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The Under 17 2007 Season

The 2007 Squad

E.Acton (captain); A.Buzza (vice captain); L.Bess; J.Burke;  R.Debenham; A.Dibble; S.Evenden; J.Fletcher;  M.Gilmour; M.Orchard;  S.Smith; M.Thompson; G.Tidball; T.Whittle.

It is a great credit to Eliot Acton’s squad that they were favourites to take the single promotion slot to the first division right up to the last morning of the season. It was therefore a total surprise that the side put on such an inept performance for the first and obviously the final time of the summer which resulted in Devon not coming first but eventually third. It was a great disappointment and a genuine shock, as up until that fateful Thursday they had played outstanding cricket with every member of the squad making an important contribution at one stage or another. The disappointment that descended on the side as we batted and after close of play had not been anticipated when the final game had started.

The under 17s started their season with a near perfect performance, the only blemish being the lack of faith by the Manager when he recommended that batting points would be a guaranteed return against a possible outright win. As it transpired patently the wrong advice, as the extra 28 overs would probably have ensured bowling Wiltshire out again and provided vital points at the end of August. Fortunately the additional five points were not critical at the end of the campaign. On one of 2007’s better summer days Eliot Acton won the toss and went with the majority and batted. Vice captain Andrew Buzza’s local knowledge of the Exmouth track and its initial help to the seamers discounted along with that of a second Exmouth colleague. With James Fletcher undertaking an important week at Exeter University, it was necessary to form a new opening partnership and the under 16 combination of James Burke and Luke Bess were chosen. They set off with the simple instruction of batting to lunch, which they achieved with little difficulty, putting on 93 in the two hour spell and just 27 runs short of their actual target – it was perfect two day batting. As so often happens, the interval brought a wicket as Bess chipped the sixth ball after lunch in to the safe hands of Webb, nine runs short of a fifty; having batted four minutes over the two hours, hit five fours and faced one hundred and twenty-six deliveries. This was to be the highest partnership of the innings but the second pairing challenged it and were only five runs short as they took the score up to 181 after 62 overs. Burke had been joined by one of the major successes of 2006, Gareth Tidball, and the pair took the side up to nineteen short of the second bonus point. James Burke lost the opportunity of scoring the first ton of the season when he gave Webb his second catch of the innings but this time it was off his own bowling. Burke, on his under 17 debut, succumbed for a most impressive 89 (195 balls; 180 minutes). He scored forty in fours and cleared the ropes once - a first rate performance from the West of England all rounder. However, as lunch had done earlier, the tea interval brought another wicket and the end of Tidball, who had also been batting exceptionally well; reaching his second successive under 17 fifty. It had been hoped that he would have taken this golden opportunity to reach three figures for the first time for the county but second ball after the break, with the score on 242, Tidball departed in his favourite manner. He had batted superbly for a one hundred and sixteen minute 67. With Robbie Debenham, fresh from three days with the county squad which had included a memorable tumbling diving catch, the pair had put on 61 in just 46 minutes as the tempo was gradually increased. The batsman had done everything asked of them as Devon was now in the ideal position to turn the screw. Twenty-three were added for the fourth when Debenham was run out going for a difficult second. Tom Whittle had been his partner and he was embarking on perhaps his best county knock. The second debutant Mark Gilmour was given the simple, but not nearly so easy to execute, instruction to accelerate. The result was a scintillating forty-six ball partnership of 77 that took up less than half an hour and was the season’s best fifth wicket partnership. Gilmour looked totally at home in his new environment and he had been scoring useful cameos week in week out in the Premier with his club Paignton. In a hard hitting, leg spinning all-rounder he ticked all the boxes in this game – indeed all three new players (Burke, Dibble and Gilmour) made major contributions, entirely justifying their selection. Gilmour took just 24 balls to reach 40, with only eighteen in boundaries, and in tandem with Whittle took the score to well past the fourth bonus point. At 342 with 13 overs left in the day, Gilmour was stumped. It was now just a case of reaching a declaration score of around 360. Whits was caressing the ball in his normal impeccable style. Smith and Buzza were sent in to help on the singles but he dominated, being seventh out at 369 having hit 6, 4, 4 out in the decreed final over and Acton called them in. Whittle’s 71 came off only 59 balls, his fifty at a run a ball – imperious. A couple of wickets by close of play would be useful and Mark Orchard got them with his first two deliveries. The first caught behind by the juggler and the second leg before. On his hat trick ball he was so excited he dropped it on his run up! However he made it three before close of play when he bowled Bullen. His progress in 2007 at his club was marked and he was well supported at the sea end by a fiery Adam Dibble, who included a peach of a bouncer, followed by James Burke as Wiltshire was reduced to 32-3 at close. With coach Jack Porter on Twenty20 duty the side put on a very poor game of football, which was only memorable for a tackle on one Exmouth team mate by another that would have made a yesteryear Hunter or Harris cringe. Perhaps the injured party should not have donned the bib.

