Calum Haggett hurls down a delivery during his lively first spell in the game against Cornwall at Sandford<br>credit: Conrad Sutcliffe

By CONRAD SUTCLIFFE

DEVON enjoyed the best of day one in the cross-Tamar clash with Cornwall at Sandford in Western Division Two. 

Alex Bone’s half century appeared to have laid the foundations for a decent Cornwall total, but they faded from 113 for three to 168 all out inside 20 overs. 

The key passage of play came after lunch when skipper Paul Smith, Bone, Ben Ellis and Dan Lello all departed for just six runs added in the space of four overs.

Former Kent and Somerset seamer Calum Haggett again underlined his value to Devon with three for 15 – Smith and Lello among them – and was well supported by Hugo Whitlock (2-30) and Fahad Sabir (2-14).

Sabir accounted for Bone and Whitlock flushed out two of the tail-enders.Hugo Whitlock leaps into his delivery stride

Left-arm seamer Jonty Walliker, who bowled first change on his three-day debut for Devon, picked up a wicket and held on to two catches.

Adam Small followed up his career-best 90 against Wales NC last week with another half century as Devon closed on 153 for three, just 15 behind.

Small opened-up with James Horler (31) and their stand of 76 laid a solid foundation.

Small went first to spinner Ateeq Javid (2-29), followed by Horler when the score was 92 for two.

The third and final man out before the close was Matt Thompson, who was bowled by Matt Robins for 27,

Elliot Hamilton (32no) battened down the hatches with night-watchman Whitlock to see Devon through to the close.

Dave Tall, the Devon team manager, said the team set the tone in the field and now have to cash-in with the bat to construct a first-innings lead in the 49 overs left.

“I was really pleased with the concentration and patience of all our bowlers from start to finish,” said Tall.

“We bowled very little loose stuff, kept pressure on Cornwall’s batters and forced them into playing shots that got them out of their comfort zone.

“ We fielded pretty well throughout, which was a great effort all round considering the heat.

“Batting-wise we were positive, but in an intelligent way from the start.

“Adam Small carried on from the Wales game and together with Horler put on 76 for the first wicket.

"Horler and Thompson both made starts that kept the scoreboard moving.

“All in all a very good day and we have to grasp this opportunity with both hands in the morning.” 

Cornwall 168 (A W Bone 56, C F Gibson 25, A Javid 23; C J Haggett 3-15, F Sabir 2-14, H M Whitlock 2-30), Devon 153-3 (J D Horler 31, A J Small 54, M W Thompson 27, E H Hamilton 32no). Bonus points: Devon (4), Cornwall (1). 

Jonty Walliker - two catches and one wicket on his Devon debut