DEVON’S hopes of a place in the last four of the 50-over NCA KO Trophy were shattered by a 110-run defeat by Cheshire in the quarter-final tie at Oxton.
Cheshire racked-up 303 all out in the 47th of their overs – and that was despite a career-best bowling performance from Devon’s Ben Privett.
Devon started slowly – 15 overs in they were behind the clock at 46 for two – and the writing was on the wall by half way in a running total of 97 for five.
Sam Read raised spirits with a rapid 65 at number seven that almost revived hopes, but time and tide was against Devon, who were bowled out for 193.
Dave Tall, Devon’s director of cricket, said in the wreckage of a disappointing defeat there were positives too.
“Cheshire came out all guns firing and put us under the pump from the first ball,” said Tall.
“While we weren't quick to react and be pro-active, I was really pleased with the way we stuck to our task and keep them to 303.
"A lot of teams would have folded – and for 60 or 70 more – and it showed the togetherness of the group.
“On that pitch and on a big ground 303 was not too big a score to chase.
“The first 15 overs or our innings were disappointing and it would have been nice to see a little more urgency and pro-activeness at the crease.
“A great knock from Sam Read got us to where we wanted to be with 15 overs to go, but we were probably two or three wickets adrift.
“Cheshire were worthy winners overall on the day.”
Devon’s cause was not helped by losing red-ball skipper Jamie Stephens due to an ankle injury sustained when he slipped awkwardly on the ground before the game.
“We missed his leadership input and the overs he would have bowled,” said Tall.
Cheshire’s total was partly constructed around a second-wicket stand of 97 between opener Rob Sehmi (60) and Alex Money (85). Henry Dobson, who was the last man out for 57, went in at 145 for two and was involved in stands that added 158.
Privett (4-53) was Devon’s main wicket-taking bowler. Calum Haggett had three for 36.
Andrew Jackson (2-14) and George Valentine, Cheshire’s new-ball bowlers, kept Devon in the slow lane early in the chase.
Elliot Hamilton (27) and James Horler (30) made some progress, but not fast enough to prevent the asking rate climbing towards nine an over by halfway.
Read and Lawrence Walker (20) upped the tempo for a while, but both perished as Devon faded from 182 for six to 193 all out.
Steve Green, who was on the receiving end of Read’s assault on the Cheshire bowling, picked-up a couple of late wickets to finish with three for 55.
Devon now turn their attention to red-ball cricket and retaining the Western Division One title they won last season. The defence starts in the Sandhills at Instow this Sunday (11am) when former champions Berkshire are the visitors.