The second day initially reverted to more typical 2007 weather with an oppressive cloud covering but fortunately not the forecasted rain. The first objective was to break the overnight partnership which had put on 21 and included Wiltshire’s brightest batting prospect - fourteen year old Qureshi, who although exceptionally talented had not the greatest reputation for judging a run. Another 17 were added in sufficient time to visit Barclays Bank, when the obstinate Young played the ball though second slip and took off only for first slip, Robbie Debenham, to chase and run him out with a direct hit as the non striker had not moved a muscle! Enter Pittman who had looked the part when he had top scored for the twenty-ones three days earlier, it was suggested that this was the opportunity for the inevitable partnership. From the visitor’s point of view alas not, as perhaps the run out had unsettled the youngster and he played his first false stroke edging Evenden to Debenham at slip. Conditions were ideal for Shane Evenden, who was bowling to his full potential, indeed his tight pressure bowling had been a major contribution to the run out. The home side with two exceptions then started to hold their catches as Acton was now turning a different screw, Dorgan gave Dibble his first wicket at this level caught by Bess, Pittman - Evenden's second - caught by Tidball, Earl was Shane’s third and Gilmour’s first under 17 catch, Dibble then wound up proceeding with Buzza’s fine catch and a bowled. This was outstanding seam bowling by one of the best units seen at this level for a number of years, perhaps since the days of Court, Bryant, Knapman who reached the National 17 final at Canterbury. This is when last year’s second innings fiasco at Dorset first entered the sub conscious (Devon made Dorset follow on and they were unable to make any impression against an obstinate batting line up, putting on a very sub standard performance) and Eliot Acton was incorrectly advised to chase some guaranteed batting points and then have fifty overs to bowl Wiltshire out again – this most certainly was the biggest error of the season and perhaps one of the biggest ever!

The climatic conditions were improving and the first objective was to bat to lunch. Bess received a mixed message from management and a school colleague and took the wrong line and was immediately caught at cover. Gareth Tidball who had been asked to drop down the batting order to allow others to charge was immediately summoned to put his whites on in case some sensible batting was needed. Fortunately the Exmouth pair of Burke and Debenham took the side to lunch on 11 after four overs. The pair then went on to complete the first century partnership of the summer putting on 115 in 138 balls. Burke, who was showing, as he later did for the West, that he could bat to order, was eventually caught for an excellent 64 which included two big sixes and six fours. As often happens in run chases, it now went wrong as two more wickets fell on 115 when two of the first innings successes, Gilmour and Whittle, departed in five balls. This should have been the time to count Devon’s losses and have another go at Wiltshire as it took another five overs to pick up the second batting point. Debenham 64 not out (104 balls; 71 minutes 6 fours), Buzza and Acton took their side up to 150 with 50 overs left in the day. Acton declared for the second time in twenty-four hours and the spinners would have the responsibility of not only ensuring that a point was not lost for a sub-standard over rate but to play a major role in taking ten wickets. Openers Young and Pierce batted for two minutes under the hour putting on 55 when Buzza bowled Young. Gilmour then took his first under 17 wicket, bowling Pearce one run and two balls later. Pittman and Sawyer added 20 when Pittman lost patience with Gilmour and spooned one up to Tom Whittle. It was now interestingly poised with our visitors 76-3 with 105 balls left. Wiltshire secured their first batting point of the game then immediately Sawyer became Buzza’s second bowled victim. Qureshi was now ensconced and again looking the opposition’s best batter and holding it all together, this time without a run out niggling in his mind. He and Pittman had been another major reservation in not putting them back in and at least we got 50% of it right. Dibble was too quick and extracted too much bounce for Bullen and helped Buzza on his quest for a season’s best catching return. Orchard completed the wicket taking that he had started the previous night and Wiltshire were 135-6 at close. Four months later it is anticipated that the four additional wickets could have been taken in the 28 overs sacrificed for batting points. Jack Porter, now back from his unsuccessful foray to the Torbay Twenty20 cricket scene, led an eventful game of VolleyRugby. Overall it had been a first class performance and put Devon in top place in the table one point ahead of Buckinghamshire, whose spinners had proved too much for Berkshire. Essex had been given a close game by Oxfordshire, who were to Devon’s next opponents at Sandford.

As could be anticipated from our excellent hosts, a visit to ground the evening before the second game revealed a well protected square against the rain that was once again scheduled over the next two days. Surprisingly, for the first time in fifteen years, the grumpy groundsman suggested we should field first. The next day’s drizzle started at 9.00am and then turned into a little heavier rain as Jack Porter had to adapt his warm up to the conditions and make compromises, not for the first or last time in 2007. With the Sandford work force in overdrive there was also the need for the players to remove sheets in between drills. The side wanted to bat but, with the weather forecast still indicating a strong possibility that the game would not enter its second day, the decision was made that guaranteed points would be achieved bowling and there would be greater control of the game batting second. This view was not at all well received by some members of the team when Acton won the toss and rightly fielded. The game started only seventy-five minutes late although this was extended by a further seven as the complexities of raising the site screens were beyond the comprehension of Manager and Coach! It was truly amazing that the ground was playable in such a short time and a real tribute to Chris Theedom and Colin Lever. With James Fletcher now available for the rest of the season, the summer‘s first difficult selection decision had had to be made and, in fairness to the 2006 leading batsman, this had been done earlier than normal. In our original plans Fletcher had been considered to be one of the side’s key batsman, occupying the crease for long sessions, scoring big runs and allowing the others to bat around him. His attendance at Exeter University had allowed others to stake a claim and it was considered inappropriate and indeed unfair to change a winning combination. James was duly invited to join the squad for the first day, in the knowledge that he would not be playing, and we were all pleased to meet up again with this fine batsman.

