Jacob Kopparambil bowling for Devon against Wales

Scorecard

DEVON'S U12 boys’ team maintained their impressive start to the season with a 37-run victory over Wales at Newport CC.

A steady start was halted when Jake Pascoe was dismissed which brought Lawrence Walker to the crease.

Walker joined Cameron Ford in a 38-run partnership that took Devon to the drinks break.

Alec Holifield - key inningsWith wickets in hand Devon set about raising the scoring rate, which resulted in wickets being lost. First Walker (17) was run-out, soon to be followed by Ford (32).

Alec Holifield proved the catalyst Devon required, making 40 from 47 balls. Together with Jack Whittaker 32 was added in quick time for the fifth wicket.

Despite this impetus Devon never really got on top of disciplined Welsh attack and the innings closed on 130 for nine.

It would require bowling of a similar kind to thwart Wales and excellent opening spells from Harry Pryce and Jack Whittaker tied Wales down. Only 13 runs came from the first 10 overs.

It was this tight spell that enabled skipper to introduce leg spinner Jacob Kopparambil who set about dismantling the Welsh innings.

Generating plenty of turn and bowling an attacking line that targeted the stumps, Kopparambil picked up 4-22 from his eight overs to turn the game Devon’s way.

Some safe catching and a smart piece of work from Noah Carlisle to claim a stumping ensured Wales never really established any form of momentum.

A ninth-wicket partnership of 26 was Wales’ only partnership of any note as Jack Whittaker and Ed Butler came back to round off the victory.

It is two from two for Devon whose next game is against Dorset on Sunday, June 18.