DEVON U13 girls beat Somerset by three wickets in a nail biter at Wellington School on Thursday.

Somerset are top of the table so beating them was an achievement for Devon, who paved the way by dismissing their hosts for 88 in 22 overs.

Emma Corney (2-12) claimed a pair of early wickets, but the star of the show with the ball was change bowler Alicia Stebbing, who took four for 24 from seven overs.

Evie Privett was the other bowler with wickets, one caught and bowled and the other from a catch held by Emily Jakes at long-off.

Devon had to bat before tea and were 21 for one at the break with Corney and Jemima Vereker just getting comfortable.

The partnership continued for another 18 runs added to the score before Vereker fell lbw.

Corney’s patience with the bat, coupled with the support of the incoming girls, slowly but steadily put the runs on the board.

Corney was on 49 with Devon on 86 and three short of victory.

Devon supporters were desperate for Corney to reach 50, but it wasn’t to be as she was caught at mid-on – and two balls later Ruby Davies went as well.

Devon panicked and lost another wicket shortly afterwards.

Incoming batter Eliza Heard took a blow on the ribs from a high ball, but gamely carried on.

Olivia Diamond at the other end was determined to wrap things up and hit the winning runs in the penultimate over.