Having looked an outstanding seam combination a fortnight earlier, on a faster, dryer track our opening bowling attack did not look so menacing in what appeared ideal seam bowler conditions. In the eighth over Debenham held yet another fine slip catch off Orchard to send back the visitor’s captain, Cooper, who looked a more than useful prospect. Debenham’s catching at slip at this level is on par with the best – he is right there at the top with the Courts, Woods and Parkers of this world. However this was the only wicket in the first session during which the side looked and fielded in a manner that indicated they would have preferred to have their feet up in the pavilion. Lunch was taken at 84-1 with the over rate a concern as only 28 had been bowled in the two hours. One short of the hundred Oxfordshire lost their second wicket and it was a stunning low one handed caught and bowled by Debenham that took the wicket. His hand eye coordination is exceptional, it was no more than a foot off the ground at pace. A magnificent effort, that it was hoped would turn the tide. It did bring another wicket as opener Smith reached his fifty then unnecessarily went after Gilmour to give Buzza another catch and yet another damaged finger! It was 145-4 as the underrated Luke Bess confirmed that the family has a number of reasonable seamers when he bowled Taylor neck and crop. This is when the screw should have been turned and the batters given a chance to put their feet up. However we were milked by Oxfordshire particularly through mid wicket and 84 were added for the fifth wicket by Phillips and Wood. A Rowe tea was taken at 197-4 with Smith having resolved the problem with the over rate. Buzza came back for a third spell and his first dart bowled Wood. This brought the latest cliché that wickets now fall in clusters as Smith was stranded and the Acton /Smith combination revived memories of 2006 with smart work by both; Phillips, who had looked another good prospect, was adjudged leg before off Debenham and Blanchfield became Buzza’s second victim held by Bess. At 259-8, there was quiet confidence that the visitor’s extra batting point would not be achieved. Unfortunately it was with some ease as White and Purssell put on 42, mainly against the seamers who should have been cleaning up the lower order. However, once the final batting point was achieved, White chanced his arm once too often being well held by Orchard, who initially seemed to be in the wrong position, off Buzza’s hit me ball. Burke was too quick for Woods and Smith, behind the stumps, did the rest. Four points each, honours even, but of the two counties the home side were the more disappointed. This was only the twelfth time that an opposition had scored over 300 against us in this competition. As confusion raged, it was decreed that one over would be bowled before close of play, three wides and a two to Bess. The sheeting was put back on and the square which would subsequently not to be further involved in the game. It started raining around 7.00 a.m. and continued off and on it until around 2.00 p.m., then bright sunshine, a very squelchy outfield and tea cancelled. The journey home was through more rain. The question, not for the first time in 2007, ‘Will summer ever arrive?’. Sandford, as they always do, did everything possible to get a game in but they were defeated by the elements.

The two away fixtures with Buckinghamshire and Essex were always likely to have a huge bearing on the final position Devon were to take in the LV 2 day league. So it was most encouraging that the first part of the venture went well. With Adam Dibble unavailable, seeking a place (successfully) on the Somerset Academy, James Fletcher came back into the side to play Buckinghamshire to make his one and only appearance of the summer. Fletcher had proved the previous year and at his club Brixham what a fine player he has become, so his inability to perform in the other games was a huge loss. iPods and MP3 players were in short supply, Porter’s lost in Durham but Jethro’s cassette did help pass the time. The day started badly with a visit to a chemist to resolve the problems of a sore throat and hay fever, although Tim Burke’s patent pre-war remedy was the most successful. The manager was still overcoming the effects of Whittle’s sore throat five months later! It was a reasonable warm up as the toss was won and Devon elected to bat. Bucks had beaten Devon in the Isle of Wight the previous summer in a game that had gone down to the wire with Buckinghamshire coming out victors off the penultimate ball of the last over by two wickets. They are a strong batting side with two players from our first coach’s, David Gibson’s, school in Berkhamsted, two of their leading performers. Indeed it was a delight to be visited by both David and James Gibson on the first day. Both had provided so much for Devon youth cricket over the years that one can only be envious of their current employers who have two outstanding teachers and coaches. Not surprisingly the inside information from David on his two players bore no relevance to the way they were dismissed the next day! The game plan was simple - to bat the home side out of the game on the attractive Marlow ground with one appetizing boundary and a ground that had been subject to a flood alert the previous week. Burke flashed early and spent the rest of the day topping up his designer tan but last year’s stalwarts, Fletcher and Tidball, gave an excellent demonstration on how to play two day cricket – well until lunch they did. At the interval Devon were perfectly placed at 130-1 after 40 overs. Fletcher was on his way to yet another big hundred and Tidball his first. Whittle’s favourite lunch was followed by Fletcher teeing off – what was he doing? He missed his first, wafted again with his second attempt and succeeded in getting caught at slip. From a player who has shown he can bat for a day without breaking into a sweat, this was madness. He had batted for 127 minutes faced 132 balls for his season’s total of 70 (688 in 2006) and he had looked in no trouble whatsoever. It was a really disappointing moment, as the pair was very well set, having put on 132 (fourth best second wicket partnership) and looking to take the side to a comfortable 400. With Fletcher back for this game, Luke Bess now occupied the number four berth and, although he started tentatively, along with Tidball put on 55, the second highest partnership of the innings. Tidball had now completed his third fifty in his last three under 17 innings – 79 (Dorset); 67 (Wiltshire) and now he was on a career best 89, having played a number of his trade mark leg side shots. Gareth had been building over the last two summers towards a ton, his temperament indicates an ability to contain excitement, but eleven runs short and with his side on 189-3 he was again caught after 204 minutes and 210 balls, a splendid performance and his best opportunity all summer to reach the milestone. Unusually Robbie Debenham, did not trouble the scorers, his one failure in an otherwise successful summer. It was now a not so comfortable 202-4. At tea we were uncertainly placed at 212-4 but already 79 overs of the day had been bowled. With six wickets left Devon had therefore 23 overs remaining to score the required 88 runs for the fourth bonus point and then perhaps another 18 to take the side up to a declaration score either that night or the next morning. However good the plan was it was not activated. Bess batted for four minutes under two hours for a well made 38 only to be then bowled by opener Hampton. After only 15 balls, Sam Smith played an ambitious shot when he was not really set and was caught behind It was now 243 - 6 after 90 overs. Whittle, who had been under the weather all day with his sore throat, and skipper Acton now had to increase the tempo to score at 4.75 with four wickets left to get the final bonus point. This was likely to be risky, and so it proved to be. It was decided to revert to Plan A, we would bat the day. In fact the pair did reasonably well in putting on the season’s best seventh wicket partnership of 54 but 8 runs were still needed off the 102nd over. A message was sent out to bat the day so that Devon had wickets in hand the following day rather than risk a wicket for a point. This proved to be another of our season’s errors, as Devon’s wheels came off and we very nearly did not reach the 300 despite having four wickets in hand. Perhaps in hindsight the slog would have been more effective and the better option but in view of the final result perhaps not! On 297 and in the 103rd over of the day, the drugs (totally legal) Whittle had been sucking overcame him as he ran himself out for a very commendable 93 ball 38. Annoyingly once again the cluster theory then came about as one run later the skipper was caught behind for another useful 35 (44 balls- 7 fours), Andrew Buzza who had looked uncomfortable was lbw – 299-9, Three hundred and one was reached with a two from Gilmour who was then in three minds as he skied Myatt to Crick, the thought process in this one shot seemed to be bat the day, whack it, bat the day and Shane Evenden was left high and dry. The final score of 301 all out in 106 overs was in reality a very poor return, having  been so well placed at both intervals. With James Gibson making the harsh but fair comment that on the day their rugby had been better than their cricket, they cooled down with a game of real quality.

