Having worked with many of this group of fine young men for two years this report is one of the more difficult to write but to ensure credibility is retained  is has to be objective. The side entered the game with Berkshire in pole position knowing that a win of first innings would ensure promotion to the top division for the first time in Devon’s history. The preparation was not ideal, it was not a surprise that James Fletcher confirmed he would not be fit. For a number of reasons last years leading batsman involvement this summer has been just one game – a big loss as he had proved in 2006 that he could provide a sound foundation. Five hundred runs from him would have been useful. The same day his Brixham team mate, Mark Orchard, called in to report a groin strain. Scrumpies loss was also major as he gives a side a different dimension in his whole hearted approach and his 200% effort. His gung ho approach was really missed. In view of these losses Mark Gilmour was also retained despite falling off his bike in a most unpleasant accident with a wall. The weather was still a problem with the first day looking the worse but heavy / light showers were predicted for both days. In fact the two days were the most disjointed in Devon youth two day history and the work of Seaton’s Peter Anderson and the umpires was truly amazing in actually ensuring that 144 overs were bowled in the two days despite seven interruptions.

It is always difficult to build up momentum on a rain affected day and most certainly on perhaps the most important day of their summer the seventeen’s failed to build up any momentum at all on a disjointed first day against Berkshire. It had a feel of last day of term. Eliot Acton returned to winning the toss and inserted. 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 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 unacceptable 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 after a consultation between the umpires on carry. In the previous game the 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 openers were using the conditions well. The third wicket put on sixty-eight not without mishap, a caught and bowled, two chances to second slip when the sides best slipper was off the field, even a bowled on a no ball. It was then a run out that changed the complexion. The two keepers were involved Thompson swooped at mid wicket quick early release, Smith breaks the stumps removing the middle one nearly into the town centre. Dibble continued to impress bowling Goddard. Gandom looked as if he would bat a day and half then left a straight one from the equally impressive Burke. There were no further developments with close of play leaving Berkshire handily placed at 162-5 after 223 minutes and 65 overs. It was vital that the remaining five wickets were taken in the first session of the next day so the home side had a decent number of overs to score the runs.

Although supposedly a brighter day, 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 ending, to the then relief of the home side. The day started well with Diddle continuing to provide vital input, 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, took off and plucked the ball that was leaving him out of the air oleft handed for yet another exceptional catch. It was hoped this would ignite a speedy conclusion to Berkshires innings, it was clear the previous night that occupation of the crease was the name of the game and this continued into the second days play. At 182 Burke moved up the charts as the leading wicket taker when he bowled Donnelly, eleven runs later the captain trapped the stubborn Carson, who had batted 80 minutes for his 31, in front. Devon for the second game running were having difficulty removing batsmen whose sole intent was not to get out. The slips were as yesterday not taking their chances until Robbie Debenham held another good one to remove the 71 ball Brock for 12 to put Burke top of the charts for the summer. Rain ensured lunch was taken early as the team demonstrated the skills that had been taught overnight by the Wimbledon ground staff as the sheet covers were taken on and off in lightening fashion. The last two partnerships took up 74 minutes and the innings did not close until 2.28 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 third ball Bess under edged to be caught at the third attempt by the keeper, Beven bowled Tidball at nine, Burke and Debenham were likely to be a key as to whether the task was possible, looked as if it was when Payne had  Burke stone dead 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 whacked leg side, 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 going up and cleaning chimney stakes as he tried to sweep everything. This was the partnership that would take the side up to a score where they could achieve their goal of promotion but on 67 after 33 overs Smith holed out. Devon were 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 and Devon stood no chance of getting their runs. Debenham’s season came to an unfortunate end when he called but his partner did not concur and was run out for an 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 and another season in the Division 2 South – sad. Berkshire, with nothing to loose had set attacking fields, two bat pads, put Devon under pressure with loud united appeals and they left the ground on top. Lots of lessons to be learnt but they will be saved for the annual report. The scorer had not been looking forward to saying goodbye to the group whose charm, personality and character had made an indelible impression was in tears and the vases already have an important place. Thank you the 2006/2007 squad for two terrific years it is just a tragedy that you put on only your second poor performance, in this period, the first Haberdashers, when you actually needed a very good one but that is life. Seaton were outstanding hosts in most difficult circumstances