Match Report: Surrey vs Under 16 Boys

Devon Under 16 Boys' outstanding ECB County Cup run came to an end at the semi-final stage as they fell to a 119-run defeat against Surrey at Sutton CC.

Put into the field, Devon's bowlers started with admirable discipline. Callum Williams and Ben Major restricted Surrey's openers in the power play, applying pressure and creating three early chances. Muhammad Kaleem (0-26 from 10) and Artie Evans (2-43) continued to apply pressure, ably supported by some outstanding boundary fielding, reducing Surrey to 100/3.

However, the pace of the game was turned on its head by a strong fourth-wicket stand. Oliver Gibson (78 off 40) launched a brutal assault (10 fours and 4 sixes), well-supported by Arush Wavhal (55); who put on a 100-run partnership in just 72 balls before Gethin Williams claimed Wavhal's wicket in the 28th over. Albie Bradley's late innings spell, which included the key wicket of Gibson, was pivotal in restricting Surrey to 264/7, another shift in the game's momentum.

In reply, Devon hit early boundaries in the power play through Josh Paget (15) and Alex Tipper (14) who put on 28, but couldn't gain momentum as they lost early wickets under pressure from Surrey's seamers. Bradley (28) and Harry Witcher's (13) partnership gave the team renewed impetus; however, the introduction of spinner Fergus De Mestre (5-14) proved to be Devon's demise. The lower order batted with grit and determination, but regular wickets saw Devon fall 119 runs short.

Scorecard

Surrey 264/7 (O Gibson 78, A Wavhal 55; A Bradley 2-25, A Evans 2-43)

Devon Under 16 Boys 145ao (A Bradley 28, J Paget 15; F De Mestre 5-14, O Gibson 2-27)

Surrey beat Devon Under 16 Boys by 119 runs.

Paul Heard's Post-Match Thoughts

"To be involved with this group's development over the past two years has been a pleasure; they have really deserved the results and recognition that this year has provided. The unity and culture the lads have created have been a real focus and should serve as a blueprint for other performance pathway squads in Devon going forward.

"Success has come from multiple contributions, not a reliance on individuals, which makes the sharing of that success even more meaningful. A special mention should also go to Sean Day; his experience and coaching demeanour have been a real asset to this group and Devon's performance pathway in general."