The message the next day was to be a very simply one, although it was delayed by having to take two keys back to the Buckingham and disappointingly was not heard by half the squad, who did not appear to appreciate what five minutes actually meant! This was not to be the last time that some of the squad appeared reluctant to listen. Again, with the benefit of hindsight, this reluctance might have given an early indication as to a contributory factor to the below par final day of the season. The message was the obvious one - despite the chance of heavy showers victory would only be achieved by taking ten wickets, bowling controlled spells and fielding like super humans as the target 302 was at least 80 below par at Marlow. The result was some controlled spells by Orchard early, Burke later and Acton all day, although Buzza produced an outstanding return of 20 overs at less than three. There was some truly memorable fielding (Bess, Tidball and Debenham in particular) and perhaps most important of all a very united team performance (all twelve). Rain brought an early lunch at 12.49 p.m. with Bucks on 90-2 off 32 overs. Eliot Acton had held a fine high two handed catch at cover to remove Walker off one of Burke’s less memorable balls and key batsman and opposition captain, Haddock, was trapped in front on 56 by Robbie Debenham. The lunch break was extended by further rain, messages from Devon indicated a couple of hours of heavy rain with bright periods later. Auditions were held for the keeping position, the side having an above average number of candidates with our opening bowler/batsman perhaps the strongest. The opposition’s opener kept his pads on for the entire break and visualised a ton. The players eventually returned to the fray with 74 minutes lost, resulting in a reduction of four overs in the day. Opener Suter eventually had to take off his pads without actually adding to his or indeed the lunch score, when he was bowled by Burke. A partnership was now built between Richards and Kilgannon and they put on a very comfortable 57 when a moment of sheer brilliance changed the game, Bess dived forward full length at cover and key player Kilgannon was on his way back off Acton – a match winning moment. Acton had been plugging away very successfully bowling six maidens and not conceding an extra. Tea was taken at 198-6, Devon breathed slightly easier as Richards had been bowled by Buzza as he played the ball on to his stumps, Aris had been well held at slip by Debenham off Burke. Immediately after tea another piece of magic again turned the game, Tidball swooped at cover left handed transferred the ball to his right and hit the one stump he had to aim at – pure brilliance and Myatt, another of Bucks leading batters, was out. The response of the side said a lot as it did at each subsequent wicket. Acton had a number of key decisions to make - who to bowl, when to bring back Burke for his final spell of four, whether to take the new ball or not, oh the joys of captaincy. It was decided that after the performance against Oxfordshire the new ball would not be taken unless it was a real necessity. Patel had come in at six and was looking as if he could bat the rest of the day and in the company of his keeper, Pritchard, advanced the score by 44 annoying runs. Acton turned to Debenham and second ball Patel played his first poor shot to be caught by Evenden at square leg. The ninth wicket took the score up to 262 with 90 balls remaining in the day to score the 40 runs needed for the first innings points. Orchard returned to the attack and first ball the stubborn Pritchard hit him straight to Buzza at extra cover, two strikes for the captain. Yet another 19 were put on for to the tenth wicket, twenty-one off 54 were now needed and the new ball was taken. The seventh ball (he had conceded a wide) of Burke’s last but one over and the game was over as he cleaned up Khan. The side had done all they had been asked – exceptional. James Burke’s seventeen overs had resulted in the vital and excellent figures of 4-57, the best bowling return of the summer. The football now reached the high standard of the cricket, dead ball situations determined the final result with some outstanding headers from Evenden, who need not work on his celebrations and Debenham. A three and a half hour’s journey was enlightened by Tidball and Gilmour beating the machines and Gareth unselfishly sharing his expensive strawberries with his colleagues. Sick bags were immediately ordered for the five plus hour journey to Essex and fruit was taken off future menus! At Exeter services, Mrs Tidball went over and above the call of normal duty as her son watched her clean up. The second time a Tidball had achieved this in a couple of hours, one financially the second menially!

