to any hope of a game – indeed it coincided with the horrendous Boscastle disaster. Third time lucky and with weekend rain affecting the track Devon was in two minds but on winning the toss batted. It started badly as vice captain Gary Chappell went for a duck with 4 on the board and his club colleague Dan Hardy went a run later. Captain Joe Smith and David Wrench took the score up to 33 when Fear bowled Smith. David Wrench, fresh from a fine 69 against Sandford and a 93 the previous day looked back at his best as he and fellow left hander, Seb Benton, back from his visit across the Atlantic put on 25 when spinner Lye bowled Wrench with his first delivery. The younger Smith – Sam and Benton took the side to lunch with neither playing for the interval as they clouted 14 just before the break. 105-4 after 37 overs was a reasonable recovery but it was now necessary to build on this foundation. Smith was batting well and was perhaps the one unlucky batsman in the innings as he was adjudged leg before at 119. The pair had put on 61 vital runs off 107 balls. Sadly Seward was caught behind one run later and the home side was back in trouble. It got worse as one of the season’s key batters, Benton, fell two runs later leaving Devon in total disarray at 122-7. Fortunately dead leg Danny Carroll and Harry McDowell put on the second highest partnership of the innings, 60 off 95 balls, when Carroll was caught for a top score of 38. Acton was bowled first ball and Robinson on his twelfth, leaving McDowell undefeated on an excellent 24 after an hour at the crease. As a first effort at two day batting this was a disappointment,  since the side only occupied the crease for 66 overs, with five batters batting for at least an hour but again not batting on. The objective of the game is to give an insight into the two day game and lessons will have been learnt for 2006. Todd and Fear also did not bat for the interval as they stroked 23 off the four overs before tea. The Fear factor was removed in the fourth over after tea and Chappell’s second as he swept, got a top edge and was caught behind at 34. Todd and Campbell had put on 32 when an outstanding catch by Seward off Chappell removed the number 3. Chappell’s figures at this stage were impressive 7-5-2-2. He continued in this economical mode as Somerset advanced to 120-2 after 43 overs at close of play. Devon had also been 120 after 43 overs but had lost 6 wickets. Chappell finished the day with the exceptional figures of 18-9-19-2 with just 12 balls being scored off. He had an outstanding season at 16s and 17s with both ball and bat and will be extremely difficult to replace in 2006. Todd ended the first day on 57 and Penn had batted 69 balls for his 15. Devon’s fielding had again been good with McDowell patrolling the leg side boundary most effectively. At the close of play it was time to watch the final tense half hour of the Third Test as Ponting was caught behind – what a finish, what a series.

On another hot day Devon anticipated that their opponents would advance to their initial target and tee off, how wrong they were! Hyde’s second ball of the day sent back the visitors’ captain, Penn, caught behind and 120-3 felt much better. Carroll brilliantly held Todd at slip in the 60th over, Penn then became Chappell’s third victim for a well constructed 77 and Sam Smith took his first under 16 wicket at 178 when he bowled Horsley. In the sixty-seventh over Devon’s first innings total was passed but instead of kicking on Somerset seemed to go into reverse, as they took another eight overs to pass 200. With lunch approaching and Somerset digging in, discussions took place. It had taken the visitors 20 overs to advance from 174 to the lunch score of 224 when they declared 34 runs ahead. Chappell had continued his golden summer with the ball, taking 3-44 off 31 overs. Devon would bat for 240 balls maximum and ask their guests to chase. Devon’s response of 191-8 off just short of 40 overs would have probably been acceptable in a 50 over game but the side faced 144 dot balls. It would have been so much better if 50% of the dot balls had been converted to singles – a vital and long term lesson there. Chappell hit a 23 ball 27, Benton a 36 ball 26 and was then run out and Carroll a 40 ball 42. An unusual incident occurred during the Benton/Carroll partnership when a large red, noisy, shiny object with whirling propellers suddenly descended on the ground and made its intentions quite clear by circling – it wanted to land. The Devon Air Ambulance quickly received its passenger with the game delayed for just 8 minutes. The innings ended with Seward scoring 21 off 19 balls and Eliot Acton 19 off 15 balls. Somerset needed to score at around six an over and disappointingly from a Devon perspective they reached their target with over 3 overs to spare. At 26 Chappell caught Fear off Hyde for 1 but Todd and Cambell put on 96 off 69 balls and Somerset were on their way. Wrench caught Cambell for a 37 ball 55 and Penn holed out to Carroll on the boundary, both off Robinson who took his third wicket when he bowled Todd but the cider men reached their target at their leisure in 21.2 overs. Devon held their catches, Hardy was in top form behind the stumps putting the batsmen under pressure by standing up to the seamers and Devon felt really disappointed with their overall performance over the two days. This was the fifth and final day of under 16 cricket at Axminster and the side could not have been looked after better. The club’s commitment to Devon youth cricket in 2005 had been outstanding.

