DEVON and Cornwall could not be much closer going into the third and final day of their development-eleven game at Plympton.
Devon, 43 for three overnight going into day two, made it to 438 all out in their first innings to post a lead of 84 over Cornwall.
Cornwall got to bat for 26 overs second time around at the end of the second day and reached 78 for two, which left them six runs behind with a day to go.
The challenge facing Devon captain Teddy Haffenden on day three is to bowl out Cornwall soon enough to leave enough time to chase down a target.
Opposite number Harry Gregory will be aiming to bat long enough to reach a defendable total that also gives his side a chance to bowl out Devon and win the game.
It is old-fashioned cricket as practised in the National Counties cricket played by Devon and Cornwall, which this game is a development primer for.
Tim Western, Devon CCC’s performance director, said in time cricket teams and captains have to make things happen to get a result as there is cut-off point for batting or bowling, other than the clock.
“The Devon Lions will have to put pressure on the Cornish team in the morning session to create enough chances,” said Western. We need to be patient but ruthless.
“I am looking forward to see how Teddy Haffenden rotates his bowlers to take the remaining eight wickets.
“With more than 100 overs left in the game, I am confident we can chase down whatever total the team has to.”
Devon had a minor problem going into day two as overnight not-outer Cameron Kidd was stuck in an accident-generated traffic jam on the A38.
Devon got on just fine without Kidd as Sam Elstone got to bat earlier than anticipated as his replacement and went on to share a stand of 191 with Matt Whalley.
Elstone (88) and Matt Whalley showed their class with a big partnership and Whalley (123) went on to an excellent hundred.
There was an inevitable slow down once Elstone, Whalley and Kidd got out as Devon went from 234 for three to 247 for six.
“We were still some way behind Cornwall’s first-innings score and needed another significant partnership,” said Western.
“That came from Matt Matravers and Ollie Woodcock, who put on 129 in the afternoon session helped gain a first-innings lead after our maximum of 90 overs.
“Unfortunately, the innings finished when Ollie was bowled for 96.”
