Devon take the positives from another rainy day against Berkshire | 'There were first National Counties wickets for Craig Penberthy and George Greenway – that was great to see – and controlled spin bowling from Callum Harvey and Sam Read' – Tim Western
DEVON had plenty to feel positive about at the truncated end of day two against Berkshire at Wargrave.
It didn’t quite go to plan when Devon resumed their first innings on 211 for four as they missed out on the third and fourth batting points in a 90-over total of 270 for nine.
And when Berkshire set off in hot pursuit – they were 175 for one coming up to the halfway stage – Devon were looking down the barrel of a sizeable first-innings deficit.
But, by the time rain prevented the teams going out again after tea, Devon had slowed Berkshire to 243 for six – and has a plausible claim to have had the best of the day.
Tim Western, Devon CCC’s performance director, said the positives outweighed the negatives.
“Having to bat 15 overs in the morning was difficult as it is not something most players are used to,” said Western.
“Of course it was disappointing to miss out on batting bonus points, then we found Berkshire putting the pressure on by scoring at six-an-over from the start.
“Our seam bowling attack was all new to this type of cricket and perhaps struggled to find the right lines and lengths on a pitch that is batter friendly with no real pace in it for bowlers.
“As the day went on we were able to slow Berkshire down. There were first National Counties wickets for Craig Penberthy and George Greenway – that was great to see – and controlled spin bowling from Callum Harvey and Sam Read.
“And we were good in the field. A diving catch running backwards by James Horler was as good as anything you will see and gave the whole side a lift.”
Penberthy, one of three seam-bowling debutants in the Devon side, bounced out Berkshire opener Rhys Lewis and had dangerous Dan Lincoln caught off the edge. He finished his first day of National Counties cricket with two for 33.
Penberthy, the 26-year old paceman from Bridestowe, said it was quite a step-up from the DCL A Division and he had to adapt on the hoof.
“The quality of batting is a big thing,” said Penberthy.
“There is a difference in the lengths and lines to bowl and you need to be patient and bowl in good areas.
“I was really happy with how they came out today.”
Harvey, four not out overnight, went on to make 39 when Devon went back out in the morning.
Berkshire openers Rhys Lewis (86) and Greg Smith made a 76-run start before Horler’s catch off Jamie Stephens’ bowling split them up.
Lewis was next to go, caught behind mis-pulling a short ball from Penberthy, followed by Euan Woods. He advanced down the strip to Harvey, had a swipe and was stumped before he could get back.
Fourth out was Charlie Dunnett (62), caught Thompson, bowled Harvey, followed by Eddie Campion to the same bowler, who speared one between bat and pad. The left-arm spinner was good value for his two for 73 analysis from 23 overs bowled.
Thompson was in the thick of it with the catch that dispatched Lincoln.
