The Under 16 2006 Season

The 2006 Squad

E.Acton (captain); A.Buzza (vice-captain); S.Ashplant; L.Bess; R.Debenham; S.Evenden; J.Fletcher; H.Geering; J.Harris; M.Orchard; J.Parkin; O.Pyne; S.Smith; G.Tidball; M.Thompson; T.Whittle; B.Wakeley; J.Webb.

Reflecting in November, some 86 days after our last match on the Island, thoughts turn to two key phases in play where the difference between a good season and a truly exceptional one was decided. The annoying rain at GKN being a factor totally outside our control but ultimately did not have a defining effect on the season. Firstly the disastrous collapse against Wales, from a healthy 100-3 to the dreaded Nelson for 8 in just 21 balls, cost the team a visit to the national finals and an opportunity to become national champions for a second time. Secondly an extremely strange five minutes at Ryde against Buckinghamshire cost the side the Isle of Wight title. However the final product of seven wins with an almost certain eighth denied due to the rain puts the side in the top bracket of the most successful ever at this age group, sadly without actually winning anything.

For a number of seasons it has been agreed practice that the squad that works from January to April will be guaranteed early opportunities in the summer programme. In view of the spasmodic attendance last winter of some and disappointing attitudes of others this policy has now been reviewed. However this year it did result in all seventeen of the winter squad being given a chance and an exceptionally high number of eighteen players representing Devon at under 16s in 2006. Reassuringly, the team selected for the first, critical Inter County game against Wales at Axminster, with the unfortunate exception of Simon Ashplant, whose back injury restricted his appearances at both 16s and 17s to just this one game, all earned selection for the Isle of Wight festival in August. It can therefore be considered a strong team and lost to the eventual National finalists by just nineteen runs.  Indeed it was only those fateful twenty-seven minutes when in 21 balls Devon lost five wickets for just 11 runs which cost the side eventual advancement to the finals. This was particularly disappointing for, apart from some poor catching, it was a generally satisfactory start to the 2006 season. The side responded well to Jack Porter’s first pre-match preparation and in overcast conditions new captain Eliot Acton won a useful toss. This was to be the first in an outstanding personal contribution to the game. In his first over and the second of the game he had Goddard caught behind by Thompson and in the fifth over the keeper repeated the exercise off the impressive Shane Evenden. Four for two became 119-2 as two Welsh players, who had played underage in 2005, captain Jenkins and Blackwell, put together what was to transpire to be the match winning partnership. They progressed, not without alarm, giving two and a half chances, but they batted with positive intent. Devon’s problems increased as, after four imposing overs, Orchard retreated from the attack with a back injury and later off spinner Simon Ashplant had to leave the field with a mystery swelling of the leg. This was to be the end of Ashplant’s county season, which was not just a disappointment for the player but a blow to both squads as he had impressed with his off spin playing for his club. Blackwell reached his fifty first in 82 balls but became Andy Buzza’s first of two major contributions to the game when Robbie Debenham caught him. Another 32 vital runs were added when Buzza removed Jenkins for a 135 ball 53 leg before. Jenkins had scored 40 valuable runs last summer when Devon had lost by three wickets. Unfortunately Buzza seemed to lose his way after he had a catch dropped but was to prove to be a vital member of both the under 16 and 17 squads as the season progressed. Debenham took his second catch, this time off the captain, to end Inward’s contribution to the game and Devon started pegging their opponents back. It was 170-6 as James Fletcher caught Evans and 188-8 as Acton took two in two, bowling keeper Jenkins and repeating the exercise with Jones the victim. His 5-40 were exceptional figures, the seventeenth best return at this level and, with perhaps one more leg side fielder, he could have reduced the runs against tally. Devon took one more wicket when Helmich was run out and Wales finished on 197-9. Successful sides take the majority of their chances and although five catches were taken at least another five were not, which is not an acceptable percentage. It was good to watch the positive approach of openers Fletcher and Gareth Tidball as they put on 24. Fletcher was caught by a juggling slip and the under 15 captain Luke Bess, fresh from a brilliant 80 against Warwickshire, entered the fray. At 43 Tidball was caught and at 56 James Parkin was the first of two totally unnecessary, and possibly match losing, run outs. Bess was in good nick and was fully justifying his West of England selection, as Evenden had done earlier in the afternoon. With Debenham, 44 were added and control slowly restored when on 100 the wheels departed from the chassis and the character of the side was to be fully tested. The collapse started when first, Luke Bess, seven short of a deserved fifty, was the second schoolboy run out of the day, the side’s three and four had now both been run out – very disappointing. Debenham then committed another cardinal sin, that of not batting on, giving a catch and nine runs later Whittle was also caught. On the same score Buzza was leg before and to complete the subsidence Shane Evenden was caught, with the fielder nearly knocking himself out falling backwards. The opposition’s confidence visibly and audibly rose. Five key batsman gone, virtually without trace, totally unacceptable. Fortunately the captain Acton and the injured Mark Orchard had different ideas, with Orchard initially providing the ideal foil for his captain. The pair put on the summer’s best ninth wicket partnership of 54. Acton showed he is one to lead from the front, scoring 36 invaluable runs to add to his five wickets, he gave a clear indication that perhaps he could bat higher and with Orchard the pair took the score up to 165. Shortage of wickets in hand was always likely to be the area of the game that would tell and Acton then played the one poor shot of a forty-one minute innings that included five fours and two sixes and was plumb. Orchard was now playing a key role and with the Kent academy prospect, under 14 captain Matt Thompson, they needed 32. Thompson does not lack confidence and the Torquay second team opener could not see any problems. Nineteen short with 32 balls still remaining, Orchard, now carrying an additional leg injury, gave Goddard the charge and was stumped for a 40 ball 28 (3 fours and a six). Fortunately the congenial Orchard appreciated, as the season progressed, that there is no room in the squad for unfit players and, apart from an early withdrawal from the affray on his under 17 debut,  this engaging all rounder stayed free of injury for the remainder of the season. We received compliments from the opposition but the two key lessons from this game were that we had to take the all our catches and it is bad enough if one wicket brings two but surely one wicket should not bring five! Our post match discussions revealed more positives than negatives and the return journey home was not total despondency, despite the first ever visit to Axminster railway station with the missing boots. Wales went on to defeat Leicestershire in the semi-finals and lose to Cheshire in the final.

