The Under 17 2016 Season

Played

10

Won outright (3day)

1

Lost outright (3day)

1

Won

2

Lost

4

Drawn

2

v South & West England Under 15s at Exmouth C.C. – Devon won by 18 runs
DEVON	207-8	(H.Sargent 32, T.Lammonby 60, T.Andrew 36)
SOUTH & WEST	189	(M.Parker 3-34)
v Kings College at Kings – Devon lost by 5 wickets
DEVON	185-5 (40 overs)	(H.Sargent 93, N.Wright 35)
KINGS	187-5	(H.Ward 4-51)

The ECB Cup Competition
v Worcestershire at Heathcoat C.C – Devon lost by 4 wickets
DEVON	200	(T.Lammonby 79, J.Khan 41)
WORCESTERSHIRE	201-6	(H.Ward 3-34)
v Gloucestershire at Clifton College. – Devon won by 18 runs
DEVON	262-5	(H.Sargent 58, N.Wright 46, T.Lammonby 104*)
GLOUCESTERSHIRE	244	(J.Hagan-Burt 3-42, H.Ward 4-49)
v Somerset at Taunton School. – Devon lost by 70 runs
SOMERSET	217-9	(H.Ward 3-46, M.Petherbridge 3-52)
DEVON	147	(T.Lammonby 31, J.Hagan-Burt 44)
v Hampshire at Seaton C.C. – Devon lost by 2 wickets
DEVON	205-8	(J.Hagan-Burt 75)
HAMPSHIRE	206-8	(J.Gibbs 3-30, B.Rudolph 3-35)
The ECB County Championship
v Worcestershire at Exmouth C.C.  – Devon lost by 239 runs
WORCESTERSHIRE	304-7 dec	(M.Hancock 3-52)
	197-9 dec	(M.Hancock 4-60, M.Petherbridge 3-54)
DEVON	212	(B.Rudolph 103)
	50
v Gloucestershire at Great Rissington C.C.– Devon won by 144 runs
DEVON	340-8 dec	(N.Wright 51, T.Lammonby 139, H.Ward 65)
	251-4 dec	(H.Sargent 57, J.Hagan-Burt 85, T.Lammonby 60)
GLOUCESTERSHIRE	230	(B.Rudolph 6-30 )
	217	(M.Hancock 3-69)
v Hampshire at Sandford C.C.. – Match Drawn
DEVON	252-8	(H.Sargent 62, J.Hagan-Burt 73, B.Rudolph 56)
	469-6	(J.Bovey 54, J.Hagan-Burt 117, B.Rudolph 107, H.Ward 79)
HAMPSHIRE	459	(B.Rudolph 3-60)
v Somerset at Taunton Vale. – Match Drawn
SOMERSET	212	(K.Szymanski 4-35, H.Ward 4-38)
DEVON	251-5	(H.Sargent 103, B.Phillips 79)

The 2016 Squad

B.Rudolph (captain), T.Andrew, J.Bovey, J.Gibbs, M.Hancock, J.Hagan-Burt, A.Kopparambil, J.Khan, T.Lammonby, S.Maunder, J,Onley-Gregson, T.Oxland, B.Phillips, M.Petherbridge, O.Reed, H.Sargent, K.Szymanski, H.Ward, T.Williams, N.Wright,.

It says much that on the final day of the summer it really was sad to say goodbye to an above average number in their final season. Normally it would be a fifty/fifty split  but there were only three sixteens in the final eleven and for one it was also potentially their final county age group game. The 2016 under seventeens were a decent group who pulled together most effectively. They experienced a number of availability problems, something that is unfortunately now the norm, yet they still came out on the plus side. Their attitude in their final day together summed up what is their undoubted strength, in adversity and not a little provocation they came out on top!

The one day programme was salvaged by a good win against Gloucestershire and either side could have won at Seaton, unfortunately it was Hampshire. The summer started on a perfect summers day at one of Devons really outstanding cricket grounds, Heathcoat, Devon Under 17s played the County Age Groups first competitive white ball cricket match. The only real disappointment was the result as Devon top order folded in a most unexpected way. It was evident that the home side were ring rusty and they would have much ground to make up over the following four Sundays if they were to make an impact in this year's one day competition. There were some real pluses in the performances of Lammonby, Ward , Maunder and debutant Jamie Khan. The first game of any season is normally one of great expectations but due to the under 17 season starting six weeks earlier than normal the players had not had many opportunities to show their mettle. This change was the result of separating the one day programme from the old two day to allow for the new format of three day cricket. Another major change has been the introduction of coloured clothing to the one day format. For both sides this was their first attempt and Worcestershire responded better than Devon.

Billy Rudolph won the toss and his sided batted. Unfortunately by the eighteenth over the home side had lost half their team with just fifty-one runs on the magnificent Heathcoat electronic scoreboard. Much discussion in the winter had centred on going hard in the first PowerPlays but Devon scored at less than threes for the first ten overs also losing the important wickets of Phillips for three and Wright without contributing. Twenty-eight for two had already put the home side under pressure but whilst Sargent and Lammonby were batting together there was real hope that once stabilised Devon could then go through the gears. Unfortunately Sargent departed in the fifteenth over with the score having advanced to forty-nine. However by the start of the nineteenth Devon were in a hole of reasonable proportions having lost the vital wickets of Hagan-Burt and Rudolph. Silently the question was asked how were Devon going to get even near a competitive total. Ultimately such a target was not achieved but total humiliation was avoided as first the two under sixteens Tom Lammonby and Jamie Khan put on ninety-four, the highest sixth wicket stand of the summer. The Exeter School pairing batted well together showing the benefit of a long term school and CAG association. Once Khan smashed a four off a free hit he looked totally at home. Until the fateful second ball of the thirty-sixth over they ran well and then there was total confusion and either batsman could have been run out but it was Khan who fell on his sword. It was an incredibly disappointing end to an excellent stand. The pair faced one hundred and twelve balls in a minute under the hour and demonstrated what a flat track the host club had provided. It had produced over six hundred runs the previous day. Respectability had been achieved but a big enough total still seemed out of reach. Lammonby was past his fifty and Khan was nine short of a deserved one. Tom Lammonby was next to fall caught down the leg side by keeper Fitzmaurice for an outstanding seventy-nine off one hundred and seventeen balls of which seven were fours. Eight balls later Maunder pulled and skied a simple caught and bowled and it was left to Harry Ward and Jack Gibbs to try and utilise all of the remaining forty-eight balls and get well past two hundred. They took the score up to one hundred and ninety-six and the final pair of Oli Reed and Ward reached two hundred. Jack Gibbs, a second debutant, showed some batting potential scoring an unlucky thirteen when he tried to work a straight ball to be bowled. Reed was the third Devon batsman not to disturb the scorers, Ward remained unbeaten on twenty-six and once again reinforced his value to the side as a recognised batsman having helped take Devon from one hundred and forty-five to two hundred. Twenty-eight balls were unused but this time it is unlikely they would have been sufficient to make a difference but on another occasion............

