The performance against Wales at Exmouth was a very disappointing one although there were some extenuating circumstances. With the loss of two key batsmen to injury, one at the previous game and the second reporting unfit before the toss this turned into an opportunity for those players who feel they should perhaps be given greater responsibility to stand up and show the world what they really can do. Adversity often brings out the best in the other players and a sunny day at the Mare was their ideal chance to flourish. Unfortunately this opportunity was not taken as Devon were up against it from ball one when Wales set off at a decent pace and it was not until late in the day with two fifty or near partnerships did the home side show any real understanding of the situation and what was needed. On the plus side some of the players did show what they are capable off with under sixteen Harry Passenger, on his debut, giving a very promising insight into what he will be offering over the next few seasons.
Wales got off to a flyer and from the second over Devon never got back into the game The opening partnership of 133 took twenty-six overs and a further 178 were added over the final overs. Devon took eight wickets including two runs outs and the most economical bowler was Jack Ford who conceded just 4.2 an over. Still substantially more runs per over than he concedes in the League. Jasper Presswell and Josh Farley both took two wickets but it was a day the bowlers and fielders will wish to forget. Wales dot ball percentage was only 47% (an area we all need to work on, their improved rotation was the result of a new positive approach after a disappointing result against Gloucestershire). It was however good to be back at Exmouth with the T-hut back to its splendid best.
With our batting numbers down to eleven a chase of 6.22 was always going to be beyond Devon and in fact they scored at 4.22 being all out off the last ball of the forty-fifth over. Four batsmen got past twenty with Harry Passengers 46 off fifty the major contribution. It was decided with the County Club likely to be fielding again a young side yet again this summer that the Development Squad will be given some opportunities. Taylor Ingham-Hill again did the hard work before being caught on the drive, Charlie Ward clearly indicated that he can contribute in the top half of the order and Jasper Presswell showed he is a quick learner at how to adapt to the different situations that cricket creates. The partnerships of forty-seven between Passenger and Du Gay and fifty-five by Ward and Presswell at least necessitated the white board marker was needed. Devon dots were 62% of the balls faced which is becoming a recurring theme. It was good to be back at Exmouth, meeting up with so many old friends after the gap created by Covid. Exmouth is the venue for our three and two day programme later in the summer.