The game with Haberdashers’ was the only real low point of the season and it turned out to be a generally unsavoury occasion. The side showed five changes, giving a county debut to Harry Geering, whose attitude in the winter had impressed, and resting some of the players who had played at Warminster on the two preceding days. Having spent three days with the 21s and 17s, both totally committed squads, it was a major shock to the system to watch the sixteen’s prepare for this game. It was obvious that some were working very hard and equally apparent that some could not wait for the warm up to finish. This in itself necessitated a major revision of the plans for the season as either a player really wants to be part of a committed county squad playing some intensive cricket or just views it as a pleasant way of spending a summer day. The latter can and should be achieved on the beach without the necessity of breaking into a sweat. Unfortunately this laid back attitude was evident throughout this friendly (most certainly a euphemism this year) when Devon came decidedly second against the unbeaten Haberdashers’ Aske School team. Eliot Acton won the toss and the in form Luke Bess (100 against Dorset) and Gareth Tidball (50 against Wiltshire 17s) took the field to start the quest for 220 plus. They were faced with a mature Middlesex opening bowler in Baker, who built up a reasonable pace to test both batters. After nine overs and at just two an over Tidball played too early and gave his second caught and bowled of the week. Four runs later Bess was caught and, after another two had been added, Joe Webb was back in the pavilion. Debutant Harry Geering then showed how important county cricket can be to some by doggedly weathering the storm and, in the company of Oliver Pyne, started to rebuild. They put on the highest partnership of the innings - 59 in twenty overs. The “friendly” got a little out of hand with a heated bump ball discussion and fortunately drinks enabled the matter to subside, at least temporarily. It was obvious that Geering felt that it was time to accelerate and his enthusiasm overtook him as he was stumped for a 56 ball 29. Geering's approach, not just at Plymouth College, but at his two games was most refreshing – he wanted to be in the side and did not take county cricket for granted. His development will continue to be monitored and it was a disappointment for him that he did not establish a place in the squad. Pyne’s contribution was equally valuable and he faced 70 balls for his 32. He was bowled at 88 and the squad’s predicted scores looked extremely optimistic. With Robbie Debenham and Sam Smith at the wicket, the pattern of the game was likely to be decided. They took the score up to 139 after 41 overs and the sixth wicket partnership of 51 was useful but with 55 balls and 5 wickets remaining they should have batted on. Debenham, having hit two sixes in his 22 balls, advanced down the pitch to the glee of keeper Cook and bowler Clements and was out for 19, his second dismissal on this score of the season. Smith was playing a typical innings and got out in a typical way – caught. His 35 came off 40 balls and was sheer energy and class. He undoubtably has huge ability but has to transfer from cameos to hundreds in 2007.This was still an excellent knock but he departed with 37 balls to go and, at 154-7, two hundred was still possible with some big hitting but would have been far easier with him at the wicket. In fact as the season progressed Smith and Andrew Buzza developed as two of the best finishers seen as this age level. However in this game, with Buzza unselfishly acting as twelfth man on his day off, after another sixteen balls it was all over with the golden rule of batting the overs not achieved. Twenty balls were discarded by the final three wickets when, with a little of the Geering approach, 180 might have been achieved. Eliot Acton, much to his obvious annoyance, was left high and dry. We had spent some time in the winter considering target scores and averages for batters but in this game number 7 with a top score of 35 was virtually the only batter to get it right.

The relaxed attitude continued with players slow to get out from tea and inwardly some of us were fuming, requiring a real effort to keep it in. Acton and Evenden both bowled maidens and looked a good attack at this level keeping the experienced Baker and Clements in check and it was 21-0 when the West of England bowler was withdrawn from the attack after sharing ten overs with his partner. The openers took the score up to 68 giving their only chance on 10 when Baker was dropped at slip on 5. After twenty-three overs Pyne entered the attack and in his second over had key batter Baker caught by Debenham. Eleven balls later Pyne bowled the other opener Clements, who departed with an unnecessary allegation to a great stalwart of Devon Youth cricket, the bump ball still apparently preying on his mind. The incident was dealt with impeccably by our opponents. Evenden was sensibly brought back into the attack in the twenty-sixth over and in his second over he bowled Soni - 77-3, it was now essential that some pressure was imposed. With keeper Smith encouraging and Acton bowling his heart out, two more wickets were taken but our opponents advanced cautiously to 166 after 42.4 overs to end a very disappointing game, at least from Devon’s point of view. From ball one Haberdashers had wanted to win this game, they had a season’s unbeaten record to uphold and they justly achieved this because it meant something, so much more than to their hosts. With a few notable exceptions this was just a game of cricket for the home side. One encouraging aspect was the presence of Tom Whittle and Andrew Buzza, who both volunteered to act as twelfth men.

 It was vital that this game was put behind us and fortunately Exmouth defied the weather forecast of humid cloud conditions and put on another perfect summer’s day for the second Inter County fixture against the Isle of Wight. It was a massive relief that the chemistry was nearly back to normal and the side again looked a county squad. Indeed there were also a number of quality individual performances that combined to reach a final score of just three runs short of the record under 16 total and the side then went on to dismiss the Island for the fourth lowest score ever. Apart from some personal county bests and one of the most rapid county hundreds, this was not otherwise a record breaking performance but one that restored confidence and at the same time answered a number of questions about combinations of players and how they affected the team ethos.

Eliot Acton again spun the coin effectively and made it three out of three and batted. The openers James Fletcher (78) and Ollie Pyne put on 47 in seventeen overs and provided the platform for later events when Pyne was caught for a forty-six ball four. Ninety-two, a seasons best second wicket partnership, were added with some of the best batting of the season to date. James Parkin, fresh from his sortie into the legal profession on work experience, was in a very positive mode. His fifty came off 42 balls and included much of his own individual stroke play. His partner, Fletcher, had passed his own personal fifty and looked in the frame of mind to convert it to a hundred, as he was asked to bat through. With 119 balls remaining Devon then lost two in four and fell from 139-1 to 141-3 as Jayerjay sent back Parkin and Sam Smith.  The mentality of scoring county hundreds is a vital one and we learnt later in the season at both sixteens and seventeens that James Fletcher has it. It is equally important that the number of county centurions is increased in 2007. On this occasion Fletcher passed his county best and, in the company of Tom Whittle, put on a further 53. However at 194 Fletcher was out, caught, after facing 117 balls for an outstanding innings, the only real disappointment being the twenty-two runs he did not score. Throughout the season he fully understood his role in the side and played it to perfection. Whittle's innings was interesting and showed a novel approach on how to build one! He scored nine off his first ten balls playing himself in and then 100 off the next 49. A maiden county ton, a brilliant one and one that helped his confidence not only at seventeens but at his club. A couple had to die on their swords to ensure he reached the three figures but everyone forgave this likeable young man. The captain, Eliot Acton, and Whittle put on 32 in 21, when a misunderstanding resulted in the captain embarking on a slow walk back into the shade. Nineteen off sixteen with Andy Buzza, at the time in need of a confidence boosting knock but who became the first sacrificial lamb as he ensured he was run out not his partner. Whittle now knew what was required to ensure he could look his friend in the eyes and he provided the goods. His fifty took 37 balls and, with Joe Webb, he advanced the score to 274 off forty-six overs when Webb unselfishly chanced his arm to be caught. It was now two a ball from Whittle with dot balls almost an extinct species, as James Harris, ensuring the scorer had the opportunity of bringing out the extra digit on the scoreboard, made sure that he was also run out as Whittle was now flirting with a Japanese method of suicide. Shane Evenden made certain that the sacrifices had been worthwhile as in the final over the pair scored 19 – Whittle had hit three sixes in his final eight scoring shots. A huge boost for Tom and the side which had batted as a unit to reach 323.

