Lions lick Leopards by 133 runs | 'Our bowling and fielding performance was a step-up from the majority of the batting' – Tim Western
ScorecardDEVON Lions made amends for some ‘criminal’ batting to beat Dorset Leopards by a convincing 133-run margin at Dorchester.
George Daldorph top scored for Devon with 46 down the order in a team total of 25 all out.
Newcomer Alex Shutt claimed a three-wicket clutch, and there were two wickets for fellow debutant Alfie Harrison, as Dorset were bundled out for 117.
On one hand it was mission accomplished for Tim Western, Devon CCC’s performance director, as he targeted wins over Cornwall and Dorset in the round of Development XI games. That box was ticked.
What the Lions did not do was bat their overs as Dorset bowled them out in the 44th of the 50 available.
Said Western: “It was our aim to win both 50-over games against the development teams of our neighbours and we achieved that.
“A problem for both Devon sides this summer, has been not building on a good start in the powerplay and constructing a platform in the middle overs.
“We started briskly, putting on 45 in the first six over, and then we were reduced to 135 for six just after drinks.
“Fortunately, Joe Hopkins (42) and George Daldorph (46) put on 73 for the eight wicket, and with boundaries from Josh Nott (18), we reached a slightly below-par score of 250.
“We didn't bat our overs and were bowled out with six overs remaining, which is criminal.”
Cam Kidd, out fourth ball, was the only one of Devon’s top six to miss out as Oli Gribble (32), Jon Triner (23), Jack Whittaker (31) and captain Harry Southgate rattled along to 119 for four.
After a stumble to 144 for seven Joe Hopkins and Daldorph got the Lions off the hook.
Dorset found run getting tough from the start – Nott, Daldorph and Shutt kept the lid on – and at halfway were 77 for five.
Harrison (2-11) got into the bottom half of the order, which left the returning Shutt (3-19) to finish them off.
Said Western: “Similar to our performance against Cornwall at Truro the week before, our bowling and fielding performance was a step-up from the majority of the batting.
“We applied pressure throughout the Leopards' innings, bowled with control and executed our plans.”
