TORQUAY trio George Allen, Mitch Pugh and James Degg are all in the Devon Lions side for Sunday’s 50-over meeting with Dorset Leopards at Budleigh Salterton.
Batter Degg impressed in the pre-season warm-up phase, but has had a quiet start to the league campaign with Torquay.
The Devon management see Degg as a long-term prospect – and the half-century he made against Cornwall in last Sunday’s T20 double-header with Cornwall at Callington shows why.
Pugh has been in and out of Devon squads this season due to availability issues, but showed what he can do in the Lions double-date with Cornwall last Sunday.
Pugh’s death bowling in the latter stages impressed Devon’s director of cricket Dave Tall, who was talent spotting at the game. Bowling three overs for nine runs stopped Cornwall in their tracks.
Keeper-batter Allen, fast becoming a regular in Devon’s senior white-ball sides, continues as team captain.
A new name in the squad is North Devon batter Ben Howe, a consistent scored in league cricket over the past two seasons, whose sporting CV includes playing rugby for Belgium at under-18 level.
Tim Western, the Lions’ director of coaching, said strong batting displays underpinned both T20 wins over Cornwall.
He added: “ We defended the totals set and it was pleasing to see how our bowlers executed their plans and reacted strongly to any fightback Cornwall tried.
“These fixtures create the right environment for our emerging players to experience this popular format and enhance their strengths.
“It is very positive to have a strong talent pool to pick from with younger players and some of the more established names using the Devon Lions’ fixtures to push for places in the first team.’
“We have selected a similar side for the next game against Dorset Leopards at Budleigh and are looking for another good performance in the 50-over format.”
The full squad is: L D Stephenson (Heathcoat), R M P Cunningham (Plymstock), M P Skeemer (Cornwood), T J R Codd (Bovey Tracey), A S Kopparambil (Bovey Tracey), J H G Degg, G B Allen (both Torquay), T W Simmons (Sidmouth), M Pugh (Torquay), J A E White (Tavistock), B Howe (North Devon).
RESULTS
Devon Lions 135-8 (R J Thomas 58, M Pugh 27), Cornwall 123-4 (A Bone 40), Devon bt Cornwall by 12 runs.
Devon Lions 175-4 (R J Thomas 52, J H G Degg 52), Cornwall 134-8. Devon bt Cornwall by 41 runs.
