
Devon Under 14 Boys narrowly missed out on victory against Surrey in the ECB U14 County Cup Quarter Finals on August 11, losing by just six runs in a tense match.
Scorecard
Surrey Under 14 Boys: 223ao (W Franlin 57 T Lee-Sang 39; Z Salter 3-41, A Butterfield 2-6, M Kaleem 2-29)
Devon Under 14 Boys: 217ao (A Bradley 60, A Tipper 43; W Edwards 2-31, J Wiles 2-43)
Surrey beat Devon by 6 runs.
Match Report
After winning the toss, Surrey opted to bat and posted a challenging total of 223 all out in 43.4 overs. Will Franklin led the charge with a well-made 57, supported by late-order hitting from Taylor Lee-Sang, who added 39 runs.
Devon's bowlers fought back well, with Muhammad Kaleem (2 for 29) and Zac Salter (3 for 41) being the standout performers. Devon's fielding was sharp, contributing to two crucial run-outs, including Franklin's.
Chasing 224, Devon's innings stumbled early, losing two quick wickets. However, opener Alex Tipper (43) and Albie Bradley (60) steadied the ship with a crucial partnership. Bradley's determined innings, spanning 97 balls, kept Devon in the hunt despite wickets falling around him.
After Tipper's dismissal at 90 for 3, Devon struggled to maintain momentum. Bradley continued to anchor the innings, but his run-out at 186 for 8 proved a turning point.
Needing 17 runs off the last three overs with two wickets in hand, Devon's lower order battled hard, but Surrey's bowlers held their nerve.
William Edwards (2 for 31) bowled a tight spell, while sharp fielding, including a critical run-out, sealed Devon's fate as they were bowled out for 217 in the final over.
Devon showed tremendous fight but ultimately fell just short, with Surrey advancing to the next stage of the competition.