The trip to Essex had been viewed as perhaps 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. Dibbles music catalogue, if not his batting, should ensure 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 Kate ensuring keen interest but interesting it was only Debenham that extracted a smile.
The warm up appeared to be uneventful, big match payers 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. It is anticipated that our hosts did not foresee that it would be them doing the blocking! Disaster struck as James Fletcher, on padding up, reported that the strain he had sustained, but not advised, on the previous Monday, in a totally insignificant ten wicket win over Torquay under 17s would prevent him from playing a part in the game. The air was blue! Luke Bess then rushed on his pads and in an totally unprepared condition went out to resume his opening partnership with James Burke. If there had been tension before it had rapidly multiplied. However fortunately for the Brixham opener all was well as they put on their second first innings century opening partnership of the summer. Their knowledge, from the national finals, of inswing bowler Ison helped but they looked in no difficulty, well apart perhaps from their running, at all. A tremendous partnership that 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 fifties and controlling the situation as well as anyone at this age group. At 2.35 on 70, after facing 187 balls, Burke inexplicably gave Jabar the tamest of catches and Ison his first wicket. The partnership was the third highest under 17 opening partnership; Luke’s brother took part in the highest. 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 a cardinal sin and one run later was out in 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 was now unable to play on the front foot. It would be necessary for someone of far greater maturity than this particularly mature young man to deal with this situation and although the umpire, working in conjunction with his colleague, 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. 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, for the first time in fifteen years there was a discussion with the umpires and confirmation from the opposition about the incorrectness of the situation did not really help the temperature. Fortunately Robbie Debenham was displaying an ability to play an innings to suit the situation and started to return Devon to a more secure position. With the captain the pair took us back to where we had been in the first session of play putting on 62 when Acton played a shot, it was hoped he had given up at under 13s. He, like Debenham, was looking a class performer and had he batted a little longer the fourth bonus point would not be 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. It is uncertain if Acton fully appreciates what a good batsman he really is. Sam Smith is another really fine batsman and with Debenham looking a cricketer of the highest quality the pair took the side up to close of play at 327-5 after 109 overs. For the second successive game no risks were taken 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 nutrionist.
No missing keys, we leave on time refuel for the M25 and are summoned for a discussion with the umpires. As far as Devon was concerned the matter was closed. Bat in hand, Haydon, Gooch and Grieg imitated and Tom Smith referred too 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 on 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 as close 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 after behind 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. We had to bat the eleven overs remaining and get close to our target. Gilmour fell on the same score 334, Buzza initially did the right thing and gave the strike to Smith, with Smith being sportingly recalled as he 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 tasked to get Smith to his maiden county hundred, bat the remaining six overs and set up the 400 – no problem. Smith was playing a truly magnificent innings displaying all the qualities, including patience and shot selection, of a master batsman. He swept, pad 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 anyone down and demonstrated how the tail should bat with a set batsman – give him the strike. The 380 was 20 short and we gave Essex another 3 overs we failed on all counts on all plans.
Our hosts have obtained maximum bowling points in all their games to date, in their last one reaching their first innings target of 302 without loss in 64 overs so their strength was well known. 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. 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 now changed to how quickly they would get them, who would score a hundred to would we follow on? It got even better after lunch as a cunning plan hatched by Baldrick was set, apparently without Buzza’s knowledge as he complained he had been placed in a position wasting his huge fielding talent. Two balls later the sides real danger man Browne hooked Burke and Buzza did the rest. In nearly worked with the South’s Hurst but he just missed one of the fielders and his second attempt split the trap, he did however then start rolling his wrists. Hurst and Idson then 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 always put the batters under increasing pressure. However the current partnership looked as if it was still feasible. Acton, now carrying an injury it is hoped that he had not picked up the previous Saturday, was unable to bowl, indeed walk, Fletcher had to stand at slip and short mid wicket, in real pain, for a number of overs and our position did not look so promising. Jack Porter worked his magic and got the captain at least walking and he returned to the action. Buzza then worked his magic again. On 162 he bowled Hurst on the back foot and then on 198 with Ison, a very clean hitter, on 95 Debenham took what may well be the catch of the season, not just for the execution but its importance. Ibson may well have been thinking a single hit would take him to three figures, he took on Buzza struck it well and it sailed high and handsome towards the mid wicket boundary. Robbie turned, set off and incredibly caught it two handed over his shoulder – staggering. His self believe (well apart from his bowling at present) is a key element of his character – fortunately as some might not have got close – a brilliant catch. Apparently at 198-6 with potentially 45 overs remaining to score the 183 (4 an over) it was now time for the shutters to go up. This was achieved with only one mishap as Devon picked up a third bowling point as the new ball in Burke’s hand found the edge and Smith, who has returned to his normal form, with the gloves did the rest. Essex finished 103 short with three wickets in hand. There was still hope as the number eleven was viewed having some throw downs. A fine performance from everyone, with the injury aspect the only real disappointment as it could have been critical. Porter had his ipod returned, the cool down maintained standards and the M25 was not as bad as Tuesday. Exeter was reached at five past midnight and all should have been pleased with their endeavours as Devon remains six points ahead of the pack with Berkshire at Seaton. At Axminster the next day the umpiring quandary was explained to an ACUS tutor and examiner and a letter will now go to the MCC at Lords. He had never heard anything like it. |