The Maunders pulled out all the stops for the first Lasagne of the summer setting an exceptionally high standard and for some the first strawberries of the summer were thoroughly enjoyed. The difference in approach of the two sides was shown by the first three Worcestershire partnerships. After six overs they were scoring at five and a half when Jamie Khan held an exceptional diving slip catch off Hagan Burt to remove Johai. The Haynes brothers took their side up to ninety-five in the twelfth over when Lammonby held another good catch to give Gibbs his first under seventeen wicket. The brothers batted with a very professional positive intent and did not allow the Devon bowlers to settle. They have a high quality pedigree being sons of the counties stalwart Gavin Haynes. In the thirteenth over the visitors were in total command two down with ninety-five on the board scoring at just under eight. Matt Petherbridge had one of his shortest county spells and Worcestershire kept up the tempo. Harry Ward entered the attack and gained some control, albeit too late, for his side. He had Hassan brilliantly stumped leg side by Maunder and watched Sam Maunder take a straight forward catch off Hagan-Burt to see Worcestershire reduced to one hundred and sixty-nine for four after twenty-six overs. The run rate was now six and half but Ben Phillips who had patrolled the boundaries with great skill took a good catch to give Ward a second. The game had gone as the Midland side were just eighteen short with one hundred and twenty-five balls remaining. Sam Maunder took an exceptional catch to give Ward his third with only fourteen needed. This was a heavy defeat but not the thumping it had appeared earlier but there were big differences between the sides with the wide count just one example - 16/7. Heathcoat in the sun is one of the joys of cricket and a fitting ground for the first appearance of black sight screens in CAG cricket.

This year's game with the South and West 15s was a nicely balanced affair where it is hoped both sides benefitted with the visitors deriving a greater knowledge of their squad. Devon came out winners by eighteen runs having given opportunities to two under fourteens and the under fifteen captain who had been at Loughborough with the West squad earlier in the week. The early cloud was burnt off as Exmouth provided a near perfect summers day where we were visited by a number of old boys. With Chris Read representing the 1990's along with Trevor Anning and last year's captain Dan Pyle and Sam Wyatt-Hayes the last decade. Exmouth provided another outstanding track in the middle of the square under the false impression that as the SKY pod was at Old Trafford their commentary team would need the box. Rudolph won his second successive toss and made first use of an excellent track with good bounce and carry. It was hoped after the game against Worcestershire that the batters would take the opportunity of time at the crease and put some runs in their lockers. Unfortunately only three took the opportunity offered to the full. Harvey Sargent and Noah Wright added thirty-one in thirty-five minutes before Wright was caught by Ojomoh. The fielder was the son of the former West Buckland schoolboy and subsequently England rugby international Steve Ojomoh who was at the ground. Sargent and Harvey added fifty for the second wicket off eighty balls and in forty-two minutes. This was the highest partnership of the innings. Sargent played a forward defensive and watched the ball trickle on to his stumps to be bowled by Critchley for thirty-two. In the twenty-second over the home side were 81-2 in a reasonable place to build a decent target. After his success against Worcestershire Jamie Khan hit two fours but was bowled by Organ for twelve. Devon were now past the hundred and Tom Lammonby was continuing where he had left off against Worcestershire ten short of a fifty. He was now joined by Ivybridge's promising all-rounder, under fourteen, Abraham Kopparambil. The pairing put on thirty-seven against the visitors spinners who bowled fifty-six balls in twenty-two minutes. Kopparambil was Price's first victim as he was caught by Waddington off the second ball of the thirty-eighth over for a well constructed sixteen off thirty-three balls. The home side were 141- 4 with seventy-six balls remaining. There was still scope for a total of two-twenty plus. Much would depend on Lammonby who was now eight past his fifty. He only added two in the fifth wicket partnership of seven when he was the second caught Waddington bowled Price of the innings. Tom Andrew was now batting and was to bat through to the end as he was first joined by Billy Rudolph for a partnership of sixteen off eighteen balls, then with Ben Phillips added twenty-six at a run a ball in thirteen minutes, eight with Harry Ward and finally an unbeaten nine with James Onley-Gregson who showed real intent with his approach to running. This was disappointingly Onley-Gregson's only appearance at either age group in 2016. The final total of 207 was most certainly attainable for the younger opponents. Having seen the totals so far in this year's competition it was obvious with the advent of T20 cricket that the goal posts have moved. The result is different approaches to the playing of all forms of cricket. In fifty over cricket totals of three hundred now appeared to be the initial target! It was also appreciated that if this was to be regularly achieved by Devon it would very much involve all twelve members of the side making important contributions. The second lasagne of the summer was again enjoyed and targets were set for the bowlers and fielders.

