By CONRAD SUTCLIFFE
TEENAGE batsman Adam Small was unbeaten on 89 overnight going into day two of Devon’ National Counties Championship contest with Wales at Abergavenny.
Wales were bowled out well before the last of their 90 overs for 255 – acting Devon captain Calum Haggett taking four for 42 to help send them packing.
Devon reached 141 for three by close of play having trimmed the deficit to 114.
Dave Tall, the Devon team boss, said he was highly satisfied the way play went at Pen-y-Pound.
“We had them 120 for six at lunch and it would have been great if we could have got the last four wickets for 40 or 50 runs more,” said Tall.
“That’s probably being a bit picky as had you offered me Wales all out for 255 before we started I definitely would have said ‘yes please’
“We could have bowled a bit straighter, but overall we bowled and fielded well.
“Had the offer been ‘and you will be 140-odd for three at the end’ I would have said ‘thank-you very much’.
“Adam Small has batted beautifully so far and we are starting to see the fruits of all the hard work he has put into his game, especially out in South Africa last winter at the Kirsten Academy.
Wales had Brad Wadlan to thank for holding their innings together just as Devon were threatening to get on top.
Wadlan has scored hundreds on his last two appearances against Devon and, having survived what Tall described as ‘a couple of half chances’ made inevitable progress towards three in a row.
The key stand for Wales was one of 83 for the seventh between Wadlan and Josef Davies (54).
Wadlan was the last man out for Wales when he hit a delivery from Kazi Szymanski up in the air and looped a catch to Matt Thompson.
Devon had 43 overs batting time either side of tea and reached 49 before losing opener James Horler for 18. Small kept going and was at the opposite end when Wadlan dismissed Thompson for 26.
The last man out was left-hander Elliot Hamilton, who was bowled by Wadlan for five.
Wales 255 (B L Wadlan 100, J Davies 54, H L R Friend 25, C F Brown 23; C J Haggett 45-42, H M Whitlock 2-31, K B Szymanski 2-45), Devon 143-3 (A J Small 89no, M W Thompson 26; B L Wadlan 2-7). Bonus points: Devon 4, Wales (2).