With everyone present after tea the team then completed the exercise, with Shane Evenden having both openers caught behind by the agile Smith and Harry Geering picking up his first county scalp. Despite his unfortunate injury Simon Ashplant was a welcome spectator and his replacement, Bradninch’s Billy Wakeley, was given the opportunity to claim a spinner’s role in the side. He took 2 wickets for 19 off his ten overs and his performance warranted further opportunities. Fellow spinner Oliver Pyne took two wickets in his spell and Joe Webb was given an opportunity of bowling his leg spin. However, it was left arm seamer, James Harris, who made the biggest impression having gone for 7 in his first spell he picked up 3-4 in his final three overs, the runs coming off just one scoring shot. The Island was bowled out for 84 with the fielding generally tidy, noise levels reasonable, keeping excellent and captaincy on the ball. Both Acton and Buzza unselfishly gave up opportunities to bowl.

 We were now faced with two Inter County away games and it had been decided to incorporate them in a hectic mini-tour, which would also provide an opportunity of getting to know a number of players who had not been involved with the seventeens, with 2007 and the two-day game in mind with at least two away games. The two day trip started with an early 8.30am start from Exeter and, after an uneventful journey that is apart from Whittle’s excessive water consumption problems, Bromsgrove was reached at 11.15am and Jack Porter led an invigorating warm up in humid conditions. Acton proved to be not so capable a captain at calling, losing the toss, and we were inserted, we would have batted anyway. Eighth ball, Bradley made one rear up horribly off a length and the in form Fletcher did well to glove it – 1-1, it was 1-2 as next ball James Parkin played on. This now looked a good toss to win as the ball initially appeared to be doing everything. Gareth Tidball and Robbie Debenham steadied the ship, taking the total up to 38 after 75 balls and 51 minutes when Tidball was caught - again. The fourth wicket pairing of Debenham and Tom Whittle took the score to 114 after 27 overs when Whittle was caught by Gwynne off Holloway for a 55 ball 28. Keeper Sam Smith and Debenham then put on a season’s best fifth wicket partnership of 57 when Debenham was bowled for an excellent 80. He had taken his side out of extreme difficulty into a position where they could accelerate, facing 115 balls and hitting 10 fours and a six. Smith fell next for an enterprising 63 ball 38, bowled. Ollie Pyne and Eliot Acton took the score past 200 in a stand of 37, with Acton scoring 21 off 20, hitting a six and a four. Pyne now finished the innings off scoring an undefeated 24 ball 35. The final total of 247 had appeared impossible after ball nine and was a great credit to the batters.

Worcestershire started really brightly, putting on 47 for the first wicket in forty-five minutes when the partnership was concluded by James Fletcher holding Yelland off Debenham. Nine runs later Brookes was well caught behind off Harris and soon the home side was not so well placed at 67-3 after 149 balls, when opener Sproul was Dabenham’s second victim brilliantly caught by Buzza, one of his many truly outstanding catches of the season. The largest stand of the innings - 63 – took the home side up to 130, when the impressive Worcestershire captain, Paddock, was bowled by Buzza for a 51 ball 47. At 153 Pyne caught Gwynne off the captain and Bradley was run out at 184, with Acton and Smith combining well. Three wickets fell at 193, as Harries was well held at fine leg by apparently initially confused Parkin to give Orchard a wicket and Musk was caught by Tidball to give Harris a second wicket. Brain was then trapped by Buzza first ball and the game was now nearly over. The final wicket was the result of a fine catch by Harris off Orchard, as Worcestershire was all out 47 runs short. An outstanding team performance. Despite a delay in ordering, the Bromsgrove Pizza Hut provided the nutrition, as the sling shot made its debut. Fortunately there were no Whittle interruptions on the journey to the Blorenge House at Taunton and it was time for sleep and toothpaste in a shoe.

The second day of the tour started with a prompt start from Taunton, which was fortunate as the scheduled two hour trip down to Perranporth took well over three hours, with road works and accidents creating a most frustrating journey. Lunch was purchased on Porter’s Sainsbury discount card and the only cloud before the road works 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 got back on track and called correctly and batted. James Fletcher and Gareth Tidball put on what was to prove to be a season’s best opening stand of 63 in 21 overs when Fletcher was stumped after batting four minutes short of the hour. Four balls later and with the total unchanged, the new batsman Parkin and Tidball disagreed on a run and the latter missed out on his maiden 50 at sixteens. Fortunately he made up for this lapse on three occasions with the seventeens. Tidball had faced 65 balls for his 45. Parkin sadly completed his pair over the two days, caught on the same score – again one wicket had brought three, Wales revisited, not terribly impressive. Once again it was left to Robbie Debenham and Tom Whittle to bat well together, putting on 81 in 17 overs. After facing 50 balls Whittle was the second run out victim of the day for 29. James Harris was promoted to add additional impetus but, after he had hit a 12 ball 16, he missed a straight one and 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. For the second day he had left his side 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 had inside information about the squad’s predicted scores. This was the first occasion that he advised us that he is licensed to entertain and this was the first of many subsequent occasions when he did, this time in front of his Cornish relatives including one of the true gentlemen of Cornish cricket, Mike Buzza. The side went one better than the previous day in scoring a competitive 248-9, providing another collective performance and sowing the seeds that perhaps this unit has been underrated in the past. Perranporth Cricket Club put on an outstanding tea and the Cornish openers looked in good form as the county’s 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. Robins played some outstanding drives and was to be thorn in the side of the twenty-ones at St Austell in late August. He had made his full county debut earlier in the season. The third wicket put on 20 when Whittle and Debenham combined to remove Kevern and, one run later, Buzza bowled Pethick. The home side’s 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 Cornwall 147-9 and Billy Wakeley joined in by bowling the last man to leave Cornwall 101 runs short. Two encouraging performances in two days. The sling shot reappeared and the traffic had subsided, McDonalds was visited and Exeter reached by 9.15pm. It was bitterly disappointing that an excess of water on the mini-bus floor ruined an otherwise beneficial and enjoyable two days and a final decision on the make up for the Isle of Wight festival squad was delayed until the Somerset game with two places being left open.   