Glutton for punishment Tom Lammonby opened the bowling with James Onley-Gregson and struck in his first over bowling Goldsworthy. The West's second wicket pairing added thirty-one off sixty-three balls as Devon bowled and fielded tidily. With forty on the board Matt Parker, who had taken over from Onley-Gregson, struck with keeper Ben Phillips taking his first catch of the summer. Lammonby ended his spell with figures of 7-3-8-1. He was replaced at the sea end by the captain Billy Rudolph who took the third wicket in the sixteenth over with Lammonby taking the catch. Fifty-six for three became seventy-eight for four when the captain trapped Morgan in front. Under fourteen Max Hancock was introduced in the twenty-third over and nearly had a caught and bowled first ball. The left arm spinner was joined in the attack in the twenty-eighth over by leg spinner Harry Ward. Two overs later the MIllfield Prep School record breaking bowler took his first under seventeen wicket when Harvey Sargent held the catch to end the highest partnership of the visitors innings of fifty-two with the keeper Brewer returning to the pavilion. The West still needed seventy-eight off one hundred and twenty-balls. Disappointingly for the visitors only fifty-nine runs were added for the loss of five wickets. Harry Ward had Wyatt leg before, He then caught Pardoe for the best individual return of the innings - thirty-three to give Hancock a second. Goodman was Phillips second catch this time off Ward. Hancock who had taken 2-35 off ten was replaced by Matt Parker who with the captain's help removed the oppositions captain Kantolinna. Charlesworth, with Oxford connections, was bowled by Parker and Devon had won by eighteen runs. Parker finished with his sides best figures 10-0-34-3. Devon under sixteens and seventeens were due to have another seven days cricket at the Mare in 2016 and it was important that they take full advantage of this outstanding facility. Exmouth as always, were outstanding hosts all summer, in sometimes difficult circumstances including a non attendance!

For the last day of the half term holiday it was a school day start and it proved to be a really long day for everyone. A failure of a manifold on the Moor resulted in Devon travelling with eleven. Cloud cover and misty rain did not give a clue to the glorious day that followed even if the BBC Weather App had done so. Devon were returning to Clifton College where they had played a two-day game two years ago. With a 10.45am start Sandy Allen went for the short, sharp approach after giving the players some net time. All looked well, agreement was reached that if success was to be achieved this summer it would be the result of everyone contributing and the side then put this into practice. Billy Rudolph made it three out of three. The openers Harvey Sargent and Noah Wright ran enterprisingly from ball one and despite some close shaves were batting very comfortable together with a century partnership very much on the cards. However as in the previous game with Worcestershire it was a run out that ended the innings major partnership. The pair had put on eighty-four in nineteen point two overs when confusion resulted in Wright being run out four short of his first county fifty of the season. Sargent was on thirty-two. This was the highest opening partnership in a competitive match which in itself was rather disappointing. In fact we had five single figure opening partnerships in the summer and we generally missed the impetus that a solid start provides. With Tom Andrew still not at the ground Jamie Khan joined Sargent and as often happens one wicket becomes two as Khan was caught by the diving Palmer at mid wicket for one off Drissell. The spinner was attacking the leg stump bowling around the wicket but it had taken Tom Lammonby to spot that the sight screen was set up for his bowling over the wicket! As the old adage states you should always add on two wickets to any score and Devon from 84-0 were now 91-2 and not so well placed. Fortunately Sargent and Lammonby added another sixty-four in forty-minutes off eighty-eighty balls. In the thirty-five over Sargent swept in the air and was caught by Pierre on the rope. Sargent had approached one hundred and fifty for Sidmouth second team the previous day and his confidence was now fully restored. Devon were now 155-3 off thirty-five overs and the opposition were contemplating chasing three hundred for the second time this summer but add on two. Devon quickly lost Hagan-Burt for seven and Tom Andrew who chipped to mid on for one to leave Devon now five down with one hundred and eighty-six on the score board. Andrew therefore did not complete his hundred for the weekend having been unbeaten the previous day on 98 for Bovey twos. Fortunately Lammonby and Ben Phillips added an unbeaten seventy-six for the sixth wicket off fifty-nine balls and in thirty-seven minutes. This partnership was the second highest sixth wicket contribution of 2016 and was vital in taking Devon to a reasonable 262, their fourth highest fifty over total. Lammonby had passed his second under seventeen hundred to be unbeaten on one hundred and four and Phillips scored at a run a ball for his twenty-five hitting his sides only six. Lammonby has now scored two hundred and forty-three runs in his three knocks - an outstanding contribution. The only comment that could be made about lunch was that Gloucestershire sent out an SOS to a member of their staff for additional rations for their players which did not go down particularly well in the score box!

The Gloucestershire openers go hard from the start and they put on thirty-seven when Hagan-Burt bowled the home sides captain Palmer. This had been off forty-three balls but the other opener Forbes and Hooper then put on one hundred and fourteen off only one hundred and thirty-balls. Gloucestershire were exceptionally well placed at 151-1 with Rudolph having employed five bowlers but it was when he turned to Harry Ward, in the twenty-sixth over, that Devon started to claw back the initiative. After an expensive first over Ward then bowled nine overs for thirty-three runs but vitally taking four wickets. Had Devon held all their chances, they dropped at least five, he would have taken more as he turned the game around also taking wickets at the other end. He had Hooper caught in the ring by Gibbs, and then removed the dangerous Forbes who had scored eighty-eight, not chanceless runs, caught Sargent, the skipper then bowled their Ward to leave Gloucestershire 176-4 with ninety balls to score eighty-six all was still very much in favour of the batting side. However the coach was now on his calculator as the required run rate kept creeping up as Devon started to turn the screw. Wards third was Drissell caught Reed 185-5. One run later Rudolph had the scorers namesake caught by Sargent. Now only Senior stood in the way of an away victory. In the forty-third over Lammonby held his first catch off Ward as Gloucestershire were seven down still requiring forty-four off forty-two. Devon were now spilling chances and Ward suffered with the others. Hagan-Burt returned to the attack, after Reed previously good figures had been dented, to bowl Calcott. In the forty-seventh over Lammonby bowled Senior for a twenty-four ball thirty-one. The calculator was now put away as the home side needed twenty-two off twenty-two with one wicket in hand. The opening and death bowlers then combined to take the final wicket when Groves was caught Lammonby bowled Hagan-Burt Devon victors by eighteen with eleven balls remaining. An outstanding recovery with now many of the players having had the benefit of match play. Six of the bowlers had gone for less than six an over with Hagan- Burt taking 3-42, Lammonby going for less than three, Rudolph 2-23 and the outstanding Ward - 4-49. Hunger pangs were satisfied at Gordano's and Hampshire had beaten Worcestershire. Devon would have to improve their catching for the rest of the summer, the low point being when a single was taken as an apology was offered! Gibbs completed his revision for his history exam the next day and gave the writer a crash course in the use of the Ipad.

