DEVON are on the front foot going into day two of their game against Berkshire at Newbury with a lead of 187 and half of the home side back in the pavilion.
An away game against the county that has claimed the National Counties crown six times on the trot looked like a tough start for Devon following promotion back to Western Division One.
And when Devon were 68 for four before lunch, with professional Calum Haggett trudging off following a calamitous run-out, the signs weren’t good for Devon.
Fin Hill, reared in Devon youth cricket and now part of the Somerset Academy, redeemed himself for running out Haggett by making 90 that underpinned a fightback after lunch that led to a final total of 272 all out.
Berkshire were 85 for five at close of play with 63 overs left on day two to do something about the 187-run deficit.
Dave Tall, the Devon team boss, had been less than complimentary about the side when they were a wobbly 68 for four. By close of play he was far more chipper, but well aware with six sessions left there’s plenty of time for the scenario to change.
“We played some poor cricket in the morning and that cost us wickets,” said Tall.
“There was a time not that long ago when we could easily have been all out for 100-120. It is a sign how this young group of players is maturing that we fought back the way we did.
“And it wasn’t just one fightback: we did it two or three times. Again, another positive.
“Fin Hill probably deserved a hundred for the way he batted. He owed us a few after running-out Calum and definitely made amends.
“And when you look down the card you see the contributions from Ben Beaumont and Jack Moore, which kept us moving in the right direction. It was a shame one or both of them did not go further.
“Perhaps we left 25-30 in singles out there, something we still don’t do as well as I would like. And it was disappointing to lose our last three wickets for just a handful of runs.
“We have worked hard and had a good day. But there are two days to go and lots more hard work to do.”
Devon did not have a great first session as overnight replacement Adam Small came and went lbw for six, followed by James Horler to a catch of the leading edge. Small replaced the injured Elliot Hamilton.
Matt Thompson flapped at a ball as it whistled past and was caught behind – that was 66 for three – and Haggett went two runs later after a classic shall-we, shan’t-we, sorry mate mix-up with Hill.
Hill and Beamont (42) stopped the rot during a partnership of 72 that took the running total to 139 for five. Beaumont departed caught behind down the leg side, probably wishing there was a review facility at this level.
Moore (45) and Hill put on 89 for the sixth wicket with the latter ‘never in any trouble at all’ according to Tall.
Just when it seemed Hill was going to join one of Devon cricket’s most exclusive clubs – players who make a century on their debut; current membership eight since 1902 – Toby Greatwood found the edge of his bat and keeper Dan Lincoln dived in front of first slip to take the catch.
With Hill out of the way seamer Josh Lincoln (3-33) did not take long firing out Devon’s tail.
Berkshires reply stuttered from the start as Devon bowled in areas that made them play.
Of the five wickets to fall, two of them to skipper Jamie Stephens, four were caught in the cordon: two each for keeper Thompson and Beaumont next door in the slips.
Berkshire were 48 for five after Charlie Dunnett edge Stephens to Beaumont. Getting to 85 for five was something of a comeback.
Devon 272 (F J Hill 90, J S Moore 45, B A Beaumont 42; J M Lincoln 3-33), Berkshire 85-5 (D J Lincoln 28no; J A Stephens 2-11).
