The second day of the tour started with a prompt leave from Taunton which was fortunate as the two hour trip down to Perranporth took over three hours with road works and accidents creating a frustrating journey. Lunch was purchased on Porter’s Sainsbury discount card and the only cloud was possible rain later in the day. We reverted to the old approach to games turning up just in time for the toss! Fortunately Acton called correctly and batted. James Fletcher and Gareth Tidball put on a season’s best 63 in 21 overs when Fletcher was stumped batting four minutes short of the hour. Four balls later with the total unchanged the batters disagreed on a run and Tidball missed out on his maiden 50 at sixteen’s. Parkin completed his pair caught on the same score – one wicket had brought three, not terribly impressive. Once again Robbie Debenham and Tom Whittle batted well together putting on 81 in 17 overs. After 50 balls Whittle was also run out for 29. James Harris was promoted to add impetus and hit a 12 ball 16 when he was bowled at 182. Ollie Pyne lasted four balls to be bowled by Taylor at 188. Debenham’s second fine innings of the trip ended at 196 when he was caught for a 69 ball 71 having hit 6 fours and a six. He had left his side for the second day in a secure position. The remaining batsmen teed off with Acton hitting 10 off 11, Smith 14 off 13 and Buzza 23 off 10 including his first ever county sixes. He tells us he is licensed to entertain and indeed on this occasion he entertained all including his Cornish relatives. The side went one better than the previous day in scoring a competitive 248-9 another collective performance. Perranporth Cricket Club put on an outstanding tea and the Cornish openers looked in good form as the counties rising star Matt Robins and Brighouse put on 33 in ten overs. Both were to fall within 10 balls as Brighouse was caught by Harris off Pyne and Orchard took the key wicket bowling Robins for 23. The third wicket put on 20 when Whittle and Debenham combined to remove Kevern. One run later Buzza bowled Pethick. The home sides captain Jenkin and Richards put on a telling stand that was broken four runs short of the 50 when Pyne juggled at square leg to hold his second catch. From 106-5 Devon now took total control taking the last five wickets for 41 runs. The captain was caught behind by Smith off Buzza for an excellent 65 ball 50. Fletcher and Buzza removed Hockin and Smith held his second catch this time one handed to send Taylor back to the pavilion – Pyne the bowler. Pyne took his second wicket and third catch to leave Cornwall147-9 and Billy Wakely joined in by bowling the last man to leave Cornwall 101 runs short. Two fine performances in two days. The sling shot reappeared and the traffic had subsided , McDonalds visited and Exeter reached by 9.15pm. It was bitterly disappointing that an excess of water in the mini-bus ruined an otherwise beneficial and enjoyable two days.            Home  |   Scorecard