The following Sunday Devon were at Taunton School for the first time at sixteens or seventeens to play the league leaders. The reparative post match thanks for coming was probably fair with regard Devon’s lack lustre batting performance but slightly disingenuous with regard their bowling and fielding. Devon had restricted their hosts to their lowest total of the summer. Indeed had the visitors taken all the chances it is possible that twenty-five to thirty runs could have been shaved off the final total. The brilliant early season weather had vanished and the BBC Weather and Rain Today apps started playing a fundamental role once again in our lives. Rain had featured in the forecast since our previous game and for the first time this summer it arrived. It was cold and overcast as Rudolph lost his first toss of the season and Devon were in the field for the first time in 2016. There had been a preference from some of the team to field first so it would be interesting to see how Devon would respond to chasing. There were two short breaks for rain in the Somerset Innings but overall Devon kept to the task of putting on the pressure. One fundamental part of such a tactic is not to give batsmen a second chance and this is one area where improvement was still essential. The Somerset openers put on thirty-four in thirty-three minutes. Banton originally from Warwickshire now seeking a career in Somerset was first out caught by Harry Ward to give Joe Hagan-Burt his first wicket. He might have fallen to Jack Gibbs as an edge went between keeper and slip. At drinks the home side were 73-1 as the second pairing put on the home sides highest partnership of the innings as keeper Wells and captain Trenouth put on a decent 68 taking Somerset up to one hundred and two. With his second ball Harry Ward bowled the perpetual motion Trenouth behind his legs. Two key wickets had been taken but more hard work was still required. The third wicket partnership scored thirty-eight at less than a run a ball before Matt Petherbridge took his first wicket of the summer trapping Shaw leg before. Petherbridge's paucity of wickets had been a major concern so it was very pleasing that one of his most successful wicket takers took his first. After twenty-nine overs Somerset were on one hundred and forty with seven wickets intact and the rain breaks had been completed. Petherbridge struck again in the thirty-third bowling (another good sign) top scorer Wells. Half the home side were out in the thirty-sixth over as Ward held a return catch to remove Chresham. The bowler then proved himself human as he dropped a simple catch off the Torquay left armer but Ward took the next wicket with a catch from Gibbs on the boundary that was taken with consummate ease. Gibbs is an unassuming character and he had fitted in well into the squad. With nine overs remaining Somerset were now fifteen short of two hundred with four wickets in hand. Next over Petherbridge bowled Dunning with the home side still twelve short of two hundred. The two spinners had bowled twenty overs taking six wickets for ninety-eight runs. It was very reassuring for the summer that the pair were back in tandem. Over the remaining five overs Hagan-Burt and Tom Lammonby kept Somerset in check conceding just eighteen runs taking two more wickets - bowled Lammonby and caught Khan bowled Hagan-Burt. Once again it would have made life so much easier if all the wicket taking opportunities had been taken but at least at the half way stage Devon were reasonably satisfied with their performance. The Under 12s were also playing at Taunton School and the opportunity, in the break, was taken to watch.

As had been demonstrated at Bristol the previous Sunday a good start is vital whether setting or chasing. Before Somerset had completed their tenth over Devon were three down for thirty.  An ailing Noah Wright was caught driving, Harvey Sargent caught behind and Jamie Khan caught by their captain. To date Tom Lammonby has played all the sides central innings and he and Joe Hagan-Burt put on Devon's only meaningful partnership of the innings - sixty-two in fifty minutes off eighty-five. It was reassuring that Hagan-Burt was beginning to look like his old self as his all round attributes are vital to the sides success. His inability to bowl, from this game onwards, seriously affected the sides balance. Eight short of three figures Tom Lammonby walked past a straight one from Dunning for thirty-one. Lammonby was currently the leading scorer in ECB Under 17 cricket and had we had eleven thirty-ones! Hagan Burt continued to look back to his best but he only received support from Sam Maunder as the pair put on twenty-four for the eighth wicket. Ben Phillips was caught behind, the captain gave his opposite number his second catch and Ward was run out. Unfortunately it was another run out the fourth of the summer that ended Hagan-Burts contribution six short of fifty. For years run outs have been used as a personal barometer of the pressure being exerted in the field. In our three games it was Opposition 4 Devon 0. This needed immediate attention in improving our ability of building pressure and communication between our batsmen. Maunder was a couple of feet short of a six as the last two wickets added fifteen and Devon were 70 short.. This was a really disappointing batting performance with six batsmen not getting past seven. Having confidence or self believe is something that we all need, without doubt or lack of confidence life would be a very simple affair! One way of getting back your own self believe is to remind yourself what you can achieve. Four of this side scored big hundreds last year - three against Somerset. This was one that got away and we all knew we could do better! We could then thank our opponents for coming, which we did on the last day of the summer.