The trip to Essex had been viewed as the most difficult two and a half days of the season with the boredom and fatigue of a gruelling five hour journey and time on the M25 being as big a factor as the actual cricket. In fact the squad responded brilliantly to the journey, although they were buoyed on the return journey by a most satisfying performance in the field. The second selection headache resulted in Shane Evenden being asked to stand down for the return of Adam Dibble. As it was to transpire we ended up playing with eleven which was a major disappointment and could have proved to have been critical. In fact Dibble’s music catalogue, if not his batting, is more likely to ensure him a long run in the side as this brightened both journeys and appeased all tastes including the older generation. The George and Dragon proved a popular eating venue with waitress Kate ensuring keen interest but interestingly it was only our star slip fielder that extracted a smile from the petite waitress.

The warm up appeared to be uneventful, the big match players in the side (in other words all of them) were invited to perform, Devon batted. It had been assumed that Eliot had continued the run of successful tosses going back eight games. In fact he had called incorrectly and we had been inserted. It transpired that the reasoning behind this decision, as was to be proved correct the next day, was that it is extremely difficult to bowl a side out on the Billericay track on the second day. Although presumably our hosts did not foresee that it would be them doing the blocking when they made this decision! Disaster struck as James Fletcher, on padding up, reported a strain that he had sustained, but of which no-one had been advised, on the previous Monday in a totally insignificant ten wicket South Devon Youth League win by Brixham over Torquay under 17s, this had been exacerbated during the warm up and would prevent him from playing any meaningful part in the game. The air was blue! Luke Bess then rushed on his pads and in a totally unprepared condition went out to resume his opening partnership with James Burke. If there had been tension before it had now rapidly multiplied. However fortunately for the Brixham opener, who also unfortunately remained unfit for the final game, all was well as Burke and Bess put on their second first innings century opening partnership of the summer. From the national finals the previous year, they were helped by their knowledge of inswing opening bowler, Ison, but they looked in no difficulty at all, well apart perhaps from their running between the wickets! This tremendous partnership placed the side at lunch on a more than acceptable 88-0 after thirty-six overs. They advanced the score to 141, both passing their individual fifties and controlling the situation as well as anyone at this age group. At 2.35 p.m. on 70, having faced 187 balls, Burke inexplicably gave Jabar the tamest of catches and Ison his first wicket. This partnership was the third highest under 17 opening partnership; Luke’s brother, Josh, having taken part in the highest of 195. It was Tom Whittle’s turn to have the pads on as he and Tidball were now on a 17 over rota. However Luke then committed the cardinal sin and one run later was out in an almost identical fashion this time finding Hurst. His 61 had taken 162 balls and the maxim of looking at a score and then adding two wickets seemed appropriate, as at 140-0 we were on target for the 400 plus agreed at start of play. Tom Whittle was then involved in one of the most bizarre umpiring performances seen in over 50 year’s involvement in the game. This bright young man from Barton is very much a front foot player and bats often outside his crease. However after two warnings for entering the protected area with his front foot he and the side were formerly cautioned with a five run penalty should the “offence” be repeated. He had been forced into the totally unacceptable position of not being able to play on the front foot by an officious umpire incredibly supported by his colleague! It would be necessary for someone of far greater maturity than even this particularly mature young man to deal with this situation and although the umpire advised the batsman that he would raise the matter with the team manager at tea, it was far too late as it was obvious to all that he would never reach the interval. On 178 he was adjusted leg before, a decision that had been predicted earlier on the boundary. The two wicket theory then kicked in again, it was to occur on two further occasions in the innings, as Tidball came and went and Devon were now 178-4. Tea was reached at 183-4 after 74 overs and for the first time in sixteen years involvement in youth cricket there was a discussion with the umpires and confirmation from the opposition about the incorrectness of the situation which did not really help the temperature. Fortunately Robbie Debenham was again displaying an ability to play an innings to suit the situation, a huge asset in 2007, and he started to return Devon to a more secure position. With the captain the pair took the side back to where they had been in the first session of play by putting on a very important 62 when Acton played a shot that it had been hoped he had given up at under 13s. He, like Debenham, was looking a top class performer and had he batted a little longer the fourth bonus point would not have been an issue. He then tried to whip a straight one through mid wicket but the cross batted shot missed the ball and the leg stump was knocked back with his side 10 short of the third and 60 runs short of the final batting point with half the side still to bat. It is uncertain if Acton still fully appreciates what a good batsman he really is. Sam Smith is another really fine batsman, who was probably very disappointed with his general 2007 form. However with Debenham again looking a cricketer of the highest quality, the pair took the side up to close of play at 327-5 after 109 overs in a magnificent season best sixth wicket partnership. For the second successive game it was decided not to take risks to obtain the extra batting point as there were bigger fish to fry the next day and fortunately this time it worked, Debenham was not out 73 and Smith on 53. The quality of the post match cool down games continues to reach amazing heights and now the teams are sorted out correctly, real intensity. Kate was not on duty and the service noticeably slower as Buzza and Whittle, now over his unnerving experience, sampled lobster against the advice of the team’s nutritionist.

