DEVON square-up to Somerset at Exmouth tomorrow (Tuesday) in the annual ‘Showcase’ game against their First-Class neighbours (11am).

Showcase games between First Class counties such as Somerset and neighbouring National Counties, like Devon, were introduced by the England & Wales Cricket Board in 2022.

The aim of the games is for the First-Class counties to see the talent on their doorsteps at first hand while warming-up for their looming one-day competition – and give Devon’s players to opportunity to see how they measure-up against the professionals?

Although Devon came away second best in last year’s Showcase game at Bovey Tracey, a gritty 82 not out for Plympton’s Elliot Hamilton was one of the highlights.

As Hamilton is not available for Devon for the rest of the season, tomorrow’s game offers an opportunity for contenders to push their case for selection instead.

Sidmouth’s Sam Elstone, who has benefited from working with the Devon Lions development programme, is being looked at as Hamilton’s potential replacement. A century for Devon Lions in their win over a Somerset Pathway XI yesterday (Sunday) boosted his claims.

James Horler, Devon’s one-day captain, said: “We've got a few new additions to the side and it'll be exciting to see how they get on.

“Elstone has been performing well in the Premier Division and has deserved a go at the top of the order.”

Paignton’s Charlie Ward, another consistent performer with the bat in Premier cricket, is also in tomorrow’s squad. Tim Ward – Charlie’s father – played more than 50 times for Devon in all competitions between 1987-1997.

For Horler it is an opportunity to captain Devon on his home ground at Exmouth, a venue which is not used by the county on a regular basis.

Horler said he is ‘looking forward’ to leading Devon on his ‘home ground’ and added: “Usually a big crowd is in for the Showcase game so it's always a great day to be involved in.”

Somerset’s side has not been announced yet. Previously, they put out a mix of first-team regulars and one-day squad men.

Horler said whoever Somerset pick the game is a challenge.

“I haven't thought too much about their players, but they'll always have a decent side, and it only takes one bloke to have a day out and it could be an interesting story,” said Horler.

“An exciting match to be part of and a great opportunity to test ourselves against those who are a step above.

“Being a friendly and the underdogs It is a bit of different approach to usual. We are not under any pressure, which means we can go out with a lot more freedom and enjoy it.”

Somerset's team includes a handful of former Devon players, among them Josh Thomas, Ned Leonard, Kasey Aldridge and Fin Hill, who appeared for Devon in the corresponding fixture last year.

Devon: J D Horler, A J Small, B H Privett, S J Elstone, L S Walker, S O Read, C W B Ward, B A Beaumont, W R Christophers, M. B Shepherd, K B Syzmanski, E J Guest.

Somerset (from): G W Thomas, K L Aldridge, L P Goldsworth, F J Hill, S R Dickson, A M Vaughan, T H S Rew, J F Thomas, J H Davey, E O  Leonard, J P Heywood, A R I Umeed.