DEVON Lions tackle a Somerset Academy XI at Sandford on Sunday (July 21) in their final white-ball game of the season (11am).
The Lions have not had a lot of luck with 50-over cricket this season as only one of their three previously fixtured games has taken place.
The match against University of Exeter was rained-off – and the game against Warwickshire was called-off by the opposition due to team-raising difficulties.
The Lions only outing so far was against a youthful Gloucestershire side, who were beaten by seven wickets at Exeter in mid-June. Sam Elstone fired an unbeaten 71 for Devon during a routine run chase.
Sidmouth batter Elstone is again named in the side and has also been pencilled into the senior team for the 50-over Showcase game against Somerset at Exmouth on Tuesday.
There is a vacancy in Devon’s three-day side for the rest of the season as a replacement for Plympton’s Elliot Hamilton, who is no longer available. Elstone can force his way into the reckoning with strong performances against the Somerset sides.
Tom Hatton, an early order batter who can also bowl seam-up, has been picked for the first time on the recommendation of his Heathcoat captain Dylan Penberthy-Hutchings.
Tim Western – the Lions’ coaching director – only needed a cursory look at Hatton’s league stats to give he a ring.
“Weight of runs in the league – five 50s and more than 400 runs at an average in the 40s – have earned Tom an opportunity at representative level,” said Western.
Reflecting on the Lions programme so far, which includes a T20 double-header against Cornwall at Truro, Western feels player development is being achieved.
“It has been good to see collective effort and an aggressive style of play,” said Western.
“These are good signs as we continuously look to strengthen the squad of players who can be successful at National Counties level.”
Devon Lions: J A W Ford (Bideford), H Southgate, T Hatton (both Heathcoat), T J Haffenden (Plymouth), S J Elstone (Sidmouth), B A Beaumont (Cornwood), A J Small (Sandford), H J Passenger (Torquay & Kingskerswell), J L Farley (Bradninch & Kentisbeare), E J Guest (Bridestowe), M R Jeacock (Sandford).
