Hamilton's return in rain-affected draw against Berkshire a huge bonus for Devon | 'Elliot (pictured) was superb over all three days and showed why he deserved his place back in the side' – captain James Horler
ELLIOT Hamilton marked his return to National Counties cricket with a century and a near miss in the rain-ruined draw with Berkshire at Wargrave.
Opener Hamilton, who is just back after a year’s sabbatical from three-day cricket, made 87 in Devon’s first innings and shared a stand of 173 with Matt Thompson in a team total of 270 for nine declared.
Hamilton went all the way to 124 not out when Devon batted second time around, sharing another sizeable second-wicket partnership of 120 with fellow left-hander Thompson.
The game fizzled out into a draw late on day three when it became apparent there was no prospect of obtaining a result due to the time lost to bad weather.
Tim Western, Devon CCC’s performance director, said it was great to see Hamilton doing what he does best: piling-up runs in a methodical way.
“I think Elliot’s time away from this type of cricket has made him hungry for it again,” said Western.
“Perhaps he was a bit nervous in the first innings, but the way Elliot batted in both showed he definitely had the desire.
“Elliot looked really positive when he batted in our second innings: it showed in his body language.
James Horler, the Devon captain, was delighted to see his opening partner back in the side and on form.
“Elliot was superb over all three days and showed why he deserved his place back in the side,” said Horler.
“His hundred in our second innings, although in a game which ended in a draw, was crucial in fending off any the unreserved pressure.
“Elliot put the onus back onto the Berkshire spinners, sweeping very well and his hundred was well deserved.”
Horler also had praise for Thompson, who is on the final lap of is Devon career after 16 seasons as one of the first names on the team-sheet.
“Matt had a great knock-out cup campaign earlier in the season and built on that,” said Horler of the long-serving keeper-batter and former captain.
“Matt batted with grit and maturity in both innings, starving Berkshire of any opportunity to get a foothold in either of our innings.
“Add in four catches and a stumping and it was a key performance.”
In a side that contained three seam bowling debutants, Horler said the stand-out performer among them was Craig Penberthy.
“Penberthy was exceptional in his spells,” said Horler. He ran in hard with full-effort throughout,” said Horler.
Devon, who lost the toss and were asked to bat first, made 270 for nine first time around in a 90-over innings that over-ran into day two due to rain delays.
Hamilton and Thompson (68) were the primary run getters, with Callum Harvey (39) chipping in.
Josh Lincoln (5-52) claimed his first five-wicket haul in three-day cricket for Berkshire.
Berkshire got as far as 317 all out in their first innings, which rain delays prevented them completing until day three. Rhys Lewis (86) and Charlie Dunnett (62) both made half- centuries.
There was praise, too for Callum Harvey’s three spells (2-99) that added up to 34 overs.
And Sam Read, wicketless for his first 13 overs, finished with a flourish by taking the last three wickets for 19 runs to turn in match figures of three for 58 from 18.1 overs.
The Hamilton-Thompson (56) double act took Devon to 221 for five second time round before Devon skipper Horler and opposite number Dan Lincoln shook hands on a draw.
Reflecting on three soggy days at Wargrave, Horler felt Devon’s positive aspects far outweighed any slight negatives.
“Pleased with performance in general as Berkshire away is never easy,” said Horler.
“Despite losing the toss, it felt like we had good control most of way through game.
“An only qualm was we didn't get the third and fourth batting points after batting 90, but that is only a small point in a heap of positives.”
As Cornwall’s game against Oxfordshire was also a weather casualty that ended in a draw, there is a concertina-like appearance to the Western Division One table. Horler does not mind one bit!
“All teams basically all square after one round – and we've played strongest team away,” said Horler. “Looking forward now to aiming for top of table.”
[O] Devon’s next three-day game is against Cornwall at Cornwood, starting on August 10.
