Donohue praises Devon bowlers after gruelling first day against Cornwall

Three wickets - Josh King. Picture: Pinnacle Photo Agency

SCORECARD 

BRAD Wadlan hit a top-quality century as Cornwall took control against Devon on day one at Sidmouth.

Cornwall, in a three-horse race with Berkshire and Shropshire for the Western Division title in the final round of games, were all out for 286 with Wadlan top scoring on 116.

Devon lost their first two wickets without scoring a run – one each for Jordan Thomas and James Turpin – and were 40 for three when Josh Bess was caught behind.

Top score - Dan PyleDan Pyle made 42 in a Devon running total of 70 for four, but hopes of a half-century or better vanished when he snicked off trying to drive Christian Purchase.

Skipper Matt Thompson was next to go, caught and bowled by Andrew Libby leaving Devon 113 for five.

And when Matt Golding was caught in the slips having a flash at the returning Turpin, Devon were 118 for six.

Jack Dart dropped anchor to see Devon though to 137 at the close, 149 behind but safe from having to follow-on.

Godfrey Furse, Cornwall’s team manager, said Wadlan’s contribution was significant.

“The difference between two fairly well-matched sides so far has been Brad Wadlan, who batted superbly,” said Furse.

“Our bowlers have got us into a strong position by the end of the day, but we have played Devon often enough to know they bat deep.

“It only needs one player to go on and get 50-60 in the first innings and it’s back to being a close game.”

Devon’s batting calamities took the shine off a respectable bowling performance to stop Cornwall running away with the game,

Wadlan, in at 59 for three, went out at 263 for seven caught behind off Zak Bess.

Along the way Wadlan shared stands of 47 with Paul Smith (24), 60 with Connor Miles (25) and 73 for the seventh wicket with Turpin (31).

Cornwall’s professional was certainly good value as 204 runs went in the book while he was batting. He hit 16 fours and three sixes during a 107-ball stay,

Jamie Stephens (2-82) took a bit of punishment, but nothing worrying for a young spinner in his first season at Minor County level.

Once Wadlan was dismissed Devon’s bowlers were let loose on the Cornwall tail and that proved a one-sided affair.

Seamer Josh King returned to pick up two more wickets for figures of three for 40 in the innings.

Zak Bess (2-56) was too quick for Andrew Libby and kept the pressure on the tail-enders with generous use of the short ball.

Keith Donohue, Devon’s director of cricket, felt his seamers kept the score down by 70-80 runs.

“We could have been looking at 350 plus at one stage, but at a crucial time Zak Bess came up with a great spell,” said Donohue.

“He bowled with aggression when it was needed and we got them out with 20 overs to spare.

“All our seamers bowled well and Jamie Stephens was unlucky Wadlan chanced his arm against him and it came off.”

Cornwall 286 (B L Wadlan 116, J R Turpin 31; J V King 3-40, J R Popham 2-42), Devon 137-6 (D R Pyle 42, J F S Dart 30no; J R Turpin 2-32, J Thomas 2-27).