habrep2

(2)Benton will have to wait 52 weeks for the two day experience. His performances and attitude have to date been top draw and hopefully he now fully appreciates that he is a key player in this side and understands the added responsibility that goes with it. He will be missed in the now vital game against Cornwall, who beat Wales. Benton’s partnership with Joel Seward had yielded 37 – tick number 4. At 240 the side were 10 away from their initial target with 26 balls left and three wickets in hand, this left only Gibson, McDowell, Seward, Wrench and the outrageous Carroll (279) in with a chance of the final score estimate. Seward chanced his arm at comet destruction only to be held by what originally looked a routine catch but ended up a Collingwood with Ruthirapathy flinging himself backwards and catching blind left handed – a right little poseur. In fact it was brilliant effort. Seward has proved a point with the bat but must build on it and create a special niche in the side. The last three wickets disappointedly only produced 19 runs, which is not enough, 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. His club colleague was only disappointed that the stump that was knocked backed had not cartwheeled but the Twelfth Man had added greatly to the day in his Eugene role. The final score was acceptable and all in all four partnerships over 35 is just about adequate but now the side should be looking to break all the current under 16 partnership records. Another good Axminster tea, Gibbo sets the plan and the side fail by eleven runs. Joe Hyde’s second ball takes out the dangerous Clements and next over Harry McDowell takes out the equally talented Baker – good start. 7-2 becomes 76-7 with McDowell sending back with Danny Carroll’s help the middle order. Lock and Hardy hold catches the second one removing the accumulating Pandy. Lock shows off his versatility by throwing out Soni with a brilliant throw. By now spinners Chappell and new Primary Club member Simon Ashplant had entered the attack and demonstrated their importance to the strategy of the side. Ashplant made up for his initial disappointment with a good first county spell with a wicket with Hardy’s help and then he did not help himself with a caught and bowled chance as next ball he got planted over mid wicket – a lesson there. Chappell bowled a miserly spell going for 1.6 an over which is exactly the same as Joel Seward, who impressed Devon’s legendary left armer Doug Yeabsley who kindly offered advice but Seward had unfortunately bolted. Chappell showed his increased appetite for fielding with the sides second direct hit and apart from the 17 wides and a ninth wicket partnership of 45 this was a useful run out. Thanks to umpires Downton and Govier, the latter selfishly leaving early to celebrate his golden wedding anniversary.
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