CONRAD SUTCLIFFE REPORTING
Scorecard
Day One | Day Two

DEVON began the defence of the Western Division One title they won last season with an ultimately comfortable eight-wicket win over Herefordshire at Sidmouth.

Big wickets when they mattered for spinner Sam Read, who took six for 99 in Herefordshire’s second innings, turned the game Devon’s way.

A maiden National Counties ton for James Matravers (124), and half-century scores by Seb Linnitt (74) and Lawrence Walker (60), gave Devon a healthy 200-run lead going into the third and final day.

Herefordshire were only that ‘close’ thanks to a lifeboat knock of 82 from skipper Luke Tulacz that rescued them from the depths of 43 for five after a going-over from Matravers (3-30) in seamer mode, and spinner Callum Harvey (3-32).

Bowling Herefordshire out a second time proved a far harder proposition as their middle order, inspired by former Leicestershire and Worcestershire pro George Rhodes, seemed intent on batting Devon out of the game.

Herefordshire appeared well placed to bat out for a draw after Worcestershire Academy prospect Joe Porter made 81. Before Rhodes (96) and Luke Powell (47) added 89 taking the running total to 286 for five.

But the departure of Powell, caught at short leg off Read, started a collapse which saw Herefordshire lose their last six wickets for 28 in 14 overs. Read had already taken care of Powell and the limpet-like Tulaz, who was in and out for nought second time around.

Once Rhodes was eighth out, lbw pushing forward to slow left-armer Matt Whalley (2.36), the end wasn’t far away.

Devon were left a comfortable target of 115 in a minimum of 33 overs, which they chased down inside 20 with Ben Privett (65no) leading the way.

Tim Western, Devon’s performance director, said there was no doubt Matravers was the ‘headline’ act, but stressed there were ‘numerous strong performers’ over the three days.

‘At lunchtime on day three, the match result was far from clear,” said Western. “It was pleasing to see this talented group pull together and raised the intensity.

“The introduction of spinner Matt Whalley was the catalyst to an astonishing period for Devon where six Herefordshire wickets fell in just 14 overs. The wicket of ex-professional, George Rhodes, was a key moment.

“Sam Read's impact on the latter part of game when he picked-up six wickets was impressive. Bowling in tandem with Whalley created pressure and that was complimented by some sharp catching by Matt Thompson and short-leg, Seb Linnitt. 

“Positive stroke play from Ben Privett and Callum Harvey (28) knocked-off the runs inside 20 overs.

“It was an excellent start to our red-ball campaign and title defence – and the team cannot wait until we play Oxfordshire at Banbury next.”