Georgia Hennessy - top scored against Durham

DEVON got their ECB T20 campaign under way with a narrow win over Durham in the double header at Old Hill.

But there was disappointment in game two when Devon were bowled out cheaply and lost heavily.

Durham, who defeated Worcestershire in the opening game were Devon’s opponents in the first game, which was reduced to 16 overs per side due to bad weather.

Devon, who were put in, lost wickets regularly on a pitch that was proving difficult with no real pace in the wicket evident.

Georgia Hennessy – 26 from 24 balls – led the way with good support from Olivia Churcher (23) and a cameo from Claire Varcoe of 13 from nine balls as Devon posted 83.

Irish international Louise McCarthy picked up two Devon wickets for seven runs from her three overs.

Milly Squire and Emily Edgcombe struck early in the reply to leave Durham on 12 for two. A patient 44 run partnership between Becky Glenn and Rachel Hopkins positioned Durham to go on and win the game with wickets in hand.

Skipper Edgcombe returned to remove Hopkins (25) and Amy Campbell, who was the match winner for her side in game one.

Running out Becky Glenn, also for 25, slowed the Durham charge and got Devon over the line by four runs in a thrilling finish.

Devon were all out in 14 overs for an embarrassing 32 against Worcestershire in game  two.

Despite two wickets for Hennessy, Worcestershire knocked off the runs in eight overs to ensure all three sides ended up with a win apiece.

“It was very disappointing to lose in such a fashion having bowled Worcestershire out for just 69 in the Championship fixture,” said Devon’s team manager Warren Carr.

Next up for Devon is Yorkshire and Derbyshire at Harrogate CC on Sunday. The travelling party is: Emily Edgcombe (c), Georgia Hennessy, Milly Squire, Charlie Phillips, Stephanie Hutchins, Becca Silk, Becca Halliday, Ellie Mitchell, Izzy Bunn, Amanda Higginbotham, Olivia Churcher.

Devon hope to reschedule their County Championship fixture against Somerset which was washed out on June 2.

It is hoped the game will take place at Wombat CC near Taaunton on July 14 in what may prove the final competitive for some in Devon colours, given the anticipated changes to the women’s game for 2020.