Fortunately there were no missing keys this time as the team departed in time to refuel for the M25 and the Manager was summoned for a discussion with the umpires. As far as Devon was concerned the matter had been closed. With bat in hand, Haydon, Gooch and Grieg imitated and reference made to Tom Smith the point was still not fully accepted. Indeed there appeared confusion later in the day when the captain pointed out some inaccuracies with their decision making process with our bowlers now allegedly entering the protected area! We were not asked if we wanted a heavy roller so part A of the game plan was not implemented, part B was that Debenham and Smith who had batted superbly the previous night would bat the thirteen overs and would get close to or pass 400. Smith dissected the two fielders placed to stop his sweep, this was his self confessed best shot of his innings and Debenham went for another four only to get caught behind after adding two to his overnight score. He had tempered his natural aggression for the benefit of the side and he had helped mastermind the recovery. After the tail end disaster against Buckinghamshire it was essential that the collapse was not repeated – sadly it was. It was essential the remaining eleven overs were fully utilised, on paper the batsmen should have been able to bat another fifty. The target remained unchanged. Gilmour fell on the same score 334, Buzza initially did the right thing and gave the strike to Smith. To add to the umpiring woes of the previous day, the opposition sportingly recalled Smith who was given out after he and his partner were at the same end with Buzza sending him back. The home side withdraw the appeal as the wicket had not been broken fairly. On 359 Buzza played an unnecessary big shot to be bowled – 359-8, Dibble repeated the exercise on the same score as Pandya looked to be cleaning up Devon. Mark Orchard has never let his side down with the bat was now given the task of getting Smith to his maiden county hundred, to bat the remaining six overs and set up the 400 – no problem. Smith was playing a truly magnificent innings, the highest individual of the summer, displaying all the qualities, including patience and shot selection, of a master batsman. His true potential was demonstrated in this innings at the excellent Billericay ground but time is now passing him by if he is ever to reach this standard consistently, something his natural ability deserves. It would be a great tragedy if he does not fully utilise his immense talent. He swept, the pad was struck and the finger went up for him to be the second leg before of the innings and the final one of the game. He had been superb as his figures reveal 95 balls 91 runs, this innings was as good as any hundred and it should have been his first. Orchard again did not let anyone down and demonstrated how the tail should bat with a set batsman – give him the strike. The 380 was 20 short of the target and equally important we gave Essex another 3 overs to score the runs so we had failed on all counts.

Our hosts had obtained maximum batting points in all their games to date, in their last one they had reached their first innings target of 302 without loss in only 64 overs so their strength was clear. Jack Porter set his side a three wicket target by lunch and in the 17 overs it was achieved by a brilliant bowling and fielding performance. This was the side at their best in the field they really looked an immense unit. Dibble’s steep bounce was too much for Joslin as he looped a catch to Tidball at cover, Orchard nipped one back to beat the captain, Dibble/Tidball repeated the exercise this time with Tidball diving forward at gulley. The talk from the hosts had now changed from how quickly they would get them and who would score a hundred to the possibility of following on. It got even better after lunch as a cunning plan hatched by Baldrick was set, apparently without Buzza’s knowledge as he vehemently complained, when he was placed in a position allegedly wasting his huge fielding talent (backward of square leg). Two balls later the side’s real danger man Browne hooked Burke and Buzza did the rest. It nearly worked again with Hurst, who had played against Burke at the National under 17 Festival, but he just avoided one of the positioned fielders and his second attempt split the trap. He did then start rolling his wrists. Hurst and Ison clearly showed why Essex have not had problems achieving full batting bonus points as they put on 106 in 112 balls and looked in total control. The fact that the home side only had six wickets to score a reasonable target would eventually put the batters under increased pressure but this partnership looked as if the batsman felt it was still feasible. Acton, now carrying an injury, was unable to bowl, or indeed walk, and Fletcher therefore had to stand at slip and short mid wicket, in real pain, for a number of overs to allow the captain to receive attention and Devon’s position started to look less promising. Jack Porter worked his magic and got the captain at least walking and he returned to the action, although he was never fully fit again in the campaign. Buzza then worked his magic again. On 162 he bowled Hurst on the back foot and then on 198, with clean hitting Ison on 95, Debenham took the catch of this season and many others, not just for its execution but its importance. The batsman, Ison, may well have been thinking that a single hit would take him to three figures, he took on Buzza struck it well and it sailed high and handsomly towards the mid wicket boundary. Robbie turned, set off and incredibly caught it two handed over his shoulder – it was a staggering catch. His self belief (well apart from in his own bowling in 2007) is a key element of his character – this was indeed fortunate as some (indeed perhaps the majority) might not have got even close – it was a really brilliant catch under immense pressure as everyone on the ground appreciated its importance. It was then decreed by our esteemed opponents that at 198-6 with potentially 45 overs remaining to score the 183 (4 an over) it was time for the shutters to go up. This was achieved with only one mishap as Devon picked up a third bowling point when the new ball in Burke’s hand found the edge and Smith did the rest. The wicket keeper, after a difficult start to the season due to lack of practice, had now re-found his normal quality form with the gloves. Essex finished 103 short with three wickets in hand. Hope remained eternal as their number eleven was viewed having some throw downs! This was a very fine performance from everyone, the side performed at their best over the two days at Billericay, excellent partnerships from Bess and Burke, Debenham and Acton, Debenham and Smith and finally Smith and Orchard. The bowling and fielding were far superior to our opponents there were some brilliant catches, a superb initial spell from Dibble, Orchard and Burke reducing Essex to 18-3 and then 56-4. The only downside was perhaps the inability of our spinners to tease out on a track notoriously difficult to bowl out sides. Jack Porter was visited by a university rugby colleague and more importantly had his iPod returned, the cool down maintained standards and the M25 was not nearly as bad as on Tuesday. Exeter was reached at five past midnight and all should have been pleased with their endeavours as Devon remained in pole position six points ahead of the pack with Berkshire to play at Seaton. As a post script to the Billericay Umpiring Debacle, the umpiring quandary was explained to an ACUS tutor and examiner who had never heard anything like it, the umpire concerned pressed the ECB for confirmation that his actions had been correct only to be advised that he had got it totally wrong. The subsequent apology to Tom Whittle was hollow as the damage had been done, one wonders if Tom actually recovered from the incident over the rest of the season.

