New boys shine for Devon in six-wicket win over Buckinghamshire | 'Once we got Bucks under the cosh we did a pretty good job of keeping them there' – James Horler

By CONRAD SUTCLIFFE

DEVON got off to a winning start in the 50-over National Counties Trophy with a six-wicket victory over Buckinghamshire at Instow.

Somerset and England under-19 bowler Joe Heywood picked-up three wickets on his debut, and there were two each for fellow newcomers Seb Allison and Callum Harvey, as Bucks were bowled out for 134. Bucks only got as far as they did thanks to a dogged 31 down the order from Ed Bragg.

Devon’s chase wasn’t without its hitches – they were three wickets down for four runs scored after three overs – but skipper James Horler and predecessor Matt Thompson stabilised the situation, which left Lawrence Walker and the captain to finish the job.

Not only was it the winning start Devon wanted to their four-match group programme, it was the manner of it that pleased Horler just as much.

“Once we got Bucks under the cosh we did a pretty good job of keeping them there,” said Horler.

“Seb Allison (2-18) bowled outstandingly – you could see why counties like Kent are showing an interest in him – and Joe Heywood (3-34) capitalised on conditions that suited him.

“When you get a side 61 for six it’s easy to think it won’t take much more, but virtually everyone can bat down to 10 or 11 at this level so you have to keep on them, which we did.

“Had a been offered less than 140 to chase I would have taken it. In the conditions anything over 160-170 would have been tricky.

“Six for four wasn’t a great start, but I wasn’t really worried as there wasn’t any scoreboard pressure on us as long as myself and Matt batted 20-25 overs.

“I always knew we had the power down below and Lawrence batted with great confidence to see us home on a pitch quite a few people had struggled on.

“It was two points well won with a confident bowling performance and we did not crumble under pressure getting over the line.”

Bragg and opener Chris Hemp (21) were the only Bucks batters to make it past 20. Alexei Kervezee (2), the former Worcestershire and Netherlands batter, was the second of Heywood’s three victims to a catch behind.

Bragg and Ryan Friend spared Bucks from a sub-100 total with a stand of 4 for the seventh wicket.

Devon lost three wickets for no runs in seven balls as Bragg (3-32) and Tom Weymes got into the top four.

Thompson dug in for 21 off 75 balls as he and Horler took the safety-first approach during a stand of 66 for the fourth wicket. The stand ended when Thompson was dismissed four balls into Bragg’s second spell.

Walker and Horler had time on their side making 65 runs needed to win. Horler was 49 not out at the other end when Walker belted Max Uttley for six to reach 52 not out.

Walker’s knock clearly impressed Devon’s performance director Tim Western, who said: “Lawrence batted very positively and capitalised on the hard work done by Matt and James when we under pressure.”

Devon’s Trophy campaign continues on Bank Holiday Monday when they face Oxfordshire at Abingdon Vale CC.