A new venture was a friendly with Kings College, Taunton on our free Sunday. Thanks to two conscientious and sensible umpires the game was completed, albeit reduced by our hosts by 20 overs. Lunch was a moveable feast and would interrupt the innings as indeed did the rain but no overs were lost. Devon’s main objective was to utilise this opportunity to look at players for the forthcoming three-day programme but for a number of reasons the objective was not achieved. However the chance was given to three players who had not been involved in the one-day campaign and one or two potential Devonians were playing for the home side. It rained off and on almost all day with an interesting effect on the pink balls, another first of this experimental Under 17 programme. Rudolph called correctly and Devon again batted. Lunch was a moveable feast and would interrupt the innings as indeed did the rain but no overs were lost. Harvey Sargent and Noah Wright provided the side with the ideal platform with the side’s first and only century opening partnership of the summer. The decision had been made for the remainder of the one day season that the batsmen would go back to basics and for the short term throw out the previous game plans and the individual players would play it the way that they consider they do it best. It was important that when we started the three-day section that we have the confidence to bat all of the way down the order and achieve large totals. The home side’s attack provided the batsmen with the challenge needed and both openers made good use of their time at the crease. They put on 118 in 96 minutes off 164 balls. Noah Wright was the first batsman out giving a young Devonian, Will Oxland, his first wicket. The openers were starting to put their foot down on the accelerator. Devon had another seventy-eight balls to try and double this total. Against the batsmen were the increasingly moist conditions but the conditions did not alter for the rest of the game but our opponents, in their innings, scored a lot more boundaries, however it was obvious that Devon now needed boundaries. The inconvenience of the lunch break came twelve balls later. After the break it was essential that Devon accelerated. In fact they only scored fifty-one runs off sixty-six post lunch balls. All summer our one-day finishing had not been a strength. In achieving their final total Devon lost four more wickets. Tom Andrew scored 14 of 17, giving Oxland his second wicket. The young spinner finished with figures of 5-0-11-2. James Bovey, on his first county appearance of the summer, was the side’s fifth run out of the summer. Harvey Sargent was the next batsman to fall seven short of a first county century of 2016. The captain Billy Rudolph provided our own Kazi Szymanski with his wicket. Kazi had been returning to full fitness after a nasty long-term injury and was now available for Devon’s three-day cricket. Ben Phillips was his normal, pugnacious self but Devon were below par on 185 at the end of their 40 overs. Devon hit fourteen fours and a six.

Devon fielded in almost identical conditions as their hosts and they also had to watch a large opening partnership as Kings captain Byrom and Somerset’s spinner Harrison put on one hundred and forty-seven in ninety-five minutes off one hundred and fifty-five balls. Both batsmen gave chances one a dolly that even the scorer thought she would have taken! It was believed that this was Harrison's maiden school fifty and he had his eyes firmly set on three figures. Once again Harry Ward changed the tempo of the game as the College appeared to be galloping to a ten wicket victory. Ward first caught and bowled Harrison for eighty-three as our coach expressed the view that it was good to see the batsman's real disappointment at not reaching three figures. This is a vital ingredient in all top batsmens DNA. Devon spinners then removed the renowned King’s middle order, to their obvious own personal disappointed. Matt Petherbridge held the catch to remove Exeter’s Luciano Machado for a second-ball duck, three balls later Jack Gibbs, who was proving to be the sides outstanding outfielder, on his home turf, held his first exceptional catch off Ward to remove the high scoring Lake. He then took out his second College first team colleague, their outstanding captain, Byrom with another brilliant effort, Ward enticed Pitman to sky a catch to the keeper. The home side had fallen from 147-0 to 175-5 off twenty-four balls. All this of course was too late but it had shown that if Devon had scored thirty more runs and taken the early chances it might have been a more competitive game. Kings won by five wickets with fifty-four balls unused – a pretty comprehensive win with a fundamental difference being the runs scored in boundaries Devon sixty-two, Kings one hundred and four. Ward took 4-51 and Petherbridge 1-42.

The fun started thirteen days before this fixture was due to be played. It was very much a tale of two phone calls, the first one typical of a call to a third team captain starting with the words I’m sorry I have some bad news. We had been unceremonious bounced without a word of an apology from our confirmed venue! Perhaps this is now the level where county age-group cricket stands in Devon. It is presumed that the Club has not benefitted, even in a small way, from this type of cricket however it was really disappointing, indeed very sad. Considering how difficult it is to arrange a county fixture on a Sunday in January there was real concern for our ability to indeed honour the fixture, this indeed turned into desperation, as to how this very tricky situation was to be a resolved. Despite the believe that Sunday cricket has had its day there was still an enormous amount of cricket taking place in East Devon. This had to be the location as our opponents were travelling up on the morning. It most certainly was not an easy problem to solve but a telephone call to Seaton could not have received a better or more helpful positive response. After checking whether they could undertake all that a county match entails they very kindly agreed to host this fixture. Throughout the whole process Seaton were simply magnificent and the ground and catering were truly exceptional. All the relevant parties, including the ECB whose fixture this was in the top division of the under 17 cup competition were informed. Everyone concerned, including Hampshire our opponents, could not have been more helpful in a very tricky situation, one of the worst experienced in twenty-five years. Black sight screens were imported, the players and umpires were advised of the change of venue and all duly arrived at Seaton in time for the final cup match of the summer, at least for Devon. The forecast was for light showers and they duly arrived on an off all game. Devon perhaps had the worst of the conditions but thanks to two diligent and conscientious umpires the game was completed without interruption. It has been evident this summer that the GET THE GAME ON initiative is now prevalent throughout Devon and indeed Somerset.

