This was the crucial game in the group programme as it would determine who would go through to the National Finals in early August. 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 separated the two sides. The four ball count perhaps sums up why Devon did not force the calculator into action Devon conceded 112 in fours whilst Cornwall gave away 88 as Matt Wood had advised the 17s the previous week if you cut out the boundaries you win at Exmouth. The 24 extra runs were critical. When driving to the ground thoughts revolved around containing the fine Cornish batting line up who had featured against the 17s and were unbeaten in 2005. With England rolling over Australia in the bar Devon were 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 – full county appearance in 2005 – put on 30 in eight overs when Acton struck and cleaned up Angrove, It was 43-4 as the key wicket was taken as Dan Hardy held a magnificent leg side catch off Seward to remove Rowe for 56 runs less than his last 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 sacrificed a day watching the 17 wickets at Lords. Devon had slightly lost their way with too many short pitched deliveries on a shirt front. Chappell’s outstanding spell just reinforced the need of a second and preferably a third spinner. Nine were added for eighth, six for the tenth when House was caught bySeward 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 on 227.

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