CONRAD SUTCLIFFE AT THE COUNTY GROUND
HIGHLIGHTS were few and far between for Devon on day two of their game against Oxfordshire at Exeter.
Devon, who were 99 for four overnight in reply to Oxfordshire’s first-innings total of 291 all out, were bowled out for 166, which left a deficit of 125.
Oxfordshire were a wobbly 48 for four in reply in mid-afternoon, as Devon got a toehold back in the game.
But a second century in the match for Zach Lion-Cachet helped Oxfordshire reach 261 for eight declared in their second innings.
Devon, faced with making 387 to win in a day plus roughly 50 minutes batting time last night, were 53 for two at last night’s close. The men out were openers James Horler (12) and Elliot Hamilton (16).
Oxfordshire lead by 333 going into day three of the Durant Cricket National Counties game and will be clear favourites to win the match.
Dave Tall, the Devon team boss, said he wants to see the side put up a fight and take the game as deep as possible.
“If we can bat all day who knows what might happen?” said Tall.
“The wicket has flattened considerably since the first day and we will bat positively and see where that takes us?”
Having reduced Oxfordshire to 48 for four in their second innings, Devon would have liked to press home their advantage. Skipper Jamie Stephens was quick to scotch any suggestion that Oxfordshire were let off the hook.
“Oxfordshire went out and batted extravagantly and probably gave us three of those four wickets,” said Stephens.
“And it might have helped had the bails come off when we hit the stumps we was between 50-60.”
Devon’s day two problems started 24 runs in when surviving opener Horler departed for a dogged 54 made in a fraction under three hours.
Calum Haggett went almost immediately when he and Ben Privett got in a muddle, which led to the former Somerset and Kent all-rounder being run-out for 18.
Oxfordshire spinner Max Mannering quietly worked his way through the bottom half of the Devon order, adding three more wickets to finish with innings figures of five for 58 from 28 overs.
A wicket each for Kaz Szymanski, Privett, Max Shepherd and skipper Stephens added-up to leave Oxfordshire 48 for four.
Lion-Cachet, who turned to cricket after a nascent football career with Southampton ended due to injury, showed why Sussex have him on the books by turning the game around with his second century.
A stand of 96 with skipper Ollie Clarke, run out two runs short of a half-century few would have begrudged him, and another of 98 with Jared Warner (50), took Oxfordshire to a commanding 244 for six.
Lion-Cachet reached his century by hoisting Shepherd for six over long-on. He gave Shepherd’s next ball the charge and was stumped by a distance.
The declaration came in the next over following the dismissal of Warner, who was the third and final wicket taken by Privett.
