Devon U17 Girls v Somerset – 18^th August

Having lost the toss Devon were asked to bat first on a dry looking wicket. Devon were soon under pressure with the early loss of skipper Emma Corney for just 8, having hit two boundaries off the bowling of Tilly Bond, only to be caught and bowled. Lola Harris then set about dismantling the Devon batting order as no one was able to adjust as the pace was taken off, claiming four wickets as the hosts innings was dismantled as they fell to 32-6. Only Evie Privett with 12no reached double figures and the fact that her partnerships with Erin Vukusic of 25 before adding 14 with Katie Donovan were the highest in the innings told its own story. Somerset were able to get home with ease with more than 5 overs to spare, Jolie Roberts making an unbeaten 24 but with 17 wides sent down it was very difficult for Devon to wrestle back any control as Somerset eased to an eight wicket victory.

Devon would bat first again in the second game, making a much better first of things as Emma Corney and Jemima Vereker would add 100 for the first wicket, Emma Corney passing 50 with a superb strike rate. A target of 132 always looked in doubt with the loss of early wickets and a re-arranged batting order but nevertheless a comfortable win for the Devon girls.

Devon U17 Girls v Somerset – 03^rd August

Devon were thankful for rain as having been asked to bat on a very wet wicket as they made only 40, Ruby Davis batting patiently for her 16 was the only resistance with Lola Harris once again the chief protagonist with a fine return of 4-2. Devon were able to pick up a couple of wickets, skipper Harriet Dimdore-Miles, well caught behind by Elusha Gribble from the bowling of Emma Corney as well as Ellie Mclaughlin clean bowled by Katie Donovan. Somerset were to close on 18-2 in the 10^th over when the rain came and there was no further play available.

Devon U17 Girls v Wales – 06^th August

Devon asked Wales to bat first at Whimple CC yet despite the highest score being 33, Beth Gammon and Madison Evans both making that score the visitors were able to post 204, losing their final wicket on the last ball of the innings. Devon were able to take wickets regularly but after having Wales 38-2, were unable to force home an advantage as regular partnerships kept the scoreboard moving for the visitors. Once again though Devon did not help themselves by sending down 48 extras, 32 of which were wides. Wickets were shared around with Shauna Ball the pick taking 3-18, supported by Katie Harman 2-28 and Erin Vukusic 2-37.

A bright start by Devon as they set about chasing down 205. Emma Corney and Georgia Read added 47 for the first wicket, the loss of Read was compounded soon after as skipper Corney fell to a needless run out, three short of her half century with the score on 64. Ellie Bishop and Ruby Davis rebuilt the innings well as they shared 57 for the 3^rd wicket to take Devon to 121. The loss of both within 20 runs to leave Devon on 143-4 was to prove pivotal as no further meaningful partnerships were able to materialise and despite batting the overs, Devon were to slide to a 29 run defeat, closing on 175-8.

Devon U17 Girls v Wales – 10^th August

Winning the toss and having no hesitation in batting first at the lovely Panteg CC, a very solid batting display was seen as first of all Georgia Read (27) and Jemima Vereker (25) added 64 for the 1^st wicket. Emma Corney (24) would add a further 36 for the 3^rd wicket with Ellie Bishop, who would go on to make an unbeaten 53 before Bishop was joined by Ruby Davis and the pair added 90 for the 4^th wicket, Davis striking 6 boundaries before being run out immediately after completing her own half century. With the score on 195, Erin Vukusic joined Bishop and accelerated the score past 200 with some clean striking, particularly down the ground as Devon were able to post 224-4. Devon bowled tight lines and with bowlers sticking to their plans and bowling to fields well set by skipper Corney. Katie Harman would remove the dangerous Libby Thomas for just 3 and when Evie Privett bowled Sofia Smale, Wales had been reduced to 48-2. Skipper Sophie Thomas would go to make 50 but with the only other support coming from Mari Friis who made an unbeaten 45, Devon were able to keep control of the required run rate as the Wales innings drifted to a close to leave Devon comfortable victors by 50 runs.

Many thanks to the support of all the coaches and volunteers who made the matches possible during the difficult times and for the continued dedication of the girls and their families. 

Report written by Warren Carr.