Devon won the toss and batted. Devon openers Harvey Sargent and Noah Wright gave their side another solid start in putting on forty-two off thirteen overs when Wright was caught in Scriven's second over. The pair had been at the crease for an hour and twenty minutes and had paved the way for the others. Unfortunately Tom Andrew's hugely disappointing county season continued and he was again out in his now customary manner He had scored one and will now due to his schools decision not to release him, had the remainder of this summer to recover his confidence and eradicate his chipped drive. We were sorry his CAG career ended this way. After fourteen overs Devon were 46-2 and needing to regain some momentum. Yet only two runs later Devon were three down , The holiday bound Harvey Sargent was stumped by the keeper standing back. From the fielders response this had been a Baldrick cunning plan from Black Adder. From a Devon point of view it was a wicket they could not afford to lose. The last instance that this irritating way of losing a wicket occurred was at Callington in 2001 when Brett Garner was stumped off the Cornish opening bowler. One hopes it is another fifteen years before it is repeated! Two of Devon's key batsmen Tom Lammonby and Joe Hagan-Burt, who were to be with the County side for the seventeens first three day game, were now at the crease and much of their sides hopes in their hands. They added just fifteen in seventeen minutes. Tom Lammonby, who was in huge demand and could be playing seven days a week at this time, was bowled by the younger Organ with his eighth delivery in his sides twenty-second over. Devon were now 63-4 and struggling. Jamie Khan in what was to be his last under seventeen game of the summer then worked well in partnership with Joe Hagan-Burt in putting on forty-five. Hagan-Burt was now proving to be the high quality batter he is, mixing aggression and defence in a very skilled and mature manner. Yet once again this partnership that had taken thirty minutes off seventy-three balls ended in a totally unnecessary fashion. It was Devon's seventh run out at 16/17s with Khan backing up believing there was a run, started to run, the ball went straight to the close in leg side fielder, Dale, and the batsman was beaten by the fielders decent throw in his attempt to get back to the non strikers end. It is apparent, this summer, that many of our players have only limited cricket awareness which has proved over the years to be a vital ingredient at this level of cricket. This will also be considered later. Jamie Khan who had an exceptional under 16 season, was a huge loss to the seventeens. The captains current shortage of runs continued as he and Hagan-Burt added just eight. Just over a year earlier they were sharing in a partnership of 218. Rudolph's contribution with the bat is vital to his teams success and fortunately it retuned in the next fixture and was a key factor for the remainder of the season. He overbalanced and was stumped leg side off a wide. Now in the thirty-sixth over Devon were six down just sixteen past three figures. Fortunately Ben Phillips, whose rugby training was unfortunately to restrict his appearances to one final CAG day and Joe Hagan-Burt put on an impressive seventy off seventy-six deliveries in thirty-eight minutes. This was one of Devon's most positive partnerships of the summer, the highest for the seventh wicket, and took Devon back to the sides unbeaten summer in 2015. Hagan-Burt passed his fifty in the forty-second over. The pair only hit three fours and a six together clearly indicating their excellent running between the wickets. Phillips played another big shot but returned to a most deserved ovation. He had scored twenty-eight vital runs and reminded everyone what he can offer cricket. Joe Hagan-Burt departed seven balls later for a match changing seventy-five off eighty-eight balls in ninety-one minutes at the crease he had scored three fours and a six. That adaptable batsman Harry Ward helped add eighteen important runs at just under a run a ball with first Hagan-Burt and then Jack Gibbs. Devon's end product of 205 was much better than it had appeared earlier in the day.

The eleventh hour lunch was an amazingly choice of three hot main courses and three deserts all of which were consumed with ease and were delicious so much for the promised pizza and salad! Unsurprisingly Seaton were at the top when grounds for 2017 were sought. During the interval we learnt that our most experienced opening bowler had a long-term shin splints problem and would not be able to bowl. This had major consequences in both the short and the long term. We had now lost a key opening bowler from this match and the season. The captain would now have to rotate his reduced bowling resources. Rudolph did an excellent job reducing Hampshire to 88-6 in the twenty-first over. With Jack Gibbs coming fully of age. First Ben Phillips caught Kantoli off Lammonby last ball of his first over 0-1, seventeen balls later Gibbs trapped Scriven in front - 5-2, half an hour later in the twelfth over Gibbs bowled Samuel 39-3, next ball he trapped Gadd in front- a brilliant spell - with figurers of 3-19. In the fifteenth over the captain took his first wicket bowling Foster. Seven overs later he bowled Bone 88-6 and the visitors were in real difficulty. Devon had been outstanding. However from this dismissal Devon not only lost their way but their chance of a win. Much is discussed about putting opponents under pressure in the field - 11-2 and all that but it just does not happen. The batsmen have to worry about where their next run is coming from and dots are vital. Even taking into account the damp conditions Devon did not exert the pressure a side with that necessary killer instinct would have adopted. The two Hampshire batsman simply milked the bowlers scoring at over four an over and not needing to work at all hard to secure this rate. It was sadly very naive cricket and incredibly frustrating to watch. In fact the game was lost by the time that real pressure was finally put on the batsman in the last three overs. There is at need to be able to put yourself in the batsmen's position and imagine what you would most dislike if you were batting. In the sides defence this is not a particularly good fielding group but in truth that is not an excuse as the message every year is that it is the individuals responsibility to improve this aspect of their game. Our general cricket awareness was poor whether it is where we stand in the field giving one when in fact we should be stopping one, whether to go for the high catch or take the easy option and hold back, whether we attack the ball with real gusto or just amble towards it, whether we get the ball into the keeper at pace or just lob it in. This was equally relevant for the three day game if we were to succeed. Back to the game in hand The seventh Hampshire pairing of Mead and Searle transformed their sides hopes with a partnership of seventy-nine in four minutes under the hour. Ben Phillips and the persevering captain took the seventh wicket in the fortieth over with the visitors now on 167-7. Next over Oli Reed then took what at the time was considered the vital wicket of Mead with a wonder diving catch by Phillips. The pressure was now back on the visitors needing thirty-two with just two wickets remaining. An important caught behind was missed but until the forty-seventh over when the batsmen were finally tightly ringed the Hampshire tail enders continued to milk the bowling. The ninth wicket pair put on thirty-three runs off forty-eight deliveries in thirty-two minutes. From the boundary it was one of our more disappointing displays. Hampshire were winners with eight balls to spare and were they not pleased as they had really believed they were out of the game Gibbs took 3--30 with two overs unused, Rudolph 3-35 off ten, and Ward and Lammonby did not complete their full quotas. If nothing else it is really important that the sixteens in the side learn from this as that is a major objective of the programme.