The Isle of Wight Festival started in sunshine with a pleasant call from Western Provinces Nabel Dein and a defective oil pressure switch. It would be interesting to get the odds from William Hill for the penultimate Monday in August being affected by the tail end of a hurricane two years in succession as this is exactly what happened in both 2004 and 2005 with the first day of the Isle of Wight Festivals being ruined as Hurricane Ellie shed its load over the Island. It was nowhere near as dark in 2005 but the rain started at around 3.00am but relented as the squad left the Hazelwood at nine. On arrival at the GKN ground there was a real possibility of play as the masts were in full vision but further light rain resulted in a 30 over a side game starting at 2.30pm. However the misty rain then started filling in, the masts disappeared and after 5 overs the umpires gave in to the rain. They did not reappear again and the game being finally abandoned at 4.00pm with the Berkshire openers, including Myers who had also opened against the 17s, 16-0 after 5 overs. The standard of American football was not as high as last year!

There was better luck on the second day as Devon visited the Northwood ground for the first time for a number of years where the facilities have been refurbished. With the rain from the previous day affecting the uncovered track, the likely result was insertion for the side losing the toss. Devon lost the toss and batted. Herefordshire, resplendent in festival kit from the same Midland based suppliers as Devon, fancied their chances with attacking fields. Joe Smith struck an encouraging early boundary through the covers but was then caught behind with one more run on the board. Dan Hardy and Gary Chappell put on 28 off 45 balls when Hardy was leg before for 3. Chappell’s shot selection was proving to be sound as he was joined by Wrench. A stand of 135 followed with both left handers looking in very good nick on a drying wicket. They played a number of pedigree shots and scored at just under a run a ball. This was one of the best partnerships of the summer as they put on 135 in 79 minutes. Chappell tried to clear the deep square leg but sadly found the fielder for a season’s best 82. He struck 15 fours and faced 110 balls his 50 coming off 63. Wrench, now back to his most incisive best, appeared to be on his way to the season’s first hundred as the side’s third left hander, Seb Benton, helped him put on 13 when Benton lobbed one back to the bowler. A yes, yes, but not from his partner, cut Wrench off in full flow as he was run out for a 74 ball 80, having cleared the ropes three times and hit 9 fours. This was the David Wrench of old and one we look forward to watching in full flow in 2006. At 198-5 Devon seemed well placed and the estimates were now nearer 300 than 200 but with his dismissal Devon lost their way badly, losing their last five wickets for just 17 runs with some pretty inept cricket. Sam Smith was leg before and Joel Seward caught, both without troubling the scorers. Eliot Acton added one before giving a catch, Danny Caroll was the second run out victim of the innings and Joe Hyde was bowled. Wheeler had taken 3-29 and Cross 3-23. A disappointing end when, for the first time in the summer, the side had not utilised the overs at their disposal as they were bowled out with 20 balls unused.

After lunch Devon got on top quickly with Eliot Acton having Aston well caught by Sam Smith at cover 10-1, six runs later he had McCellan held by Benton at extra, Joe Hyde then bowled the oppositions captain and Devon were in the driving seat at 17-3. Herefordshire then had their one reasonable partnership of 42 off 87 balls. The diving Sam Smith at cover broke it with another fine catch off Ollie Robinson. Two runs later Chappell took his first wicket trapping Apperley in front. Robinson removed the keeper Bevon who had batted for 63 minutes before being caught by Wrench. Cross left a straight one from Chappell and was bowled; Wheeler was stumped by Hardy, who had been unlucky earlier with a superb leg side effort off a wide off Chappell. Sheppard was caught by an incredible effort by Carroll at slip, leaving him and very low. It is not often that a side has a specialist slip but Carroll is one of the highest quality. This gave Chappell his fourth wicket for 22, a return he richly deserved. Acton came back to finish the innings 5 short of 100, taking his third wicket with another stumping from the outstanding Hardy, whose performances behind the stumps were now exceptional. Take out his 5 wides and Acton’s return of 3-9 off six was a great effort. This undoubtedly was the best performance in the field by the squad and it was unfortunate that rain intervened when the squad was building momentum. The standard of football was much superior to last year

