By CONRAD SUTCLIFFE

DEVON need to move up a gear when Dorset are batting to stand the best chance of winning tomorrow’s (Sunday's) National Counties Cup quarter-final between the two sides at North Perrott.

A 20-run win over Cornwall in their final group game was enough to put Devon into the last eight for the second year in a row. Cornwall were bowled out for 270 chasing 291 to win at Sidmouth.

Dave Tall, the Devon team manager, said there were times when Cornwall got too close for comfort and he does not want Dorset to have the same opportunities.

“We batted sensibly, kept out heads when we lost a couple of wickets close together and had wickets in hand to hit out at the end,” said Tall.

“Our bowling and fielding was reasonably disciplined most of the time, but there was a period when Cornwall batted when we dropped off.

“You have to keep the concentration going all the way and not allow the game to drift.

“We are better than we were 12 months ago, but there is still room for improvement.”

Somerset’s Ned Leonard, who hit a quickfire 50 in the win over Cornwall, has not been released for this game. Skipper Jamie Stephens has a prior commitment he cannot dodge so the captaincy switches to Calum Haggett.

Left-arm seamer Jonty Walliker missed the win over Cornwall in the final qualifying round of group games due to a prior commitment. Having taken four wickets against Bedfordshire at Exeter in an earlier round his recall was inevitable.

In for the first time is dual-registered left-arm spinner Max Shepherd, whose first affiliation is the Gloucestershire Academy. He debuted in three-day cricket in the defeat by Herefordshire three weeks ago.

Adam Small, in the 12 but not the XI that faced Cornwall in the last qualifying game, is in the squad.

And all-rounder Matt Golding, whose work commitment in the Home Counties have ruled him out so far this season, is in for the first time.

Leg-spinner Ed Middleton rejoins the Devon squad after spending four days making a big impression playing for Gloucestershire 2nd XI against Essex at Colchester.

Middleton stroked an unbeaten 111 in Gloucestershire’s massive first-innings total of 606 for seven declared.

Essex had to follow-on after being bowled out for 237 and were dismissed the second time for 274. Middleton took for four wickets for 62 runs in the first innings and three for 61 in the second for match figures of seven for 123 in an innings win for Gloucestershire.

Dorst will give a debut to Bournemouth’s highly regarded 16-year-old slow left-armer Connor Smith. 

Leg-spinner Jem Warner has been recalled for his first county appearance in six years with batter Greg Willows also coming into the side that beat Wales three weeks ago. 

Brad Currie, a thorn in Devon’s side in previous meetings with Dorset, won’t feature as he has been signed by Sussex on a short-term contract.

Harry Fisher, who plays league cricket for Exeter, is in the Dorset squad.

If Devon defeat Dorset they will be away to either Cambridgeshire of Cumbria in the semi-finals.

Dorset (from): O C Soames, G P Willows L A Webb, A J Eckland, D Scott, S R Woodruff, J R Eckland, O Breckon, H S Fisher, J Warner, S J Young, C M Smith.

Devon (from): C J Haggett, M W Thompson, M C Golding, S O Read, A J Small, E H Hamilton, Z G G Bess, J D Horler, D J Goodey, E W O Middleton, J E B Walliker, F Sabir, M B Shepherd.

Umpires: P Smith, D Turl.