Elliot Hamilton (left) and James Horler make their way off for tea<br>credit: Conrad Sutcliffe - no re-use without copyright owner's consent

By CONRAD SUTCLIFFE at BRIDGNORTH

DEVON team boss Dave Tall hailed the record-busting batting partnership between James Horler and Elliot Hamilton as more proof players in the team are developing all the time.

Horler and Hamilton put on 289 for Devon’s third wicket on the first day of the game against Shropshire at Bridgnorth.Elliot Hamilton moves a step closer to his maiden Devon century

Horler top scored with 174 and Hamilton made 137 in a hefty Devon total of 503 for five in the 90 overs allowed for first innings. The stand of 289 was a record for any Devon partnership, not just the third wicket, since three day cricket was introduced in 2001.

Hamilton went in to join Horler before lunch and was still there after tea as bat dominated ball for a complete session of the game. Tall said it was another example of young Devon cricketers growing into their roles.

“We saw it with the 90 Adam Small made against Wales earlier in the season and now two more young players have shown what good cricketers they are becoming,” said Tall.

Benefits

“I was so pleased for James and Elliot as both of them have worked really hard on their games and you don’t see the benefits overnight.

“It has been obvious for some time James has the mental toughness to bat for long periods as he has been doing it in league cricket for Exmouth. Now he has moved up a level.

“It is a similar thing with Elliot. He has been making runs for Plympton and has transferred that ability to the next level up.

“As a coach it makes it all worthwhile to see two young cricketers developing the way James and Elliot have. Best of all they are 20 and 19 respectively and have the potential to play for Devon for many years to come.”

Tall said if either or both of Devon’s rising batting stars get talent spotted by a professional county they may be lost to the county sooner rather than later.

“If that happens it is because of the hard work they have put in to become better players and you wish them good luck and hope they have the career they want,” said Tall.

Shropshire were 71 for two overnight in reply to Devon’s total of 503 for five, which was only the second time the 500-barrier had been breached in the three-day era. Going into day two Devon lead by 432 runs and Shropshire have to pass 353 to avoid being asked to follow-on.