DEVON U15s go into their next ECB Championship game on a high after a convincing victory against previously unbeaten Dorset.

Devon were asked to bat by the visitors on the Queen’s Park ground in Paignton.

Dorset soon realised it may have been a mistake as Cornwood’s Ciaran Gray (25) and Bideford’s James Hayter (42) put on 88 for the first wicket.

The batting and scoring momentum went on from there with Paignton’s Archie Farkins (33) and Bovey’s Sam Russell (43) both contributing to a more than reasonable total of 252.

Farkins then did his bit with the ball finishing with 2-25. But it was spinners Tom Hatton (4-32) and Charlie Presswell (3-25) who had Dorset in a spin. They were eventually bowled out for 151 in the 42nd over to give Devon a massive 101-run victory.

The win over Dorset made amends for a 63-run defeat by Oxfordshire on a day when Devon never really showed up.

Oxford batted first at the beautiful St Magdalene College school ground and were limited to 214 for nine.  

The Presswell brothers from Hatherleigh Jasper (2-34) and Charlie (2-43), as well as Paignton’s Rory Medlock (2-26) were among the wickets for Devon. But the bowling and fielding generally lacked that cutting edge. Perhaps it was the long car journey?

The Oxford total was certainly gettable. Skipper Jasper Presswell led by example with 51, but the batting followed the theme of the fielding performance and Devon were all out for 151.

Manager and coaches Jim Parker and Tim Ward are hoping the boys have their Dorset heads on when they travel to Southampton for a game with Hampshire on Sunday.

SCORECARDS

Oxfordshire 214-9 (J Presswell 2-34, C Presswell 2-43, Medlock 2-26); Devon 151 (J Presswell 51).  Oxford bt Devon by 63 runs.

Devon 252 (Gray 25, Hayter 42, Farkins 33, Russell 43); Dorset 151 (Hatton 4-32, C Presswell 3-25, Farkins 2-25) Devon bt Dorset by 101 runs.