By CONRAD SUTCLIFFE
DEVON cricket captain James Horler wants to bury the Berkshire bogey when the two sides clash at Newbury tomorrow in part one of a NV-Play Trophy double header.
Devon got their 50-over campaign under way last time out with a 55-run win over Herefordshire at Bovey Tracey.
Sam Read, who starred with bat and ball in the victory over Herefordshire, is unavailable face Berkshire. But he will be back for the Bank Holiday appointment with Wiltshire at Warminster CC.
Devon’s recent record against Berkshire has been indifferent to say the least. They have not defeated them in any of the three formats since 2018, when Zak Bess, Ben Green and Matt Thompson all made half-centuries in a 22-run win at Sidmouth.
Two 10-wicket defeats in the 50-over format – Henley in 2022, North Devon in 2024 – are the lowest of the low points.
Devon have had near misses across the board too and Horler wants to convert one of them into a win.
“There have been plenty of times when we have been on top against Berkshire – 327 for seven batting first in the Trophy last season was one of them – and in various three-dayers,” said Horler.
“What we have never been able to do is put the finishing touch on them in recent times. We owe them one.
Positive
“We have to keep being positive in every aspect of the game. Berkshire aren’t a side that will roll over, so you have to take it to them.”
Part two of the double date takes Devon back to Warminster for the first time since 2019 when they lost a wet-weather bowl out.
Read – 73 with the bat, three for 13 with the ball against Herefordshire – will be back for the Wiltshire clash. Horler hopes to arrive at the Sambourne Road ground in winning form.
“Taking a win into the Monday game will be a massive confidence booster to kick on against Wiltshire immediately,” said Horler.
Former captain Jamie Stephens will fill in for Read against Berkshire in one of three changes to the 12 named against Herefordshire.
Opening bowler Kazi Szymanski has withdrawn due to injury and is replaced in the travelling party by George Greenway, who was on England PD duty last Sunday.
Seamer Charlie Ward, 12th man against Herefordshire, has also pulled out due to injury. Left-armer Josh Knott, a one-day regular last season, is added to the squad.
Devon (squad): J D Horler (Exmouth), B H Privett (Midsomer Norton), D R Pyle (Exmouth), S J Linnitt (Exeter), M W Thompson (Callington), C F Harvey (Midsomer Norton), H J Passenger (Torquay & Kingskerswell), C D Penberthy (Bridestowe & Belstone), M G Whalley (Callington), J A Stephens (Valley End), J M Knott (Exeter), S O Read (Exeter), G E Greenway (Exmouth).
Berkshire (probable): S Akhtar, J M Connell, S F Daniel, C P Dunnett, T L Greatwood, J A Isbell, R D Lewis, A S J MacEwen, J A J Rishton, B J W Salter, E D Woods.
Umpires: S Lilley & C Viljoen
Wiltshire: Wiltshire: T C C Cheater, J M A Mynott, J Goodwin, E G C Young, W L Naish, C D Aubrey, C Chahal, J N Croom, A B Johnson, A Pascoe, J M King.
Umpires: T Caldicott, P Sparshott