The coloured clothing and the white balls were put away until 2017, Somerset and Hampshire topped the league we really could and should have doubled or trebled our points total with more streetwise cricket. The new approach of playing the Cup games earlier in the season on a Sunday had undoubtedly increased demands on all and created some unforeseen difficulties. The three day game was now upon us and as last year availability was a major problem with up to seven names already ruled out for the first fixture. The Iceland, Leicester and Musketeers attitude will now have to be high in Devons ethos for the remainder of the summer. However this fixture would not have taken place without the co-operation of our hosts so one final word of real appreciation to the magnificent Seaton Cricket Club who got the Cricket Board out of one of it bigger holes.

Devon were unable to select seven players from their squad to face Worcestershire was without doubt the worst selection problem in our history. This was not the ideal start to the new three day programme. The end result was not really a surprise but without clutching at straws after such a heavy defeat and one often reads, which normally, infuriates, there were some real positives from this game.. Particularly relevant was that shirts 2, 3, 4 did not be appear at Exmouth and six players were top order batsmen. It was therefore most unfair on the players that did come in but on the plus side two key players Kazi Szymanski and Sam Maunder returned from a long term injury and a very nasty tonsils operation respectively. In fact the game became a two day affair as our visitors had not left the Midlands as the toss was imminent on the first day. From their point of view it all worked out incredibly well as their wall mounted game plan clearly indicated. Jack Gibbs arrived fresh from bowling at the Pakistan touring side at Taunton Vale and we welcomed two under fourteens Abraham Koppaeambil and Max Hancock both who have been having outstanding seasons. In addition James Bovey came in from the under sixteens along with Tom Oxland who also provided essential keeper cover in the selection process. The hours of play for the two remaining days were amended to try and maximise as much time as possible and one hundred and twenty-six overs were bowled on the first day. Worcestershire called correctly and they had first use of what looked and turned out to be a typical Exmouth road. The Haynes brothers continued where they had left off at Heathcoat in putting on sixty-four in fifty-six minutes off one hundred balls. Gibbs and Szymanski looked a more than useful opening attack but it was the change seamers of Rudolph and Reed who took two vital pre lunch wickets. First James Bovey held a neat catch off the captain to remove the senior Haynes for fifty-three. This wicket fell in the seventeenth and six overs later with his final ball of the over Reed bowled the younger Haynes. The second wicket fell four short of the hundred. Lunch had been delayed until two forty-five and Devon bowled at a decent rate getting in fifty overs. The captain introduced his first spinner in the twenty-fifth over and debutant under 14 Max Hancock had his first under 17 bowl in the thirty-sixth over. He removed Connor Dudley, over from Australia for the summer with a British passport, with the first ball of his third over courtesy of a catch from Harry Ward. Four balls later the family mobile was again in action as he trapped Brandick in front. The visitors were now 197- 4. Their fifth wicket fell in the forty-sixth over with Kazi Szymanski taking the catch off Matt Petherbridge. The Torquay left armer was taking the opportunity of his first decent spell of the summer and it was really pleasing to see him getting back in the groove. Lunch was taken on 229-5 which appeared to be even-stevens although the visitors dressing room review gave this session to themselves! Pasta bake went down well and the only blot on the landscape was that our number five shirt and proposed opener Noah Wright had left the ground to be checked over by a Physiotherapist. He did not return until the second day so we were now seven top order batsmen short.

The think tank agreed on seam at the pavilion end and spin at the sea end. This paid an early dividend with that long term partnership of Maunder / Szymanski striking with the second post lunch delivery - 230-6. Devon were competing well, something that it is easier to do in the field and it got better as Max Hancock took his third wicket with the twelfth post lunch ball bowling Ahmed leaving the visitors on 231-7. Unfortunately that was the end of Devon's bowling points haul as Cox and Hammond added the seventy-three Worcestershire needed to gain their fourth and final batting point. Worcestershire immediately declared on 304. Only one Devon bowler went for more than six and they should all have been satisfied with their endeavours with Hancock within one ball of a fifteen over debut taking 3-52 and Petherbridge got in thirteen vital overs. Devon would now have eighteen overs to tea and sixty-two to close of play. In such a situation you do not want to be reduced to 50-5 but this was the unspoken concern of both coach and manager! The end product at close of play, showed tremendous character and resolve. To surpass three hundred was an exceptionally big ask on Devon's new top order and unsurprisingly against a reasonable attack they struggled. As always the key in this form of cricket is to get though the new ball fairly unscathed. James Bovey fell leg before second ball 0-1, nine balls later Oxland was caught down the leg side by keeper Fitzmaurice 9-2. Possibly the Budleigh batsman had been unlucky with the decision. It became 27-3 as the keeper held his second catch to take Harry Ward. This was in the ninth over. Abraham Kopparambil was bowled in the next over - 27-4. The Green Book did not need to be checked as the sides lowest score is etched in the memory it was in the Under 17s game in 1993 at Canford School against Dorset. Sam Maunder added one with his captain when he became Cox's third victim and the first to be bowled 28 -5. Kazi Szymanski and Billy Rudolph responded well to the situation with some positive intent and took Devon past the feared 50-5 to 56-5 at tea. The previous lowest total was passed with a five in the first over after the interval and Devon were at last looking to be moving in the right direction as thirty-eight were added for the sixth wicket but lo and behold this movement was terminated but yet another self inflicted wound when Szymanski took on Ahmed and the fielders throw stuck the non strikers stumps before the batsmen was in the frame - 66-6. The next three partnerships were to be equally important ones. The captain was showing his grit and determination and although still overbalancing he was displaying all his renowned characteristics. He added forty-two with the under sixteens captain Jack Gibbs taking Devon past three figures. In the fortieth over Gibbs waited for a decision on a caught behind which was not forthcoming so he walked. Hopefully in such a situation he will in future walk immediately otherwise it does create problems for the umpire. However the really interesting response was that of the fielders who approach walking or more accurately not walking as a tick box on their game plan and they were apparently delighted that in their match review they had a 100% success and received the tick! Enter young Max Hancock. Seventy minutes later, at close of play, he was still at the crease and Devon had picked up a batting point. He was without doubt one of the straws we have clutched. It was a major disappointment that an injury ruled him out of the second part of the programme. Rudolph played one of if not the best innings of his county career, well up until now, very much in rearguard mode but at seven thirty he was seventy-three not out and his young partner undefeated on thirteen. The pair had been in no difficulty and had advanced the score to 159 -7. They had put on fifty-one, avoided the follow on and given some real respectability to what had looked like being one of our most serious car crashes. Taking everything into account this had been a really encouraging session - even awarded to us. Some slept very well.

