DEVON Lions go into Sunday’s 50-over friendly against Dorset 2nd XI fresh from defeating Cornwall Choughs by eight runs in a nail-biter at Truro.
Elliot Hamilton rescued Devon from a worrying 120 for seven at halfway with 73 down the order as the Lions recovered to reach 233 all out in the final over. Hamilton was the last man out, having added 37 with Josh Nott a valuable 51 for the ninth wicket with newcomer Isaac Withington (18) and 25 with last man Alex Shutt.
‘Watching Elliot's application and concentration to manufacture a competitive total was an excellent example to our batters,” said Tim Western, Devon CCC’s director of performance.
Early runs from Cam Kidd (31), Matt Whalley (29) and Harry Passenger (29) had taken the Lions to 106 for four before the middle-order did a disappearing act.
Cornwall’s run chase was a spirited affair – they were 172 for five at one stage – led by Harry Gregory (60) who was aided and abetted by Elliot Stoddard (27) and Jordan Thomas (24).
Twenty-nine to win off the last two overs was long-odds with only two wickets intact, even though Thomas was one of them. After Kidd knocked over Thomas the final over fizzled out as Cornwall were dismissed for 225. Matt Whalley finished with three Cornish wickets and Kidd claimed a couple.
'Our team performance with the ball and in the field was far stronger and all of the bowlers performed well,” said Western.
“Cornwall were eight runs short and so a good comeback from where we were in the first innings.”
One purpose of the Lions is to prepare players for the step up to National Counties cricket and making learning gains. Western said a couple were apparent at Boscawen Park.
“The key learning for the day was how to adapt to a pitch and apply the right shot selection to meet the needs of the team at that point,” said Western.
“There was a great team spirit and level of intent in the Cornwall innings and we would like to see that momentum carry on into next Sunday's game at Dorchester.”
Whittington, one of four debutants in the side at Truro, was picked for the game against Dorset but has withdrawn from the 13-man squad due to injury.
New faces in the travelling party include North Devon all-rounder James Tyson and Plymouth keeper Harry Witcher.
Devon Lions: H D Southgate, J Hopkins (both Sandford), O S Gribble (Exeter), C Kidd (Exmouth), J E Triner (Bradninch & Kentisbeare), H Witcher (Plymouth), J Whittaker, J Tyson (both North Devon), G H Daldorph (Thorverton), J M Nott (Exeter), A Shutt (Cornwood). 12th: A Harrison (Abbotskerswell).