It is always interesting to read other counties account of their games against us and it is likely that reports such as this one are often viewed by our opponents with some amusement and possible disbelieve. It was however some what galling to read in the Independent on a Sunday morning and more recently at the Somerset Academy their version of our two day game at Seaton. Somehow the fact that Devon bowled Somerset out twice has been converted to a Somerset second innings declaration and their inability to allegedly force home victory totally misinterprets the evidence - the fact that Devon, under the ECB rules, won the game on first innings and were only eight runs short of outright victory with three wickets in hand. Now our chance to infuriate!

Waking at 5.00am at our Axminster base, it was depressingly overcast with misty wet rain outside – totally against the forecast for this annual two day friendly and it was hoped that our hosts Seaton had covered the pitch. The answer on arriving at the Court Lane ground was “no”, although the former Somerset Chief Executive had made a very early appearance at the ground to get a cover on, as the dawn rain persisted well past breakfast and the meeting time. It was mutually agreed to have an early lunch and try and start at twelve-thirty. This was a most important toss to win and the frown on Eliot Acton’s face, at his first home failure, told it all until it turned into a beaming smile as Somerset decided to bat on a wet one! Devon then put on an exceptional performance albeit in ideal bowling conditions as they took three quick wickets. Everything clicked, first Jenkins was well held at slip by Bess off the continuing to impress Shane Evenden, whose first two overs were wicket maidens. Lodwick got an edge off another fine back of a length delivery, that had both bounce and carry, to be caught behind then Smith repeated the exercise, this time on the twenty-third ball of the innings at the other end off Harris, who had a point to prove after the excess water incident. The keeper, Buttler, and the captain, Ackland, put on the highest partnership of the innings. Buttler was to bat well later in the season for the Somerset second team and Ackland had toped scored with 72 the previous week against us at seventeens. Acton brought back Evenden who did not concede a run in his second spell, with Buzza taking another good slip catch at 53 to remove the keeper batsman Buttler for 25, this was another remarkable performance from our under 15 bowler. Somerset lost their fifth wicket at 86 when Harris held a top one handed caught and bowled to send back their acting captain, Ackland, six short of his fifty. Wakeley held the third, quality slip catch of the day, removing Walker off Buzza at 90.  Twenty were added by Alley, the grandson of Bill, and pace man, Gibbens, when Tidball picked up his first wicket of the season trapping Alley in front. At 125 Green was caught and bowled by Acton; Smith then took his third and fourth catches both off Harris, taking out Gibbens at 147 and Neal at 152. This was an extraordinary bowling and fielding performance in difficult batting conditions, with perhaps the only real disappointment and area of criticism being the inner ring conceding two many singles. Our response was viewed with great interest, as, although improved, conditions were still far from ideal. Devon had 32 overs to bat and the side was in some real difficulties at close of play being 92-6, having been confronted by some of the best seam bowling ever faced by the Devon batters, particularly the spell from Lodwick. James Fletcher was bowled by Neal at 14 and James Parkin fell at the same score, caught in the slip cordon off England bowling prospect, Nick Gibbens, who, from the home side’s point of view, was fortunately having problems with no balls. The close catching throughout the day had been from the top drawer and Luke Bess was another victim of a brilliant slip catch, so much for my long term theory on slips, Ackland holding him at third slip - 20-3 not at all good. Tidball and Whittle applied their under 17 experiences and put on 23 when leg spinner Davies entered the attack. He is a bowler who gives the ball a lot of air and Whittle’s eyes lit up, as with his first ball he was encouraged to drive him on the up – all he actually achieved was to give the now single slip, Lodwick, a simple catch. Whittle vowed in future to always look at new bowlers! Smith lasted 8 balls and was bowled by the exceptional Lodwick, who was making the ball talk, moving the ball off the seam and in the air in both directions. Tidball’s 82 minute vigil ended at sixteen minutes past seven as the umpires were now well into overtime, as the over rate had hit an all time low. Vice Captain, Andrew Buzza, suggested James Harris as a night watchman but apparently the batter did not fully appreciate what that role entails, as the Exeter St James player attacked the bowling! In hindsight this was the right policy and indeed received compliments from the opposition the next day for the positive approach. Close of play eventually came at 7.42pm with no further wickets, despite a loud shout off the last ball against the captain. It had been a long day, as closure came nearly fifteen hours after the first sight of rain and the umpires were not at all pleased. Fortunately the captain, Eliot Acton, had batted as well as anyone on either side and looked a very accomplished batter. All in all it had been a very testing day for both sides, with the toss absolutely vital, and the second day should enable some players to show their true character and would enable the Isle of Wight Festival party to be finalised.