The match against Berkshire turned out to be one of the more disappointing games since starting an involvement in youth county cricket in 1992. This section of the 2007 Annual Report is an extremely difficult one to write. It is hoped that despite having built up a strong bond with the players over two or more years it at least proves objective. The side entered the game with Berkshire knowing exactly what was needed and that a win on first innings would ensure promotion to the top division for the first time in Devon’s history. James Fletcher confirmed he would not be fit. As already reported his was a vast hole to fill, having proved in 2006 that he had all the required credentials for the two day game and the ability to provide the necessary sound foundation whether batting first or second. Five hundred runs from him would have been useful. On the same day we were advised by his Brixham team mate, Mark Orchard, that he had a groin strain and was also unavailable. Scrumpie’s loss for this game was also a major one as he gives a side a different dimension by his whole hearted approach and his 200% effort. His gung ho approach was really missed and adds so much to the required chemistry. He was particularly missed on the second morning when it appeared the side were just going through the motions to try to break up annoying partnerships. In view of these losses Mark Gilmour was also retained, despite being involved in a most unpleasant accident with a wall when falling off his bike at speed. All-rounder Shane Evenden was restored and Matt Thompson, who had played two day cricket with the seventeen’s in 2006, took the final place. The weather was still considered a problem with the first day forecast indicating the greater likelihood of disruption but heavy / light showers were predicted for both days. In fact, as it transpired, these two days were the most disjointed in Devon youth two day history. The work of Seaton’s Peter Anderton and the umpires was truly amazing in actually ensuring that 144 overs were bowled despite seven interruptions for the weather. It is always difficult to build up momentum on rain affected days but, on perhaps the most important day of their summer, the seventeens failed to build up any momentum at all on a disjointed first day. In some ways it had the feel of the last day of term. Eliot Acton returned to winning the toss and inserted Berkshire. With rain a distinct possibility, it was vital that the ramifications of this decision were relayed to the side before entering the field of play. For the second time in the season there was an unacceptable reluctance by some of the senior players to listen to the pearls so they were not delivered. Disinterest seemed to permeate throughout the day. A fresh pair of eyes spotted this trait and it is one that is totally undesirable at this level in a Devon side. It would be totally unfair to tar everyone with the same brush and, of course, there were exceptions but this is a team game so the blame has to collective. With the eighth ball of the innings Smith held the dangerous Taj off Shane Evenden, this was after a critical consultation between the umpires on carry. In the previous game this batsman had passed 160. It was 20-2 as Smith held his second catch, this a difficult one that was leaving him off Dibble. The opening bowlers were using the conditions well. The third wicket partnership put on sixty-eight but not without mishap, as a caught and bowled was not accepted, two chances went to second slip when the side’s best slipper was off the field and a batsman was even bowled off a no ball. It was then a run out that changed the complexion of the game. The two keepers were involved Thompson swooped at mid wicket and a quick early release enabled Smith to break the wicket, removing the middle stump nearly into the town centre. Adam Dibble continued to impress by bowling Goddard. New batsman Gandom looked as if he would bat a day and half, then surprisingly left a straight one from the equally imposing Burke. There were no further developments with close of play leaving Berkshire handily placed at 162-5 after 223 minutes and 65 overs. It would be vital that the remaining five wickets were taken in the first session of the next day’s play, leaving the home side with a decent number of overs to score the runs otherwise our opponents would bat their full quota. This was part of the original message, not relayed. The predicted rain could also affect the equation. 

