James Degg - a well-made half-century for Devon before wickets started to tumble<br>credit: Al Stewart

By CONRAD SUTCLIFFE

DEVON’S batting performed a vanishing act that led to a 110-run defeat at the hands of Cornwall in an Academy XI tussle at Sandford.

When the two academies met at St Austell earlier in the season, Devon chased 220 to win and scored the winning run in off the final ball with their last pair of batters at the wicket.

Anyone expecting another nail-biter in the Creedy Park rematch would have been disappointed as Devon collapsed to 118 all out in pursuit of Cornwall’s 50-over total of 228 for six.

At 92 for four approaching half way with Dylan Hurst on 18 at one end and James Degg 41 not out at the other, Devon were well in the game.

When Hurst got out the task of keeping up with the five-an-over asking rate seemed to become more difficult and scoreboard pressure started to build.

Degg’s demise proved the beginning of the end for Devon. He was sixth out on 114 for a well-made 52.

Degg was the first of five Devon batters to perish for just four runs scored as they tumbled from 114 for five to 118 all out. Cornwall spinner Piran Kent knocked over a couple of tail-enders to finish with match figures of four for 35.

Opener Karl Leathley (67) and his brother Ross (57) both made half-centuries for Cornwall.

Spinners Harry Passenger (1-34) and Jack Ford (0-27) operated below four an over for Devon. Skipper Jasper Presswell and Jack Moore were less frugal but did bag two wickets each.

Sandy Allen, the Devon Cricket Board’s head of player pathway, said it was clear from this match that batters have some work to do on their game.

“Having lost the toss we bowled and fielded well in the best of the conditions, although we probably let Cornwall get 20 more than we should have done towards the end,” said Allen.

“Our chase started well and James Degg batted nicely. However, we constantly lost wickets through poor shot selection and a lack of application. 

“We didn't seem to have a game plan during the innings, where the run rate was never a problem but wickets were.

“Had we taken the game deep into the innings, the result may have been different.”

Cornwall 228-6 (K Leathley 67, R Leathley 57, L Brenton 33; J Presswell 2-35, J Moore 2-50), Devon 118 (J Degg 53; P Kent 4-35, J Goldsworthy 2-13). Cornwall bt Devon by 110 runs.