It had been unnecessary to rise at five to check the weather as the second day greeted everyone with bright sunshine and a cooling breeze. Acton lost Harris four runs into the first session when Neal caught and bowled him, their partnership of 24 had started the tide to turn. Buzza helped his side to pass the hundred but was bowled for the first time in the day at 112. Apart from being a fine bowler, Shane Evenden had not had an opportunity to show off his batting prowess and added twelve increasingly valuable runs scoring 11. Still at 126-9 the first innings win was by no means a certainty with 26 still needed. Throughout the summer Mark Orchard was forced to bat far too low in this side, purely because of the ability of his colleagues, and now he helped Acton pass his maiden county fifty and the target of 153 in the highest stand of the innings – 39, which was also a season’s best last wicket partnership. Acton has always known how to hold a bat but he has now added shot selection to his natural talents and Peter Anderson felt his ability to leave the ball a major strength. Now, with a lead of 13, Orchard was caught for a vital and well crafted 14. This pair had nearly turned the Welsh game around but they fully achieved their objective this time. Somerset’s intentions were abundantly clear, they would endeavour to score quickly, declare early, get Devon back in and bowl them out win outright. On the charge they lost Jenkins in the eight overs before lunch, this time caught by Buzza at third slip off who else but Evenden. Lodwick fell immediately after the interval caught by Wakeley off Harris and the tormenting under 17 short leg from the previous week, Field, completed a pair when Devon’s own specialist short leg, Tidball, now fielding out of position, held him off Acton at 49-3 Devon should have been well pleased. West of England Buttler and Irishman Ackland continued where they had left off in the first innings, putting on the highest partnership of the game – 78. Buttler was brilliantly held by Buzza, not quite up to his Worcester wonder catch but certainly approaching it, off the captain for an excellent 76 ball 60. Ackland and Walker put on 68 and a declaration was mooted when Harris and Orchard combined to remove Ackland for a dazzling 70 ball 78 and Alley was run out by a direct throw. Keeper Smith received a nasty finger injury and was forced to retire from the game, giving up first the gauntlets to Buzza, which after thought was not the most sensible decision in view of his finger injury the previous week, and then after tea to the ever eager Tom Whittle. Tea was taken at 213-7 after Acton had caught Walker off Orchard. Suddenly within eight balls Somerset were 218 all out, with the new keeper catching Green first ball after the interval off Orchard, Whittle, now in the Torquay Grammar school of keeping, stumped Neal off Wakeley knocking all the stumps out of the ground à la Justin Yau and sanity was fortunately restored when Orchard gave Wakeley his second wicket. A declaration was unnecessary and Devon would chase 206 for an outright win in 42 overs at just under 5 an over. With the side’s main chaser, Robbie Debenham, either at a villa in Spain or Portugal, it would be necessary for one or two of the side’s batsmen to put together a big innings. It was not to be, despite some fine batting. Neal with Jenkins help removed Devon’s leading under 17 batsman, James Fletcher, at 8, his age group colleague Tidball went at 23 and eventually James Parkin fell at 41 after 16 overs. Parkin was experiencing one of those terrible runs, he was not moving his feet and in the past his exceptionally fast hands had got him out of similar trouble but for the first time in county cricket he was under real pressure. He gutted it out for an hour reaching 18 out of 41. Luke Bess and keeper Whittle put on 41, with Bess playing the innings needed if a win was to be achieved. This was his second useful knock of the season and unfortunately was to prove to be his last. Whittle was caught off Eggbeer’s first ball but without the criticism of the previous day and the home side looked to have real problems to draw the game let alone achieve an outright win. Bess was lbw at 123 off Eggbeer's first ball of his fifth and final over for a fine 52 ball 48 (10 fours) and thoughts of an outright loss now entered our thoughts. Acton was continuing from where he had left off undefeated in the morning and, with the injured Smith now out of the batting line up, Harris was promoted, bashing it for a 10 ball 9 and was caught off Neal. Buzza was bowled second ball, leaving Devon at a hazardous 141-7 with ten overs left. At first Evenden and Acton were cautious but as the fields got more attacking so did the batters, proceeding to put on an undefeated 56 and leaving Devon only eight runs short at another late close of play – 7.25pm. Somerset had bowled at 14.33 overs an hour in the first innings and 13.92 in the second and, although we bowled at 17.48 in the first, we were not that much better in the second bowling at 15.61, now it is hoped that the side appreciates all the nagging to get up to and over 17 an hour. It was here that Evenden was christened the sides senior pro. His bowling had been as good, if not better, than that of the Somerset seamers and he had batted with great skill, portraying a very wise head on young shoulders. Acton was again undefeated, this time for 67 off only 63 balls (ten fours) and Evenden batted for 48 minutes in reaching 15 off 34 balls in an innings of immense benefit to his side. In the end this was a fair result with many more pluses than negatives, the side was committed to the cause and stuck to the task, the day ending with the unfortunate Billy Wakeley being advised that he was the unlucky one to miss out on the Festival. With 75 overs needed from the spinners in 2007, his chance may yet come again. This game was a personal triumph for Eliot Acton who scored 120 in the match without being dismissed and he led the side with guile.

Since the debacle against Haberdashers, the side had put in some terrific performances, both individually and as a unit, and the Isle of Wight festival was approached with real optimism, providing the weather was kind. Flight delays enlivened the Saturday evening before departure and for the first time in three visits we travelled in inclement weather – it was hoped this would be a good omen, as the two previous scorching Sundays had brought tail ends of hurricanes on the Monday!  We followed in the slip stream of a circling Wightlink ferry that disconcertingly was experiencing engine problems and had to turn back to Lymington. Some naïvety was shown about the size of the Island, unexpectedly by those who you would have thought would have known better, and we arrived safely at the Hazelwood, who four weeks earlier had advised us that the ownership had changed hands and dogs were no longer accepted! The notice had been too short to make alternative arrangements and with some concern we met the new owners, while the scorer and dogs settled in at an hotel round the corner. During the course of the week we were due to face three of the sides we would be playing at seventeens in 2007, Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Berkshire, so it was important that we put on good performances in these three games. Our other opponents would be a second Island side, filling in for Herefordshire who had withdrawn at the eleventh hour, and Hertfordshire. It was thought that we really were in with a chance.

For the first time in three years we actually played on the Monday and this was in spite of heavy overnight rain. On arriving at the Northwood ground, the scene of our triumph over Herefordshire last year, there was the reassuring sight of a covered strip and a water hog at work. The IOW Cricket Board has now provided all grounds with cover sheets and hogs are transported to the grounds. The game started only twenty-two minutes late with Oxfordshire winning the toss and inserting Devon, who, after losing two quick wickets, put on a new record third wicket partnership, which turned the whole game around. Bess was caught and bowled at 7 and eight runs later Tidball was caught in the thirteenth over. Then over the next twenty-eight overs 174 runs were added by James Fletcher and Robbie Debenham. The stand broke the previous record of 159* completed in 2000 by the Sandford pairing of Neil Bettiss and James Gibson, who after his recent return from his trip to New Zealand and Australia had sent best wishes to the squad. They batted 102 minutes facing 167 deliveries, with Debenham, now safely ensconced on the Island after his cancelled flight, hitting a six and thirteen fours and then, for the second time this season, was caught on 80, well it was far better than his previous brace of 19 earlier in the season. This had been the third highest partnership at 16s. With nine overs left Fletcher was in unexplored territory, as he could not recall being in at the death before. He was on 85 when Debenham was dismissed and reached his second county century of the season in 144 balls and then just teed off, with the unfortunate Strong being taken for 20 off an over. Another key under 17 performer, Tom Whittle was joining in the mayhem in a partnership of 72 off 41 balls in 29 minutes. Whittle was caught for a twenty ball 32 (4 fours, 2 sixes). Fletcher and Smith were both lost at 267 when Fletcher’s 156 ball innings came to an end at 124, thirty-five short of his county best. The score was taken up to four runs short of three hundred by Acton and Buzza. Once again a sedate start (52 off twenty) was converted into the fifth highest score at sixteens.

Oxfordshire was never in the hunt losing six for 60, seven for 87 and they were eventually dismissed in the thirty-eighth over for 141. Matt Thomson stretched at mid wicket to take the first wicket at 9 off Harris; Shane Evenden was as impressive as ever taking 3-24 assisted by a brilliant diving catch at slip from Debenham and catches from Buzza and the keeper Smith. Acton took 2-22 with Smith adding to his growing tally behind the stumps with two more catches. Debenham held an outfield catch off Orchard, Buzza went for double fantasy points with a caught and bowled and Cooper was trapped in front by Debenham. Having, from square leg for much of the game, had a closer look at the side than normal, it really was a very impressive all round performance. We can now look forward with some confidence to taking on our opponents at Sandford in late July. Despite an early finish we were late back for supper at the Hazelwood.

