At the fourth attempt Devon have won outright the Southern Counties Competition. They shared the title in 2006 and were runners up in 2005 and 2007. This success was the result of a very united team superbly led by Jack Porter. When one considers that of the likely original squad, Bess, Benton, Cooke and Dibble have not played a game and due to Somerset commitments Gregory and Burke’s appearances have been limited it is even more remarkable. The side were unfortunate to lose two games to the weather and only came unstuck against Cornwall at Torquay otherwise they enjoyed an outstanding season with all of the squad playing important parts at different times. Tim Piper’s last county appearance typifies the spirit, despite being decidedly unwell from a long term illness he added 121 with Justin Yau for the seventh wicket after the first six had fallen for 79. They batted 27 overs and eventually Piper was so fatigued he failed to make a run. Yau’s knock clearly indicated why his side, Torquay, beat the drop. It was a make or break final game of the season against Wiltshire, the winners taking the title with Porter taking 4-21 off eight as Devon won by 103 runs. The squad should be delighted as to how they have performed and hopefully, in addition to Bess, Metters, Gregory and Burke, others will shortly make the full county team.
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