Both using the forward press to good effect neither looked in any difficulty until just before tea, five foot nothing Thompson was bowled. The pair had put on 39 off 45 balls and looked high class performers with outstanding temperaments.The final session of the day went well and the shortage of runs was the only concerning factor as in 45 overs Wiltshire was reduced to 115-5. Donohue took his first county scalp and was proving a useful addition to the attack trapping Tanner in front, Hyde induced a nick from Vince and Thompson added to his gold stars, Seb Benton, in his new role as an off spinner had Rowson well caught by Buzza – 69-3. Benton returned the complement to the sides other offie Andrew Buzza 80-4 and Joe Hyde came back to bowl keeper Miles at 100. Hyde has grown 6 inches and upped his pace proving to be a real handful. Close of play brought this year’s first rugby volleyball and the side were in high spirits. We reached the Bath Arms and mixed grills replaced Hawaiians and hopefully they were tired. Cards were discovered with the keeper fast asleep amongst the card school.

The second day opened with cloud and drizzle and could they really take 5 for 36? They took 3-35 and then 4-40 – truly exceptional cricket, personifying why cricket is such a brilliant TEAM game. With Joe Hyde sidelined with a stitch they all gave their all. Hardy’s tactical nous resulted in opening with Seb Benton to the huge surprise of their opponents. Wiltshire progressed to 130 when the sides new short leg, Gareth Tidball, took a remarkable reflex catch to send back Bowler. The home side’s captain was still in and leading his side to a first innings win when 19 runs later Donohue struck for the first time in the morning having Pittman caught by Buzza. He took his next wicket at 151 having the captain caught behind, five runs later he took his fourth wicket bowling Earl. His figures of 4-36 off 13 overs were a fine start to his county career. As always happens once the pressure of passing the total is off runs became easier and to their credit Devon deprived their opponents of a second batting bonus point when the short leg took his second excellent catch this time off Buzza. If only we could have scored 220 the previous day as Wiltshire were bowled out just before lunch. Unlike the tea interval the previous day Devon batted and dealt comfortably with the two overs scoring 4 runs. The new opening pair batted after lunch with total confidence taking the score up to 98 when for so many reasons disappointingly Hardy was lbw. He has just passed his fifty (90m 84b) and the side appeared well on target for the bonus points up to 250. Fletcher went next at 104 for a confidence boosting 33 and Tidball and Wrench were together again. Wrench went first this time for a disappointing 5 in a stand of 21. Benton again oozed confidence but gave Rowson the charge and was stumped – annoying.            Next