The long, mid and short term weather forecasts were all proved correct when by mid morning on Wednesday the rain started at Ryde and did not stop. Our opponents were the Western Counties, including the fine young Gloucester keeper from the 17s who had boosted Joe Smith’s fantasy points the previous week, but the game was finally called off just after lunch. This was the first festival that indisposition and injury was playing a major part and, with Hardy laid up in bed with sun stroke, Sam Smith was preparing to don the gloves for the first time at sixteen’s. We did lose the toss and the openers did pad up but never got out of the bar. Jay Millers Circus filled in the afternoon with the Wrenchy Wrenchy call from the audience resulting in David Wrench being more successful with the circus than 118118, his audition for the Mexicanos knife throwing act being a great success. Eliot Acton looked much better after he had his face painted and the squad enjoyed cheering loudly for Marco and, more particularly, Kristian in the finale. Unfortunately have a nice day DJDW was removed from the pivotal role in the mini bus due to tone deafness and Scooter. Wedding Crashes was the right choice of film bringing with it bed bondage, a new insight into table manners and it created Todd Gibson!

The sick parade increased the next day with Danny Carroll now laid low and the other Danny returning to bed from the breakfast table, taking 13 was obviously the right decision despite the weather. With cloudless blue skies the side travelled to Brading for the first time in three years, with Hardy on board but no Carroll. Robinson soon reported unwell and Hardy selflessly agreed to bat. The GCSE’s were promising with the captain following in the footsteps of Waistell, Fraser and Edmonds. Wrench was not excommunicated with his mother pleased with his results but concerned about his new career. Clouds started to build up on a very damp ground and the game was delayed. Devon lost the toss and for the third time in the week were inserted. Devon progressed to 92 with Gary Chappell the only wicket. He scored 43 including one effortless 6 over mid wicket and 5 fours. He put on a season’s best opening partnership of 77 with Joe Smith off 133 balls. Chappell was caught behind and then Smith and the recovering Hardy put on a further 15 when the stair rods came down. It rained for 30 minutes, which was more than sufficient with the overnight rain on an uncovered track to create an abandonment. The sun then shone till dusk! The GCSE results being the only highlights of another incredibly depressing day and the management and players were now at their whits’ end. The depression was compounded as the mini–bus driver had been on sick duty at the Hazelwood when an Estate Agent turned up with prospective purchasers - if we were to lose our base it might well be the final straw. For the first time Daniel Powter’s Bad Day registered, when a now able DJ was in place, and indeed it had been. The end of season meal at the Hare and Hounds went well, Joe’s speech was outstanding and the much appreciated ornament of Dickon will be a long term reminder of both him and a group that has developed in stature.  Sadly the next day was to show that their batting ability has not developed as much as their spirit!