From experience batting again on the second day can go two ways. A fresh and eager opposition roll over the remaining three batsmen and Devon are in the field inside half an hour. Alternatively Devon continue to fight. Although Worcestershire were batting within seventy-minutes Devon did pick up a second batting point and Billy Rudolph reached three figures. After his executions the previous day Hancock fell first in the fifth over of the day but his partnership of 54 was the highest of the innings and a vital one. It was also the highest eighth wicket partnership of the summer. Noah Wright now joined Rudolph and added forty-three in eighty-two balls but the fifth ball of the first over with the new ball saw the Paignton batsman caught for fourteen. The captain was on ninety-nine. It was now up to Matt Petherbridge to get him to one of the most deserved hundreds at this level. Petherbridge indeed did survive and it was the captain who was the last man to fall for a truly outstanding one hundred and three. He had entered with the score on 27 and departed with it on 212. It had been interesting to learn that the pitch was too flat for a result O ye of little faith.

Devon nearly bowled out Worcestershire which in itself is another of those straws but Worcestershire did bowl out Devon. The adventurous Worcester Captain was the second caught Maunder bowled Szymanski 39-1, Johal took on a Gibbs bouncer to be well held by Harry Ward on the fence - right fielder right place. The coach got personally very excited about a bouncer at Exmouth taking a wicket. At lunch Worcestershire were 72-2 one sixty-eight ahead. Baked potatoes with chilli or beans and a divine apple crumble and custard. Petherbridge and Hancock continued after lunch. The pair combined to remove Dudley - 115-3. It was good to have Sam Maunder back in the side with his health improving each day. He caught the dangerous Jack Haynes to give Matt Petherbridge his first wicket. 136-4. Four runs later it was five down as Hancock took his second, bowling Cox. In the thirty-fourth over Petherbridge bowled Smith -155-6. The Torquay left armer then bowled Brandrick and he was looking more like the Petherbridge of old. Maunder now formed a new alliance with Hancock stumping Hammond and catching Finch - 188-9. Another nine were added without loss and Devon were batting again. Hancock - 15-1-60-4; Petherbridge 14-2-54-3 -excellent figures.

Noah Wright opened with Kopparambil and added thirteen. The Ivybridge batsman was trapped in front. Nineteen were added by Wright and Bovey for the second and 50-5 were expunged from ones thoughts but Bovey fell caught behind in the eighth over - 32-2 at tea. First ball after tea Wright departed bowled by Finch and from then on it was a sad procession. Oxland bowled 34-4 and Josh Haynes with a variety of balls but most effectively the quicker yorker took seven wickets off thirty-seven deliveries without conceding a run. Ward was stumped leg side the rest bowled. His 7-5 took him immediately to the top of the under 17 bowling charts - a remarkable spell but equally a hugely disappointing one from Devon's viewpoint. Devon had broken the twenty-three year record a created a new one -50 all out.

Another major plus had been throughout the game the captain had shown real leadership and control of his side which needed the direction he gave them. It was important that Billy fully realised he was the leader of this side on merit and this performance was a coming of age. He continued throughout the rest of the summer in the confident manner he displayed in this game. What had to be determined was weather Devon wished to contest their place in the top division as the external demands on the members of this squad had to be reduced. Whilst the game was still in play phone calls were made as changes had to be made with no reflection whatsoever on the players not selected, their chance will come. Exmouth were their normal tremendous themselves Devon did not need to reflect too long on this performance but needed to learn from the experience. We most certainly should have been able to bat more than the twenty-eight overs. Worcestershire were deserved winners inside two days but leaving their strategy plan behind was perhaps not the most tactful of gestures!

The three days in the Cotswolds, most certainly on the pitch were special ones so it was unfortunate that there was to be a sour end to our first Championship away trip. The Inn for all Seasons provided one of the best ever breakfasts on the circuit but was located on the main and busy A40. We ate at the Duke of Wellington in Bourton-on the Water an old paddling haunt of the coach and over the three nights they looked after us well. Finding Clubs to host now three day cricket is not just a problem in Devon and Gloucestershire are fortunate to have access to the Great Rissington ground. The one drawback is that it is impossible for them to have a ground team present for all of the match and there did not appear to be any access to rollers. However the outside caterer was a huge plus with a chocolate fudge sweet of the highest order. The Gloucestershire parents did a brilliant job in cooking and serving the food. After the disastrous game against Worcestershire it was absolutely essential that Devon put on a decent performance and the return of Harvey Sargent, Joe Hagan-Burt and Tom Lammonby boosted everyone's confidence that we could put on an improved display. The forecast for the first two days confirmed by the radar was for light showers on the first day and heavier on the second - so it proved to be. Billy Rudolph called correctly and his side batted. Sargent could have been caught first ball but went fourth bowled 0-1- thoughts want back to Exmouth.  Page 2