Sussex v Devon (3)

They batted on 4.2 overs after tea and left Devon 29 overs. With attacking fields the visitors were in no trouble on a now easy track but Wigley was run out by a direct hit going for a tight second although he did look as if he had been on the road for five days and was now batting in full sun again. Watkin started to help Bowring to the team’s objective of an additional batting point when he tried to hit one over the sight screen to be caught at slip. It looked with 18 runs needed off three overs that the objective might not be achieved but with Bettiss exploiting the lap, the reverse sweep and the slog the target was passed with five balls to spare. At this stage Gibbo and Watkin brought them in with much of the sides credibility restored. Bowring remained 32 not out after 82 minutes at the crease.

A tired but happy team returned to Devon having notched up 600 miles, played in soaring temperatures and performed with great credit. The manager saved his letter for another occasion but vowed….The visit, on the return journey, to the Portuguese speaking Little Chef will remain for a long time and the fact that Gibson and Bettiss were too tired to play the alphabet game a blessing.

Scorecard

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The holders of the new under 17 eighth wicket record partnership - Craig Miles and Chris Jenn