Devon v Sussex – Seaton C.C. 14th August

Scorecard

This game answered the critics of the 21s competition. It was a compelling match that ebbed and flowed throughout the 98.2 overs. Sussex won the toss and batted at ten overs they were 57-0 and it was the introduction of Tom Wright and Andy Pugh into the attack that altered the whole complexion of the game. At 65 in the thirteenth over Pugh bowled Grammer, next over a magnificent throw from third man by Aaron Williams ran out Harrison and Devon were back in the game. Sussex then scored 72 runs in the next twenty overs as both bowlers only conceded just over three an over. Edmonds removed Sussex ’s leading run scorer Heather but Wakefield showed a liking for the sweep as he struck a 63 ball 55. Richard Foan then made a telling contribution with three vital wickets for 32 off nine forcing Wakefield into the reverse sweep which went straight to Neil Bettiss at backward point. A direct throw from his brother Marc to the bowlers end removed Raynor, the pair having formed impressions earlier in the season at 17s. Some expensive overs allowed Sussex seventh and eighth wicket pairs to put on 46 and allow them back into the game and they ended on 238-8.

Tom Wright swung and hit four off the first over, Richard Foan fell first ball off the next leg before and the heart started beating. Neil Bettiss and Wright put on 40 off 38 when Bettiss smashed one to short cover and had to walk back. Andy Pugh went third ball caught - Devon 47-3. Pacemaker time. The captain Trevor Anning and the in form Wright, who’s batting in 2003 has been a total revelation then put on 44 before Anning tried to find the car park and was caught. Perhaps the innings key partnership followed as the openers against Somerset just carried of as they left off putting on 75. If Wright has been a revelation Aaron Williams has truly come of age in this programme of matches. They took 88 balls to take their side up to 166 after 35 overs when Wright was eventually bowled for a match winning 75. He had guided his side out of a mess into a strong position. David Lye joined Williams and they put on 22 with Lye particularly watchful early on. Williams sweep failed for the first time and he was leg before at 188-6 with 51 runs needed off 55 balls and four wickets in hand. Holman was stumped at 203 - 31 balls to score 36. James Gibson joined Lye who was then dropped at long on, omens good. Heather came back for an over Lye despatched him for 14, nearly there. Discussion at crease - first ball of the 48th straight four from Gibson landing just short of the boundary, next ball blocked, third ball top end garden - six. In the penultimate over Pieman hits 2 and a 4 (his 50) game won, ten balls to spare amazing sensation, control emotions, turn off pacemaker, thank umpires, have a drink.  Back