Matchday 2 for Devon Under-10 Boys took them to a sun-baked Bournemouth CC to play a unbeaten Dorset side. Devon's team included 3 debutants - Cooper Catley, Jules Hughes and James Pugsley. 

Archie Shawcross took the reins for this one and having lost the toss, Devon were asked to bat on what looked a very dry and worn deck. Not a problem as we wanted to bat first anyway.  

Dorset opening bowlers started on fire with Archie Shawcross, Tobias Alsop, Rory Oram-Evenett and Henry Hassell hustled out in quick succession to leave Devon 12-4 after 6 overs. Time for a middle order rescue. This came from Alfie Mason and Matthew Whalley who batted intelligently to build a partnership of 33. Unfortunately on the last over before drinks Mason (13) unluckily played on, which left Devon at 45-5 after 13 overs. With wise words from Heardy on doing the same again, it was up to Whalley and Freddie Wolfgang to continue the good work.

With the scoreboard ticking over slowly for the next few overs against Dorset's leg-spinners Devon reached 57 before the next clutch of wickets fell. Whalley (22) fell to a big shot and was caught well at mid-wicket and Talbot followed quickly when he was bowled by a sharply spinning delivery. Wolfgang and Jack Martin dug in and took the score to 81 in the 27th over before they both fell in quick succession. Cooper Catley and Jules Hughes added another 7 before the innings was finished off. Devon all out for 88 in the 30th over. 

Devon knew they had to take quick wickets and exert early pressure on the Dorset batters. After 7 overs the score had reached 22-0, mostly due to too many wides being bowled, so time for a double change. On came speedster Whalley and Leg Spinner James Pugsley. The game changed for the better as Devon roared back into contention. 22-0 soon became 31-4 at the first drinks break as Whalley (3-4) with some real 'Wasim Akram' style carnage and Pugsley with some nifty spin started to make inroads.

Dorset came out with a solid game plan post drinks and the scoreboard ticked over consistently against the Devon bowlers. Pugsley (2-16) struck with the score on 56, but some good hitting from Dorset's middle order took the scores level in the 24th over before the final wicket success was achieved by James Talbot. Dorset completed the job next over and duly won the match by 4 wickets.

Devon's Man of the Match award winner was Matthew Whalley for his outstanding all round contribution.

Even in defeat the boys would of learnt much and this is what it is all about at this age group. These experiences will have been banked and this will benefit them in forthcoming matches.        

Next up for the Boys is a trip to Tondu CC to play the Welsh Regional side of Glamorgan on Sunday June 17.