On Tuesday we were greeted by a fresh sunny day. It is always a pleasure to play at Ventnor and, although the twenty ones have visited the Island’s best equipped ground in both 2005 and 2006, this was the first visit for the sixteens since 2003 so it had been eagerly awaited. Robbie Debenham was in control of the music which featured some remixes, so it was an enormous relief that this was the shortest journey of the week. The warm up included a contest between places of academic learning, the toss was lost again and we were inserted, which was not a problem. Luke Bess went at 16 and Gareth Tidball 30. The record breakers from the day before, James Fletcher (37) and Robbie Debenham (30), put on 49 and Devon again had a steady start, being on 68 after twenty overs. Fletcher was leg before in his eightieth minute at the crease and Debenham fell at 91 but the remaining batsmen continued to perform well, as they took the score up to 231 after 50. Tom Whittle played a typical innings and with James Parkin put on 52. There was an encouraging start to Parkin’s innings as he stroked his second ball for four and he went on to score a season’s best, in what transpired to be one of his only two innings during the week. He batted sixty-one minutes for his 65, hitting 11 fours and it is hoped that he can provide consistent innings of this quality in adult cricket in 2007. The 54 off 36 balls he put on with the energetic Sam Smith was the best fifth wicket partnership of the summer. Parkin was bowled playing a tired shot and the captain once again fell for the cause. One of cricket’s great pleasures is to watch batsman who are totally in tune with each other and one of the features of the season was the batting of Sam Smith in the company of Andrew Buzza. Both are athletes, fit, having an ability to work or bash and both appreciate a run. For fourteen years we have been trying to coach running between the wickets and these two should undertake a master class for all our age groups, as they are as good as it gets. In 2007 it is vital that many of their skills are absorbed by others. They only put on 33 but it was in nine minutes off 16 balls! Lunch came with a feeling that another thirty might have been par for Ventnor and this was confirmed by the hard working locals but the spinners Owers and Southgate had bowled extremely well.

Eighty-four were added by the outstanding Hertfordshire openers in twenty and another sixty runs looked necessary let alone thirty! Both openers, McConnell and Barnaby, played the Devon bowlers off the front foot with the best batting display from any opponents of the summer, driving the ball hard and mainly on the ground as things looked exceedingly ominous. After one hundred and twenty balls and sixty-two minutes, Barnaby thoughtfully put a Buzza long hop down Sam Smith’s throat at deep square leg but it still did not stop, as new batsman, left hander Hill, took over. His side was well placed at 126 after 28 overs when Thompson neatly stumped Hill with the ball leaving him off Debenham. The game appeared now to be going away from Devon with 105 needed off 22 at just over five and a half at this interestingly contoured high scoring ground. Fortunately Debenham was bowling an outstanding spell and he kept Devon in the game. Plan E was implemented, Bess or Smith? Bess had the confidence to enter the attack and third ball knocked the off stump back – a most encouraging sight. He was bowling down the hill which is far from easy but built up a good turn of speed and he completed an outstanding, match turning spell of 1-13 off five. McConnell was approaching his hundred, not without a chance or two as he was missed twice, one of which you would have put big money on! The Senior Pro, Shane Evenden, entered the attack in the forty-third over with 50 needed at 6.25 and seven wickets in hand. He then took the key wicket, with his first ball he beat the set McConnell, now on 99, all ends up and second ball found the edge and Thompson did the rest with a fine catch. It was now 181-4 with the top order on the balcony and the pressure building. It manifested itself in two run outs, Debenham to Thompson removed Williams and then Acton to Smith took out the very impressive Southgate, who had added 28 vital runs to his four wickets in the Devon innings. It now became manageable as Acton came back to bowl the final over with 14 needed, he bowled very coolly and picked up two wickets, third ball taking a caught and bowled and last ball when Thompson held another good catch. This was incredibly tense, by far the best game of the season, although two days later the Buckinghamshire game could have run it close. In spite of an unnecessary minor tiff on the field, this was a very fine team effort, with Acton keeping a cool head under pressure. The only down side were the two injuries to Tidball and Parkin, which necessitated James Harris coming off the bench as thirteenth man. The driver has only been visiting the Island for eleven years but got lost on the way home! It must have been the afternoon’s excitement and the forecast for the next day remained worrying.

We have not played a full game at the GKN ground since 2004, with rain ruling out our last three appearances which resulted in visits to golf ranges, go karts and Jay Millers Circus. The long term radar had also given concern for this year’s fixture against a side representing the Island, which had been arranged after Herefordshire’s late withdrawal, and we, along with four other counties, were very fortunate to have opponents – something not totally understood by some of our players. We arrived in overcast conditions, in the knowledge that the latest forecast gave continuous rain from around 3.00pm. We were therefore reassured by the suggestion from the organisers that, with such a prediction, all of today’s fixtures should be a Twenty20 contest. We readily agreed and the 3.00pm matinee circus performance booked. Unfortunately, as it transpired correctly from their points of view, four counties wanted to play full games, so the circus was put on hold. Having won the original toss and decided to bat, it was considered only fair in light of the new arrangements, that the captains should toss again, perhaps a vital error, although it was still the right thing to do. We lost it and, as it turned out, any chance of winning the Festival as we were inserted. Rain was still a major concern and we needed to bowl out the Island quickly and then bat as soon as possible. The two injured players, Tidball and Parkin, were not fully fit and it was decided not to use up any of Evenden’s valuable remaining overs and to play him purely as a batter. A simple rule of any game is to take on what is placed in front of you and do your best, not condemn the standard of the opposition which some of us arrogantly and disappointingly did. We set three highest wicket partnerships of the season in, eventually, amassing a decent score. In damp, difficult conditions James Fletcher opened with a new partner, the under 14 captain Matt Thompson, and they put on 16 before Fletcher was run out. Luke Bess and Thompson had put on 4 when  Bess was caught and Debenham was bowled at the same score on his third ball. Hopefully, twenty for three made some revise their initial thoughts! The best fourth wicket partnership of the season to date was 81 against Cornwall but Thompson and Tom Whittle surpassed this putting on 108 in twenty-eight overs. Thompson fell at 128, with Whittle passed his fifty. The promoted Shane Evenden, who was able to show his true batting skills in the Bob Bridges final on Bank Holiday Monday, lasted six balls. Thirty-five were added by Whittle and Eliot Acton when, one short of his second county ton of the season, Whittle chipped and was caught. He had batted 130 minutes facing only 110 balls and had hit fourteen fours and a six. The side all felt sympathy with this popular member of the squad, who has achieved much this summer at sixteens and seventeens. Ninety-nine red balloons did however feature on the play list on the return journey! The captain was run out at 210, after putting on the best sixth wicket partnership of the season (42) with Smith. Our two top finishers were now at the crease and there was another Smith and Buzza show. The stats: They put on 62 (best eighth wicket partnership of the summer) off 34 balls in 23 minutes (Smith 50* 49m, 41b, 1 four, 3 sixes; Buzza 31* 23m, 18b, 4 fours). It is extremely difficult, as was found out by our opponents the next day, to finish an innings, batting first or second, and these two are real experts. Rain had interrupted play for 13 minutes and the infamous masts were now fading fast from sight. The final score of 272 was far too many and had included five penalty runs. Our opponents captain, Franklin, had figures of 5-27 off ten which won him the IOW individual performance of the year award at the Island’s annual presentation evening in October. It was now critical that we bowled twenty overs to make this a game and with it achieve the vital points. The message was clear bowl quickly and yet it did not seem to have got through, as everyone appeared oblivious to the relevance of these one hundred and twenty deliveries! Bowlers strolled back to full run ups, time was taken setting and resetting fields and there was a general casual attitude. We were now in real trouble as the masts had vanished and the rain was clearly visible. Two run outs were completed, Smith – Acton and Whittle direct, as he outpaced the batsman, but the game was over at 34-2 after critically only 11 overs. It is, of course, unknown if the extra nine overs could have been bowled in the thirty-five minutes play – probably very doubtful, but the total lack of awareness was the first real disappointment since Axminster. Of course all the other games were completed, our rivals picked up full points and our certain five points were now just two. It would now be necessary to play catch up and perform exceptionally well over the final two days. It would not be easy. We watched John Tucker Must Die, starring the attractive Jesse Metcalfe, Brittany Snow, Ashanti Douglas, Sophia Bush and the story line seemed to be based on the lifestyle of our own Seb Benton!

