DEVON coach Dave Tall is convinced there is a lot more to come in all three cricket formats despite a disappointing white-ball campaign.

The curtain came down on the white-ball programme in soggy fashion when rain stopped play against Hertfordshire at Instow just as the chase was warming-up. The Duckworth-Lewis System gave the game to Hertfordshire as Devon were eight runs behind the par score in the 23rd over.

Rain dogged Devon through the white-ball campaign with the Twenty20 programme hard hit by bad weather.

Tall said despite the trials and tribulations thrown-up during the Twenty20 and Fifty50 programmes, the youthful Devon squad is growing better with every game.

“Within a couple of seasons this is going to be a really good side,” said Tall. “There have been glimpses at various times this season what players are capable of and I can see the shape of things to come next year.

“Will Christophers has come into the side and performed with the ball from the start – and Ben Beaumont has come back from a winter in Australia a much more complete player. I know he got a first-baller against Hertfordshire, but that’s cricket!

“Not that long ago it was a case of wondering who to pick as there was a shortage of players capable or eager to play at this level of cricket. Now we have 18 or 19 to pick from every game and it’s become case of who to leave out rather than who can we play, which can be tough.”

North Devon all-rounder Jack Moore made his 50-over county debut against Hertfordshire and his seam-up bowling return of three for 43 impressed team boss Tall.

“He may well have bowled himself into the three-day game against Berkshire in a couple of weeks,” said Tall.

Devon offered the white-ball captaincy to James Horler this season as match professional Calum Haggett did not wish to continue. Tall said Horler has shown he is the right man for the job.

“James has grown into his role as captain admirably,” said Tall.

Horler had hoped after six defeats in the 20 and 50-over formats to finally tick the box marked ‘win’ against Hertfordshire.

When Hertfordshire were labouring  at 52 for five after a tough time against the new ball, Horler had every right to feel cheerful.

Hertfordshire recovered to reach 202 and Devon were 110 for five with Horler 51 not out when rain swept in from the Bristol Channel.

“It was bad luck that it rained when it did as I felt we were in a strong position to go on and win the game,” said Tall.

Devon now have a break from competitive cricket before the three-day NCCA Championship programme starts with an away game against defending champions Berkshire.