Half-centuries from Small (pictured), Haffenden and Musikanth not quite enough for Lions against Somerset Academy | Run-chase goes all the way to penultimate over

DEVON Lions gave Somerset Academy a real run for their money before going down to a three-wicket defeat in a 50-over game at Taunton Vale.

Adam Small top scored for the Lions with 69 and there were half-centuries for Teddy Haffenden (62) and Noah Musikanth (60) in a total of 266 for five.

After Haffenden and Small put on 115 for the second wicket, Musikanth was involved in further stands that added 104 to the running total. Jon Triner chipped in with 25. Matt Whalley was unbeaten on 18 when the overs ran out.

Devon’s wickets were shared out one apiece between five of the six bowlers deployed by Somerset.

A double strike by Plymouth pair Whalley and Ethan Guest slowed Somerset after a rapid start at five-plus an over. Exeter’s Seb Linnitt was among the casualties.

Ben Mason’s patient half-century kept Somerset in touch going into the last 20 overs, by when they had seen off Jack Ford’s (2-31) first spell and Lachlan Rice was just getting into his stride.

A stand of 85 between Rice (81) and Sandford’s James Theedom (34) took Somerset within touching distance of victory. Harvey Richards (15no) belted Jon Trinner for four then six to win it for Somerset with nine balls to spare.

Tim Western, Devon CCC’s performance director, said despite the result there were positive elements to the Lions’ performance.

“Teddy Haffenden, Adam Small and Noah Musikanth all got scores, but we were around 20 runs short of a par total,” said Western.

“Noah, who is still only 16, showed real promise with a better than run-a-ball knock of 60 as we looked to up the tempo.

“Credit to the Somerset batters for completing the run chase intelligently, but it was disappointing we didn't put more pressure on them in the final 10 overs.”