The sides six game unbeaten run came to an end in another exciting game at Ryde when the eventual festival champions, Buckinghamshire, won off the penultimate ball. The sun was back and Buckinghamshire won the toss and invited Devon to bat. Thirty-five were added for the first two wickets as both openers fell at this score, Fletcher stumped for a fourth time at county level this summer and Bess caught for his highest score of the week, 24. Gareth Tidball, now fully recovered, and Robbie Debenham put on 44 in 83 balls when Debenham was caught for the side’s top score of 33. The under 17 pairing of Tidball and Tom Whittle put on 22 off 34, when Tidball was once again caught for a 62 ball 28. Hopefully both Fletcher (stumped) and Tidball (caught) will look at their recurring dismissals over the winter. The side was now 101 for 4 after 34 overs and the finishers would again have to ensure an increase in tempo. It had been difficult in 2006 to take the right line with the batters, with 2007 in mind they were allowed to build up totals and on most occasions the skill of the lower order ensured a profitable acceleration. On this occasion this did not quite work out with Whittle and James Parkin putting on 34 off 35, the Parkin and Smith partnership worth 6 off 17, Smith and Buzza putting on 38 in 30 and Smith and Acton an unbeaten 12 off 14 with only nine coming off the last twelve deliveries. Smith was not out for a thirty-three ball 28. This time the final score of 191-7 was certainly thirty short of par, being the second lowest one day score of the season. Although the rate might not have been sufficient in this game, the side’s record over the season has been more than adequate and bodes well for 2007, when one considers that eight members of the squad have already played for the seventeens and all have learnt and achieved a great deal. Equally important they have all played a year down with a hundred percent attitude. The muffins and ice cream had enlightened the watching.

It is a great tribute to the side that this total was only passed on the two hundredth and ninety-eighth ball. Buckinghamshire from the start ran exceptionally well and this helped create the false impression that they were well ahead of the clock. Although at the half way stage they were interestingly poised at 83 – 4, with Tidball catching Walker off Harris at 16, Whittle assisting Orchard to send back Khan, the same bowler bowled Kilgannen at 81 and one run later Bess took an exceptional, one handed caught and bowled to remove one of the opponent’s top batters - Myatt. Meanwhile the opposition’s captain, Haddock, was in fine form and, with Gandam, put on 73 off 110 balls. The pressure of the running resulted in some poor fielding but perhaps the critical moment of the innings was when a very alert cricket brain decided on a very high risk strategy and it only failed in its execution. Instead of running out the lesser partner he went for the main man Haddock and narrowly failed, this, with a missed chance the following over, virtually sealed the side’s fate. This was in the middle of a very strange five minute spell when Devon seemed to be losing its way. In the forty-second over Haddock was caught by Tidball, again off Bess and the question being asked was “Whether Devon was now back in the game?”. The answer, unfortunately, was “Perhaps unlikely”, as Bucks now were in the box seat needing less than a run a ball - 35 off 48, but once again pressure was exerted resulting first in a dropped catch in the outfield, after the fielder had made an amazing stop on the previous ball, and  then three run outs in one Debenham over – the forty-ninth, Tidball to Smith, the quick thinking Buzza running in to the stumps and Bess to Debenham. Two wickets fell at 182 and one at 186. So the final over was reached – Orchard to bowl, six runs to win not just the game but almost certainly the Festival: one off the first, two dots, two off the fourth and a four to win off the fifth. As normal there was an explosion of noise from the victor’s camp and absolute total misery for the losers. You have to learn how to lose as well as to win and this lot learnt an important lesson. We are away to Bucks in 2007 and we should have learnt a great deal from this game. The Hare and Hounds welcomed us for our final annual visit, as a new venue has been chosen for next year. Our ordering process will also be rethought for the 2007 season as the chicken whatever it was called was nowhere near as good as the mixed grill ordered! Eliot Acton did not upset the coach driver and this most enjoyable season was now nearly ended.

The side returned to Northwood for their final game of 2006, the rooms were eventually left in a tidy condition, with the only real mishap during the week being a broken vase and the fifteens’ room trying to enter the Watkin/Parker folk law, but it actually transpired that the miscreant was a visitor from the seventeens’ squad! We left the Hazelwood for the first time in seven years knowing we would not return – very sad, as we had really enjoyed our time with the Tubbs, who we understand were touring Great Britain in a camper van. The hunt for new accommodation started the very next day and eventually resulted in a new base in Sandown, where the owner’s daughter is at the same university as Ports - Durham. A reconnaissance in October ensured that the required golf and arcades are within easy walking distance. The requested help with the bags greatly disappointed the scorer who is not one to get upset (!), as only two out of seven responded in the right manner – Fletcher and Thompson.

