Devon commence countdown to new season with four-wicket win over Students | 'It is early season and I was happy to see everyone getting back out there' – skipper James Horler
CONRAD SUTCLIFFE REPORTING
DEVON got their warm-up programme under way with a four-wicket win over the University of Exeter on the Topsham Sports Ground.
The Students were skittled out for 157 in the 34th over of a 50-over match, which Devon knocked off with more than 15 overs to spare.
Charlie Sharland, who featured a handful of times for Devon in red and white-ball cricket last season, top scored with 30 for the scholars.
There were two wickets each for debutant Josh Nott (2-19), Cornwood’s Ben Privett (2-27) and Sam Read, who mopped-up at the end.
Runs were shared around in the Devon chase with the top three of Seb Linnett (25), skipper James Horler (24) and Privett (28) all chipping in.
Off-spinner Aaron Davies (4-19) made life harder for Devon’s batsmen than they were expecting
Captain Horler said his only grumble was losing six wickets on the way to victory.
“It was a more comfortable victory for Devon than the scorecard read,” said Horler. “Four wickets down would have given a truer picture of the game.
“There were lots of starts in our batting, no one kicked-on. It is early season and I was happy to see everyone getting back out there.”
Horler had plenty to say about the rookie bowling unit, which included Nott and Joe Heywood operating with the new ball for the first time.
“Josh Nott and Joe Heywood, on debut, impressed with a consistent spell – and our seamers bowled pretty well on the whole in what was a good bowling performance across the board,” said Horler.
“We need more depth in our seam bowling, as we only had Kazi Szymanski and Ben Privett regularly last season, and have a few more players to see in that area.
“We have an inter-squad game at Exeter this Sunday and I am excited to see other players show off their talents.”
Reflecting on the game, Horler described it as: “A good start to what will hopefully be a positive season.”
Devon have not released the full selections for this Sunday’s game, but Horler has given a few hints in advance.
Plymouth’s Matt Whalley, the left-arm spinner and Bunbury Festival graduate, also gets the nod for the first time. He has been on Somerset’s radar for a while.
Bradninch & Kentisbeare’s Joe Gillett has been talent spotted by the DCB pathway programme and recommended for a viewing.
Brendon Parr, the big-hitting 32-year-old batsman from Cullompton is also down to play, which won’t be a surprise to anyone who has bowled at him in Twenty20 and 50-over cricket.
“Brendon has scored a lot of runs for Cullompton and the England Physical Disability XI, so it makes sense to have a look at him,” said Horler.
Devon’s first competitive game is the 50-over National Counties Trophy group game against Buckinghamshire at Instow on April 27.
