Devon Under 18 Boys secured a place in the ECB Under 18 National County T20 finals for a second year in a row after a hard-fought victory over Oxfordshire at Stonesfield CC on August 25.

Scorecard

Oxfordshire Under 18 Boys: 101-9 (R Nicholson 45*, C Rogan 14, S Burns 4-19, J Triner 2-14)

Devon Under 18 Boys: 134-8 (H Southgate 48, M Whalley 26; O Veal 4-27, R Nicholson 2-23)

Devon beat Oxfordshire by 33 runs.

Match Report

After being sent in to bat first, Devon managed to post a competitive total of 134 for 8 in their allotted 20 overs, with Oli Gribble getting the side off to a quick start with 21 off 15 balls. The backbone of Devon's innings was Harry Southgate, who top-scored with a composed 48 off 41 balls, including four boundaries and a six. His partnership with Matt Whalley, who contributed a quick 26, was crucial in steadying the innings after a shaky start.

Oxfordshire's bowlers, particularly Oliver Veal, who claimed 4 wickets for 27 runs, kept the pressure on Devon, but the latter managed to reach a defendable score thanks to some lower-order contributions and disciplined running between the wickets.

In response, Oxfordshire's chase never really got off the ground. Early breakthroughs by Devon's bowlers, including an economical spell from Josh Nott, who took 1 for 8, and a tight spell from Sam Burns, who picked up 4 wickets for just 19 runs, left Oxfordshire reeling. Rory Nicholson's unbeaten 45 provided some resistance, but he lacked support from the other end.

Despite Nicholson's valiant effort, Oxfordshire could only muster 101 for 9 in their 20 overs, falling 33 runs short. Devon's bowlers stuck to their task with sharp fielding and consistent bowling, ensuring that they sealed their place in the final.

This victory highlighted Devon's all-round team effort, with contributions from both bat and ball, showcasing their depth and resilience under pressure.

Devon will face Cheshire in the eliminator on Finals Day at Kibworth CC on Sunday, September 8.