Thanks to the generosity of the Sidmouth Cricket Club, who very kindly hosted this match the under 21s had a useful work out on Bank Holiday Monday in the sun against the full Jersey side. With the ground looking in immaculate condition and the sails glistening in the distance James Gibson did his bit by winning the toss and batting. The Sandford pair Richard Foan and Neil Bettiss, who had together passed Braunton's total the previous Saturday, set off as if on fire with Foan in particularly good form. He was fortunate in Horton's first over when a chance behind was not accepted but he did not look back to crash 9 splendid fours in his 40 minutes at the crease scoring at a run a minute but facing only 34 balls. Some of his shots were imperial and he has come fully of age as a very talented batsman. At the other end his equally talented partner was in not such good nick but the pair raced to 63 at over six an over.  Bettiss was the first to fall but he will have a vital part to play later in the season as the side compete in the new Southern Counties competition. His partner followed the next over and the first from Ryan Driver, the former Worcestershire and Lancashire cricketer, who struggled with three wides out of his first four balls but then bowled Foan with his fifth delivery. At 66-2 after 10 overs the complexion of the game changed as Dan Bowser and James Toms decided to stabilise the situation. Tight bowling from Driver and spinner Gough did not help as they put the brakes on as Devon advanced to 112 after 28 overs. Toms then played across the line to be caught for a well constructed 60 ball 34 including 5 fours. For the second time in the innings Devon then promptly lost another wicket again in the following over when Bowser was stumped off Jenners third ball. The lower middle order came and went with Richard Tucker, James Gibson and Marc Bettiss all leg before victims. At 128-7 after 35 overs Devon needed to spark a revival and so it was to be as Adam Parker, who up to this game was averaging close to 70 in the Premier, if he were to get out and Stuart Priscott then demonstrated the importance of shot selection as they advanced the score to 189 after 47. Both batted sensibly and the running was excellent. Having steadied the ship they then set about raising a defendable total. The acceleration was well judged with Parker taking a particular liking to the returning opening bowler Horton as he took him for 12 off his first. The pair put on a vital partnership of 61 off 77 balls and the side were approaching their first team target.  Parker fell for the cause trying to cart the other opening bowler Saralis but his innings had been exceptional. He faced 39 balls for his 37 striking 3 fours yet he was still to play another telling part in the game. His partner Priscott continued the fine job he was doing when in the company of the home clubs Will Murray took the score up to an acceptable 214. Their 25 runs came off 16 deliveries.                                 Next