WHITE-ball skipper James Horler believes Devon have to think on their feet to make progress in the 50-over NCA Trophy competition this season.
Devon have had five previous wins in the competition, and three defeats in finals, but have not won it since 2014. They have not progressed past the quarter-final stage since 2018 when they went all the way to the final, only to lose by two runs to Cheshire.
Horler isn’t blind to Devon’s lack of success in this format in recent seasons, but neither does he think the side lacks capability. Reacting to situations in games is one thing that can be done to improve results.
“We've had mixed success in the past few years but, on the whole, we've been a decent side,” said Horler.
“I don't think you can nail down one or two things that we need to do mature.
“I do think, as individuals, we've got to be mature and intelligent enough to recognise situations in a game – and adapt to play it as best we can.”
Horler has previously said the squad has benefited from continuity of selection in recent seasons as team boss Dave Tall believes in developing the players he has, rather than mass chopping and changing.
Many of the players Tall has worked with featured in the three-day side that won the NCA Western Division last season, proof that stability has its rewards.
Said Horler: “The squad is another year older and is hungry to prove some points.
“The KO Trophy is a great opportunity for the boys to put some real markers down in terms of individual performance.
“We're ready to go at Wargrave.”
Berkshire will be boosted by the return of all-rounder Rhodri Lewis as they begin their attempt to extend their record-breaking run of National Counties Trophy titles to five in a row.
The Cardiff UCCE prospect has played in Berkshire’s last two final victories over Cumbria but missed the first six weeks of the season because of a hamstring injury.
Lewis made his comeback for the Cardiff students against their Cambridge counterparts last week and has now been included in Berkshire’s squad for the first time this season having missed all their T20 group matches.
If Lewis does play in the Group Three match he could line up alongside his younger brother, Rhys, for the first time for Berkshire.
Rhys first played for Berkshire in 2021 and reappeared in Monday’s T20 victory over Bedfordshire at Ampthill.
Captain Dan Lincoln, off-spinning all-rounder Euan Woods, batter Jonny Connell and seamer Toby Greatwood all return to county action having played for the newly-formed Challengers side in this week’s T20 matches against Leicestershire.