We said our good byes to the Hazelwood, leaving a record amount behind, with Joe again eloquent. They are selling but we are still in with a chance for 2006 so Sam Smith decided, despite the weather, we should come back again to the Island. Playing on our home ground at Shanklin against Somerset would decide the 2005 winners of the competition them or us! Robinson was still not right but sick note Carroll back in contention. Smith followed in the recent footsteps of Carr and Wigley as incompetent tossers and we batted on another damp one. Chappell and Smith started confidently and with style, something they regularly achieve, putting on 48 when Chappell went for another GM big shot and found a fielder on the rope, not for the first time in 2005! It might, perhaps, be fairer not to report on the rest, had they played four games in succession in temperatures of 80+ there might have been an excuse but from two short of the 50 it became 129 all out, again with the side failing to bat the 50 overs. Indeed 27 balls were unused and they might have been vital as Somerset took 46 overs to reach the target. Key player Wrench (2 sixes) played a diabolical shot to a full toss to get out, he along with Carroll and Boardman the only ones to reach double figures. Smith had been third out for an 89 ball 25 and he and Boardman were out identically, driving to be caught at backward point and both victims of E.Lye who took 5-37. Benton was yet again another run out for the third time this year. SEEEEEEWARD proved a hit with the opposition but he did not repeat his fireworks of a previous encounter. If the opposition did get to Joel, he must learn from the experience. Considering that the strength of the side is its batting, not to bat out the overs twice in a week was a massive (captain speak) disappointment. It was obviously not easy but Somerset only lost three wickets getting there with Fear dropping anchor and scoring off only 25 of his 133 balls. Keeper Todd, who had been a thorn the previous week, was snapped up at slip by Carroll, a catch that most on the ground could not believe. Carroll had on occasions disappointed with his attitude and his tendency to withdraw from the fray at the first opportunity but his adventurous batting, superb slip fielding and ability to take vital wickets could be an important ingredient in 2006 – the choice will be his. That non catching bowler Chappell missed Campbell. He has still to add an ability to catch and save runs off his own bowling to become the complete bowler. Hardy missed a stumping but on the third chance Hardy stumped Campbell off Chappell (1-28 off 15). The second wicket pairing had taken the side from 7 to 54 after 20 overs. The game and title went away from Devon with a third wicket partnership of 60 despite a fine spell from Scott Boardman who, once he controlled his prodigious swing, took 0-17 off 5 with 6 wides. Boardman’s all round involvement will be important next summer. Acton and Seward combined to remove Penn for 30 and the game was all over at four minutes past four.

Another high scoring classic football match ended what might be James Gibson’s final involvement with us. If this is the case he will be sorely missed after a vital contribution over three seasons. He now holds the record of visits to the Island. The dress code did not get though to Chappell who deservedly received his award as Devon’s player of the week - in jeans. Fawn chinos were agreed for 2006. From one of the quietest squads it developed into one of the noisiest and brought a new meaning to The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, flip flops and shower gel. The seam attack of Robinson, Hyde, McDowell, Boardman and Acton all worked hard during the season and made contributions both on and off the field. Robinson gave his all despite his injury record; Hyde was deprived of his lecture and disappointed greatly as a sniper when given the opportunity but encouragingly blended into the team. Boardman will have an important role in the two day game particularly bowling in the middle session of our opponent’s innings; McDowell was an integral member of the side but must recover the wicket taking delivery. Acton was the star contributor never giving up, the butt of his peers and making telling inroads into the opposition. He was unlucky, despite his 15 wickets, to bowl insufficient overs to get into the all time playing records. The seamers will need to be able to make regular early break throughs next summer. Gary Chappell’s development as a top left arm spinner has been one of the great transformations. His loss next summer with both bat and ball will be one of the most difficult voids to fill. We will have to find at least three slow bowlers, who can give their captain 75 quality overs of spin but this will at least give opportunities to some of this year’s under 15s to develop. The side’s strength is its batting or perhaps its batting potential. The batsmen will have to build three figure partnerships all the way down the order and the side has ability to bat 100 plus overs. A new opening combination will be needed but Smith, Hardy, Wrench and Benton should provide a strong nucleus on which to build. Joe Smith was an intelligent, sensible, eloquent and fine captain, leading from the front and with Gary Chappell formed a formidable combination. Joe’s experience with the 17s will put him in a strong position next summer and it is hoped that he will perhaps not push himself too hard and just relax slightly in order that he can score the 400 runs his natural batting ability should bring him.

This report started with an unusual expression of disappointment over the availability of players and already cricket and rugby tours in July 2006 are casting a large shadow over next summer. However, hopefully, the general availability will be better in 2006, particularly from the 16s and although he is unlikely to be personally involved Chaps will win his wager.

Axminster and Exmouth were exceptional hosts, our festival umpire Jim Anning completed a second wet week on the Island but was again a major asset, and Gibbo took on more responsibility with great success and our gratitude. Our scorer, assistant and travel manager was her normal exceptional self and is already planning the away trips to Hampshire, Dorset and Wiltshire. We are most fortunate in Devon to have a splendid Umpires Society and we add our annual thanks to all who officiated so efficiently. Gary Chappell’s outstanding performances with both bat and ball won him his third Player of the Year Award and his fine batting gained that award as well. The outstanding under 15 prospect Eliot Acton was nominated as the Bowler of the Year and next year we will also be looking for him to make telling contributions with the bat.