DEVON Lions pushed Warwickshire Bears almost all the way before conceding a four-wicket defeat in the annual 50-over challenge match between the two development sides at Sidmouth.

The Lions, skippered by Jonty Walliker, recovered from a wobbly start to make 246 all out in the last of their 50 overs. 

Ben Privett, fresh from taking an unbeaten ton off Exmouth 24 hours earlier, was in and out for a second-ball duck, and fellow opener Charlie Smout-Cooper did not last much longer.

James Horler and Sam Elstone put on 64 for the third wicket to get the Lions up and running. After Horler went for 47, Elstone and Plympton’s Elliot Hamilton got on top of the bowling.

Elstone made 70 and Hamilton 52 in a partnership that added 102 and took the running total to 183 for four.

As the overs ticked down there was a rapid 37 from 19 deliveries for Cornwood’s Ben Beaumont.

Tim Western, who runs the Lions programme for Devon CCC, said setting a total was a challenge against quality bowling.

“Our two openers went cheaply and James Horler and Sam Elstone found scoring difficult against a good Warwickshire bowling line-up,” said Western.

“We lost wickets heavily after Ben Beaumont was dismissed and were bowled out 30-40 runs short of what we needed.”

Walliker struck twice to remove both Bears’ openers, but no one could shift Oliver Dandy, who went in at 57 for two and was still there on 88 not out when Warwickshire won it with 15 balls to go.

Lions’ spinners Jack Ford (1-32) and Harry Baxendale (2-44) kept the runs down, but Dandy and Isaac Mohammed (33) had time on their side, which meant risks could be kept to a minimum.

Western said the Lions needed to play harder cricket if they wanted to make Warwickshire work harder for their win.

“Our intensity in the field was inconsistent and we did not create enough pressure defending that below-par target,” said Western.

“Ford and Baxendale – two of our spinners – bowled well, as did Jasper Presswell on debut. And akipper, Jonty Walliker was unlucky not to pick up more than two wickets.

“When the players reflected after the match they were honest to say that, in some aspects of it, they could have been better.

“Nevertheless, it was a good game and the opportunity to play against such a talented young team is the sort of challenge these players need.”