The under 16s have in their first game set the standard required for the 2004 season and now they must strife to continually lift their own level of expectancy. In the annual friendly against the Haberdashers Aske School they completed a competent 128 run win. They scored at 5 and a half an over, bowled out their opponents in 44.1 overs, conceded less than 3 and a half an over, fielded and kept to a high level, conceded only 10 (15) wides and looked a very professional unit. Now the real hard work starts as they push THEMSELVES  to greater heights and achievements - they have set the base level now they must improve further. The visitors won the toss and invited the county side to bat. Daniel Bowser and Josh Bess responded with a partnership of 151 in 112 minutes off 187 balls. Bess was the first to depart for a fine 60 (112m; 89b; 9 fours). The pair were one run short of the highest first wicket partnership achieved in 1990 by Jon Gosling and Tim Miller. Justin Yau lasted four balls before he tried to clear the mid wicket boundary. The third wicket pairing advanced the score to 190 before Matt Cooke chanced his arm in the same direction and lost out to a combination of the Clement brothers for 17 (21m; 29b 2 fours). Daniel Bowser was progressing towards his maiden county hundred only to fall ten short - which was still a county best. He batted for 153 minutes faced 120 deliveries and struck 11 fours and 3 sixes in an excellent performance. With 50 balls left the game plan was to increase the tempo first Ross Acton (14) and Mickey Wilkinson put on 29 in 33 balls and then the Torquay pair of Wilkinson and Jack Porter put on a quick fire 36. Both were left undefeated Wilkinson 25 (46m; 38b) and Porter 24 (12m;10b; 5 fours) and finished the innings in an excellent manner. Tom Allin struck third ball and Ross Acton in his third over as Haberdashers were immediately on the back foot. The third wicket pairing advanced the score to 63 when Yau took the first of his five victims catching Baker off Cooke. The off spinner went on to take 3-28 off ten. Russell Discombe and Justin Yau combined to run out the dangerous Patel for a fine 45. Steven Knight then entered the attack with Yau taking catches off his first and fourth delivers he went on to take 3-12 off four. Jack Porter returned to the attack to end an annoying tenth wicket partnership of 26. It had been a fine team performance with Yau ensuring the pressure was maintained throughout the innings breaking only three stumps. James Carr lead the side competently.
An excellent pipe opener when the attributes required for 50 over cricket were ably demonstrated by a talented squad. We now look forward to the horizons being stretched further over the coming weeks.
Our thanks to Axminster C.C who after the worst July weather for 12 years enabled the game to be played.          Back   |   Scorecard