It would be interesting to get the odds from William Hill for the penultimate Monday in August to be affected by the tail end of a hurricane two years in succession as this is exactly what happened to both the 2004 and 2005 Isle of Wight Festivals 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 vision but light rain for a period 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 not to reappear again with the game being finally abandoned at 4.00pm. The standard of American football 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, on an uncovered track, likely to result in an insertion for the side loosing the toss. Devon lost the toss and batted. Herefordshire, resplendent in purpose Festival kit from the same Midland based suppliers as Devon fancied their chances with attacking fields. Joe Smith struck an encouraging boundary through the covers but was caught behind with one more run on the board. Dan Hardy and Garry 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. Chappell tried to clear the deep square leg but sadly found him for an excellent 82. He struck 15 fours and faced 110 balls his 50 coming off 63. Wrench appeared to be on his way to a ton 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, he cleared the ropes three times and hit 9 fours. At 198-5 Devon seemed well placed and the estimates were 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, Joel Seward caught both without troubling the scorers, Eliot Acton added one before giving a catch, Danny Caroll was the second run out victim and Joe Hyde was bowled. Wheeler had taken 3-29 and Cross 3-23. A disappointing end and the first time that the side had wasted overs as they were bowled out in 46.4 overs.
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