Our opponents, Berkshire, were at the ground and well advanced in their pre match preparation. We would do only a very light warm up as the players were not only still disappointed from the previous day but also showing signs of a long season – they were knackered and had nothing to play for apart from pride and a message to their opponents, whom we play at Seaton in our final 2007 under 17 game. Acton continued his losing streak and for the first time this summer we would chase. The Berkshire openers appeared demob happy and tried to tee off but were well contained, putting on only 39 in 76, when Acton bowled Tan. Luke Bess gave the captain his eighteenth wicket of the season at 44 and Acton returned the compliment to Robbie Debenham by helping to remove the opposition’s keeper-captain at 74. Five runs later Acton made it nineteen, trapping Day in front. Devon was now well placed but Berkshire put on 31 for the fifth wicket when Buzza took his final wicket of the season bowling Payne. The sixth wicket pairing took Berkshire up to 169, when Orchard took his first wicket, bowling Donnelly. The week was now catching up with the players as Bess had a sore heal and Smith, having finished his Mars bar break, was about to replace him when an unusual bounce from the non turf wicket split James Parkin’s finger. This resulted in a first visit in eleven festivals to the St Mary’s casualty department. The 90 minute wait was enlightened by a very attractive young doctor, some interesting stories of how injuries had occurred but not much else, as Parkin finally received treatment not from the doctor but from a very conscientious male nurse. In the meantime Berkshire had reached 213-8 off their 50 overs with Orchard taking a second bowled and Whittle giving left armer Harris another scalp.

Luke Bess fell at 2 and Gareth Tidball at 11 but the Monday batters, James Fletcher and Robbie Debenham, continued where they had left off, putting on the third and final century partnership of the summer, 136, to bring their partnerships at the ground to 310! It is hoped that availability will not create a problem in 2007 and, if so, these two could play a very important part next summer forming the basis of some large totals. They are chalk and cheese in approach but do produce the goods. They had batted for 172 balls, when Fletcher walked past the ball for annoyingly the fifth time this year in county cricket.  His 688 county runs, for both age groups at an average of 36.21 off 1375 balls in 1623 minutes batting, was a truly remarkable achievement. He will be expected to do even better in 2007. Tom Whittle did not take the opportunity for some more fantasy points or improve on his final excellent batting average of 36, as he was dropped twice and then missed one to be bowled at 160, having just scored his five hundredth county run of the season. He too should be more than pleased with what he has achieved at the two age groups. He is another vital member of the squad but he has to learn not too take everyone in the cricket fraternity too seriously! At 177 Debenham was bowled for 78, yet again missing out on a maiden county hundred, having reached the seventies on four occasions this year without passing 80. He had reached his fifty off 67 balls and faced in all 112 balls. Typically, Sam Smith saw his side home. In 2007 this keeper batsman will have vital roles to play at the two age groups and hopefully we can look forward to his maiden county hundred and much more. His final average of 37 batting at 7 and 8 was exceptional. The captain Eliot Acton, fittingly completed an impressive season by hitting the winning runs. The Bradninch all rounder has made a major contribution to the season’s success and will have learnt a great deal over the two month campaign. The player of the week was difficult to choose - we had three batters who had contributed over 150 runs – Fletcher 233 at 46.60, Debenham 221 at 44.20 (plus 2 catches and 3 wickets @ 47.33), Whittle 173 at 34.60 (2 catches), and Buzza had averaged 90 with the bat and taken two catches and three wickets at 39. The choice went to the captain Eliot Acton, who, with better weather on Wednesday and without the side’s funny five minutes on Thursday, could have led his side to the title. He took the most wickets, 7 at 17, held two catches, averaged 28 with the bat and carried out all his duties, however menial, with little complaint. This could unfortunately not be said of all, as some players on the final day still failed to appreciate a week on the road includes manning scoreboards and carrying bags! This element in many ways is just as important as deeds on the field. The cross country route, led by the scorer, ensured we were the only county of four booked on the 7.30pm ferry to make it – at least one battle won.

Last summer we had  Daniel Powter’s  Bad Day and a number of other memorable tunes including James Blunt’s You’re Beautiful, but unfortunately this summer age must be creeping up because apart from the Beach Boys’ melody at seventeens nothing has registered – bring back DJDW to enlighten the 2007 journeys. McDonalds was visited and Exeter reached by 11.15pm, the summer was now truly over. This has been an enjoyable season and the players should all be satisfied with what they have achieved. The batting was strong and to have five players – Debenham, Acton, Smith, Whittle and Fletcher – all averaging over thirty was exceptional and the ability of the others to set decent targets bodes well for 2007. We batted second only once and judgement has to be reserved on this aspect but the chase against Berkshire was well judged. Next summer we will need to be able to score 350 plus and, in view of the experience already gained and the fact that we have quality batters all the way down the order, this should be achievable. The seam attack of the captain Acton, senior pro Evenden, sick note Orchard and Harris was strong, varied and talented. Luke Bess also made some vital and telling contributions. Unusually we had a plethora of four off spinners and two leggies to select from, an embarrassment of riches. Taking the balance and chemistry of the side into account, Robbie Debenham and Andrew Buzza, in his latest metamorphosis, won the day with Tidball providing an additional option. All three would have gained places for their batting and they also took 16 catches between them so they were multifunctional. Debenham’s end of season figures do not fairly represent his bowling contribution to the side. We were also blessed with two fine keepers who were also quality batters. Smith dismissed over 30 in his three age groups and Matt Thompson removed over 20. Devon is fortunate to have two such high quality performers. The fielding was more than acceptable, particular the catching but the squad will not be allowed to rest on their laurels! Competition for places in 2007 will be increased with Eliot Acton taking the opportunity of  a closer look at the 16s and 15s in the winter. Despite the couple of hiccups, this was a most satisfactory summer and one that we can all build on.

Robbie Debenham, 410 runs at the excellent 45.56, won the Batsman of the Year Award. It would be hoped that he will look in the future to bat on whether he is on 19 or 80. The captain, Eliot Acton, picked up both the Bowler and Cecil Wensley Player of the Year Awards. He added 19 wickets to the 15 he had taken at this age group in 2005 at an average of 18.53. He was second in the batting averages scoring two maiden undefeated county fifties on the same day. Eliot was new to captaincy but he accepted the increased responsibilities without allowing it to affect his normal major contributions with bat and ball. His tactical awareness blossomed as the season progressed and the result against Hertfordshire was a credit to his coolness under fire. He did exceptionally well both on and off the field and his experiences with the seventeens will help him in the longer game next summer. The infectious Andrew Buzza was the ideal foil as vice captain and will be looked to utilise his two day experiences in 2006 and play an important part with Fletcher, Tidball, Whittle, Smith, Thompson and Orchard in helping the others blossom in 2007.

The final paragraph is the traditional one of thanks – to Axminster, Exmouth and Seaton Cricket Clubs for their normal exceptional hospitality, To the DCUS and their new appointment team, John and Di Wadsworth, our thanks for their usual efficiency, Jim Anning umpired everyday in the Isle of Wight – a first – in his normal conscientious manner, the scorer and travel manager was as efficient as ever. This was Jack Porter’s first season with us and he followed in the esteemed footsteps of his two predecessors by being an outstanding member of the team. He appreciated, at Seaton, the toil a long season takes but he remained enthusiastic throughout the summer and gave much to the squad, taking, it is hoped, a real satisfaction in what his squad achieved.