By CONRAD SUTCLIFFE

TEAM boss Tim Western believes Devon are well-equipped to end their long wait to reach the knockout stages of the Dojo Twenty20 Cup.

Devon, who take on Dorset at Wimborne tomorrow in a group stage double header, have not progressed past the qualifying rounds of the 20-over competition since 2018.

Western, Devon CCC’s performance director, says the basics needed qualify for the Super12s knockout round are slotting into place.

“We have the batting firepower and skill to set or chase big totals – and our focus needs to be on adapting our tempo to meet the needs of the innings,” said Western.

“In Twenty20 cricket the numbers are clear: if you lose three wickets in the powerplay, you lose about 70 per cent of games.

“Our job is to be positive and stay disciplined early, keep wickets in hand and give our hitters the platform to go big later.

“Our bowling throughout this season has been excellent and in particular our four spinners have the ability to control the game, squeezing run rates and forcing mistakes in the middle overs. That will again be important against Dorset to complement seamers who will start and finish the innings.”

Dorset, beaten by Norfolk in last season’s final, started strongly with back-to-back wins over Herefordshire in group round one.

Western said Devon have plenty of respect for Dorset, but that should not be mistake for fear.

“Dorset showed last year they were one of the best teams in the country in this format.” Said Western. “We beat them in the second game at Sandford last year so confident going we can win one or both games.”

Devon had two close games against Wiltshire at Instow first time out. They won the first defending just 114 and lost the second with two balls left in the match. Western said both performances should be seen as stepping stones.

“We showed flashes of what we are capable of, but now it's about delivering that level consistently across the remaining six group games,” said Western.

“To defend such a low total in the first game will have given confidence into the team.  We should have won the second game but credit to the Wiltshire batters and the partnerships they created.”

Western said he can see the desire in the current group of players, which he hopes will be translated into delivering wins.

“We know that if we stay disciplined in the powerplays and control the middle overs then we can put ourselves into winning positions in both games this Sunday,” said Western.

“We have a competitive squad and it is important that each team member takes ownership when their input is required.”

Missing from the team that faced Wiltshire are Paignton pair Charlie Ward and Luke Medlock, who are on ECB National Cup service against Bridgwater.

Cam Kidd, the Exmouth all-rounder whose cricket journey started at Whimple, comes into the side for his white-ball debut. Jon Triner, originally with Ottery before moving to Bradninch & Kentisbeare, is recalled.

The Eckland brothers – Joe and Alex – plus the in-form Dylan Church and Mo Abbas are among Dorset’s notable absentees.

Cardiff UCCE slow left-armer Declan Farland will make his debut in Abbas’s absence with Kieran Laird, Ralph Dunne and Cameron Basey, who are all products of Dorset’s age groups, the other newcomers in a 12-man squad.

Dorset: W G Tripcony, F D Gordon, B Rogers, D T P Church, W J Chesterman, K M Laird, R Dunne, J Carson, D T Farland,
J W B Brehaut, H Dunlop.

Devon: C F Harvey, B H Privett, H J Passenger, R W Davies, S O Read, M G Whalley, J E Triner, C Kidd, S J Linnitt,
C D Penberthy, J R Matravers.

Umpires: D J Daniels, N J Piper.