DEVON U13 Girls slipped to an 18-run defeat against Wales at Chagford.

The Wales captain Sophia Smale made a top score of 89 in her side’s total of 152 for five.

Wickets were taken by Aicia Stebbing (2-37), Ruby Davis (1-19) and Isabelle Baylis (1-6). Evie Privett, bowled three overs for just four runs.

Devon got off to a slow start and were 16 for one at the first drinks break 10 overs in. 

Once Davis found her feet, the runs started to rack-up and by the second drinks break the score was 63 for three. 

Devon needed nine an over to win and for the next few overs it looked possible, with 11, 10 and 12 scored. 

Wales put the field out, making boundary hitting hard, and Devon had to work hard running twos.

Devon showed grit and determination until the end. Davis was run out for 49 off 47 balls in the penultimate over as Devon closed on 135 for four with opener Read finishing on 50 not out.

The partnership between Read and Davis was and impressive 108 runs. 

Devon have a return match against Wales on June 3 at St Fagans CC.