The swirling mist that had been omnipresent on the journey down to the well tendered Veryan ground finally had the final say when at 6.00 o’clock the game was abandoned, conveniently after the latest edition of Neighbours. Fortunately Devon had bowled the ten overs necessary to create a result and they won two vital points on run rate. After a depressing trip through mist and rain it was reassuring to receive a text message from James Gibson reporting that all was well at our final destination. Time then for a wrong turning and a five mile detour that wasted twenty minutes – manager late again!
James Carr called correctly and despite the risk of rain decided to bat. In difficult moist conditions Daniel Bowser and Josh Bess batted well to within three runs of their second successive century partnerships. This time Bess was the dominant partner and the first to fall chipping Bone to Snell for an excellent 83 ball 70 having hit 12 fours. His partner, well set, then committed the sin of sins and did not bat on falling nine balls later giving Libby the charge and was comfortably stumped by Richards. He will learn that his responsibility is to bat on and feature in other large partnerships. Fortunately after a quite start the two left handers Gary Chappell, making his debut at 16s, and Matt Cooke put on 101 in 21 overs. The pair reinforced their coaches, James Gibson, great belief in partnerships and they complemented each other with outstanding running and orthodoxy from Chappell and Cooke stretching the coaching manual to the limit inviting his hosts to post a long stop for his latest improvisation. Cornwall did not take the chances offered but bowled at an excellent rate in now increasingly misty conditions. Cooke batted for 76 minutes, faced 76 balls and struck 7 fours and a six in his 60 when he holed out. Chappell’s contribution had been equally important and at the demise of Cooke he was joined by his under 15 colleague David Wrench also making his debut. Chappell unselfishly gave his wicket away at 208 for 34 after 90 minutes at the crease facing 65 balls. Wrench and Jack Porter then ran everything and Devon finished on 213-4.
After Tea it was essential that Devon bowled at least ten overs and fortunately they got in 12 before the umpires called the players off at 5.04 when the mist just got stuck. Ross Acton picked up two wickets his first caught at short leg by Porter and the second a caught and bowled. Tom Allin removed Libby’s centre stump and at 28-3 of twelve the visitors were well placed. At 6.00pm it was decided we could make the long trip home, Veryan Cricket Club were delightful hosts doing everything in their power to make the game possible.             Back  |   Scorecard