By CONRAD SUTCLIFFE
CHANGES could be on the cards for Devon’s National Counties Cup meeting with Bedfordshire on Sunday after a humiliating 10-wicket defeat at the hands of Berkshire.
Devon were always second favourites against cup holders Berkshire, who have dominated 50-over and three-day National Counties cricket for the best part of a decade.
But no one in the Devon camp expected the hiding handed out at Henley, where Berkshire knocked off 162 to win with more than 20 overs to spare.
Devon have only lost by 10 wickets once before in the one-day competition since it was first played for in 1983. The first time it happened was at North Devon in 1986 when Durham chased 76 to win.
Dave Tall, Devon’s team supremo, said he was ‘almost lost for words’ as he surveyed the post-match wreckage and hinted there might be changes for the clash with Bedfordshire at Exeter.
Said Tall: “Berkshire are a good side that bowled well, but we cannot hide behind that.
“It was a flat wicket – probably the flattest we will play on this season – and someone should have taken advantage of it for us.
“Instead, too many batsmen got set but were unable to go on. At times our shot selection was questionable to stay the least.
“I am going to take a few days to think this through. And if there are other players available they may come into contention for the Bedfordshire game.”
Devon were bowled out for 161 in the 40thof their 50 overs with Calum Haggett and Elliot Hamilton joint top scorers on 32.
Devon were in no real trouble at 92 for two after Hamilton and James Horler (27) got the innings started, but lost Matt Thompson and Horler getting to 96 for four.
Haggett and one end and Sam Read (22) at the other, got Devon up to 137 four before it all went pear shaped. Mungo Russell got stuck into the middle and lower order and finished with figures of five for 41 as Devon crumbled.
Archie Carter and Savin Perera wasted no time polishing off the target. It was job done in the 29thover. Former England under-19 cap Perera was unbeaten on 84 while Carter lagged a little behind on 69 not out.
The two openers hurried-up the chase by taking 18 off one over from Devon spinner Ed Middleton.
Devon 161 (J D Horler 27, C J Haggett 32, E H Hamilton 32; A M C Russell 5-41), Berkshire 162-0 (A R Carter 69no, S D Perera 84no). Berkshire (2pts) bt Devon (0) by 10 wkts.
