DEVON have named an unchanged squad of 12 for their away game against Oxfordshire in the Unicorns KO Trophy.

The pool games started disappointingly for Devon with a 54-run defeat at the hands of holders Cornwall at Instow on Sunday.

Keith Donohue, Devon’s director of cricket, didn’t rule out some late additions depending on availability, but isn’t about to stat dropping players after just one game.

“For the moment we have what I think is the best 12, although there were one or two others who came into consideration too,” said Donohue.

“There are also the players attached to First Class county staffs whose availability is often uncertain until later in the week.

“I didn’t feel we played that badly against Cornwall, but we certainly could have played better and hope to do so against Oxfordshire.

“I think you have to put it into the context of Cornwall being the holders and having a stronger side now than the one that won it and us being a young side learning all the time.”

Devon’s 12 contains four players aged below 20, which is a higher proportion of teenage talent than most of their Minor County rivals.

Donohue is an enthusiast for young players, but accepts there are difficulties associated with being on the learning curve.

“Young players won’t get any better watching older guys play and if they are good enough let’s see what they can do,” said Donohue.

“Our young fellows don’t always realise what they are capable of and that may take a little while.

“As they play more they will become a bit bolder and a bit braver instead of playing it safe.”

Devon are playing Oxfordshire at the private ground on the Getty family estate near High Wycombe, a venue with happy memories for the team.

The last time they were there was for the Unicorns Cup final in 2014, when they defeated Oxfordshire by seven runs in the final.

It is a sign of just how much the Devon team has changed in a short time that only four members of the cup winning team – Rob Woodman, Liam Lewis, Matt Thompson and Trevor Anning – are still in the 12.

The match will be a special one for Exmouth seamer Anning is it is his 50th for Devon in the competition.

Anning, 34, made his debut against Cornwall at Torquay in June 2011, taking one for 37 from 10 overs.

He has taken 71 wickets at an average of around 24 each and scored 275 runs.

Only Bob Dawson (56) and David Lye (58) have appeared in more KO cup games than Anning.

Devon (squad): R J Woodman (Taunton Deane), D J Wolf (Paignton), M H Curtis (North Devon), M W Thompson (St Fagans), M C Golding (Bovey Tracey), L J Lewis (Sidmouth), T A Lammonby (Exeter), T S Anning (Exmouth), J R Popham (Brislington), C L Miles, Z G G Bess (Sidmouth), B G F Green (Exeter).

 

 

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