Although supposedly a brighter day, in fact the second day was colder than the first and there were another three rain breaks, including the fatal one at 5.33pm when the game came to a premature end to the relief of the home side. The day started well with Dibble continuing to provide vital input and after fourteen minutes play, with just three fielders on the leg side, the captain Dey played the ball with excellent timing wide of short mid wicket, Matt Thompson, who took off after a ball that was leaving him and plucked it left handed out of the air for yet another exceptional catch. It was hoped that this piece of magic would ignite a speedy conclusion to Berkshire’s innings. It had been clear the previous night that occupation of the crease was the name of the game and this continued well into the second day’s play. At 182 Burke moved up the charts as the leading wicket taker when he bowled Donnelly, eleven runs later the stubborn Carson, who had batted 80 minutes for his 31, trapped in front by the captain. Devon for the second game running was having difficulty removing batsmen whose sole intent was not to get out. As on the first day the slips were not taking their chances until Robbie Debenham held another good one to remove the 71 ball Brock for 12. This was Burke’s tenth wicket of the season and made him the highest wicket taker of the summer. Rain ensured lunch was taken early as the team, demonstrating the skills that had been taught overnight by the Wimbledon ground staff, took the sheet covers on and off in a lightening fashion. The last two partnerships had taken up 74 minutes and the innings did not close until 2.28pm when Acton picked up his second leg before of the day. Berkshire had achieved their objective, they had batted for 103 overs in scoring 239. Devon had in theory, rain permitting, 64 overs to reach their target (3.73 an over). The chase got off to the worst possible start as Bess under edged the third ball to be caught at the third attempt by the keeper, Beven bowled Tidball at nine. It was likely that Burke and Debenham would hold the key as to whether the task was possible and for a short time it looked as if it was until Payne had Burke stone dead in front on the back foot, 26-3 after 14 overs. The rate was now over 4 and would continue to creep up. Whittle decided the off side offered few scoring opportunities so he lost patience and whacked leg side, he got away with it first ball but not the next. The Essex heroes were now together, with Debenham again showing the new maturity in his batting. Sam Smith in a previous incarnation must have been involved in cleaning chimney stacks as he tried to sweep everything! This was the best partnership of the innings – 22 but could have taken the side up to a score where they might have achieved their goal of promotion but on 67 after 33 overs Smith holed out. Devon was now out of the hunt for the one 2007 promotion place as the news came through that Essex were going for an outright win against Wiltshire. The conversations with the Wiltshire management, who kept ringing for updates, were interesting as it had only just dawned on Essex that there would be only one promotion spot in 2007 and  they might not take it. Was our first result going to haunt us further? The answer was no as Devon now stood no chance of getting the runs against Berkshire. Debenham’s outstanding season with the bat came to an unfortunate end when he called but his partner did not concur and he was run out for a fine 89 ball 34. It was now Devon’s turn to put up the shutters as they did not want to end, what up until yesterday had been an exceptional season, with the ignominy of a defeat. Acton and Thompson were achieving this aim when the heaviest shower of the day brought an end to the game. The home side now faced another season in the Division 2 South and indeed Buckinghamshire picked up one more point which condemned Devon to third place in the table. Berkshire, with nothing to lose had set attacking fields with two bat pads and put Devon under pressure with loud united appeals and they left the ground completely on top. Seaton were again outstanding hosts in the most trying of circumstances, it is unlikely there are many former chief executives who would put so much into trying to ensure that we completed the game.

The scorer had not been looking forward to saying goodbye to this group whose charm, personality and character had made an indelible impression over their two years. For the first time in years she was in tears and the pottery already have an important place at the Old Mill. In reviewing the season it would be fair to say, and this is not a criticism but a statement of fact, that when it came to the crunch this side did not have the killer instinct. This group will not be the first and most certainly not the last of Devonian young cricketers without this trait. More pressure could have been exerted against Berkshire and had the chances been taken the rain might not have been needed. In the two day game seventy overs of quality spin are needed from bowlers having total confidence in themselves. The exceptionally wet summer of 2007 resulted in the young county spinners not getting the overs in at their clubs and, when it came to playing for Devon, they lacked confidence and equally important match practice. This was a disappointment particularly as Orchard (7@19), Dibble (9 @ 17) and Burke (10 @ 20) provided a cutting edge not often enjoyed at this level but they too would have enjoyed harder, faster tracks. So too would Shane Evenden and Eliot Acton who provided useful support. The fielding until the last game was exceptional with some catches that would have resulted in plaudits even at a test match (Debenham’s six catches just one off the record) and Smith’s keeping improved over the summer. The top and middle order batting was also more than adequate: Bess (142 runs @ 28 414 balls in 449 minutes); Burke (239 @ 47off 483 balls in 511 minutes); Tidball (161 @ 40 346 minutes and balls); Debenham (203 @ 50 off 360 balls in 454 minutes); Whittle (135 @ 27off 227 balls in 255 minutes). One of the strengths of this side at sixteen’s had been the lower order and their ability to finish an innings. In 2007 had this quality been displayed on at least three occasions, totals of around 400 would have been achieved in around 110 overs. The lower order batting overall was very disappointing and it took Mark Orchard at Billericay to demonstrate the art. Devon should have gained promotion, the management got it wrong at Exmouth and the side at Seaton but, having written that, it was still a very good season, we will not look back in years to come on the rains of 2007 but the year that promotion slipped away.

Robbie Debenham was the deserved choice of batsman of the year, Adam Dibble’s pace and attitude justifiably won him the bowler of the year award and James Burkes all round ability made the easy choice of player of the year. Eliot Acton made telling contributions with bat and ball, even though he was perhaps not a 100% fit for all of the season and again he led side to a very high standard. He was well supported by vice captain Andrew Buzza, who took on the mantle of senior spinner, and the other elder statesmen. The youngsters all played their part and Bess, Burke, Dibble, Evenden, Gilmour, Smith and Thompson will form the nucleus of a strong side to take Devon up. Our thanks to an excellent group of players and young men for two terrific years. Jack Porter continued his development into a first class coach although it was unfortunate that he had his summer distracted by hyperbolic functions, matrices and suchlike. The travel manager booked us into very reasonably priced but comfortable accommodation and she ensured we ate well at night and the scorebook balanced! The Devon umpires were as reliable and competent as ever, splendidly organised by John and Di Wadsworth. Exmouth, Sandford and Seaton worked miracles in the most difficult summer in memory and were the normal ideal hosts.