CONRAD SUTCLIFFE WITH THE LATEST
DEVON skipper James Horler is aiming high in this season’s National Counties Trophy competition, which gets under way at Instow tomorrow (Sunday, 11am) against Buckinghamshire.
Devon’s recent record in the 50-over competition has been mixed to say the least. They have not got past the quarter-final stage since losing the 2018 final to Cheshire on the Getty Ground at Wormsley.
For a county with a distinguished record in the competition –Lord’s finals wins in 1992, 1994, 1998 and 2008, as well as one at Wormsley in 2014 – the recent under-achievements rankle.
Horler has some new faces in his squad this season and is looking for a fresh start in 50-over cricket.
“In terms of doing better, we've got the quality in a squad brimming with talent,” said Horler. “It is just a matter of getting the right balance and executing it on the day.
“We have had a promising few seasons, but we've lacked a bit of experience and quality at the quarter-final stage of our campaigns.
“I don’t feel our mentality needs to change massively from last few years. We always have belief in ourselves.
“Although we have been there or there abouts, we have lost out to well-drilled and strong sides like Berkshire (2021) and Cheshire (2024).
“Our aim in all competitions, not just in 50-overs, is to consistently make more semis, make finals and ultimately win trophies. It sounds clichéd, but we're not travelling round to do 'ok'”.
Devon have been working more closely with the Devon Cricket Foundation, the University of Exeter and Somerset CCC under the new coaching regime headed up by Tim Western, who has replaced Dave Tall in the top job.
“We are trying to keep the quality as high as we can. while developing talent in the squad for years to come,” said Horler.
Somerset’s Joe Heywood, who opened the bowling for England under-19s last season has been dual-registered by Devon and is in the squad to face Buckinghamshire.
Also in for the first time is Seb Allison, a student at the University of Exeter, who is also an opening bowler and more than useful batsman. He has previous white and red-ball experience with Northumberland.
“I am excited to see how Allison and Heywood get cracking,” said Horler. “Both have strong potential.”
Among the other new faces is Callum Harvey, a student at Solent University who was part of the academy process with Somerset. Harvey bats and bowls left-arm spin. He was steered in Devon’s direction by ex-county captain Matt Thompson, who coached him when he was at Millfield School.
Cornwod’s Ben Privett, who was Devon’s leading run scorer in last season’s Trophy games, keeps his place in the 12. There’s are no spots for Ben Beaumont or Sam Elstone.
Horler said with greater depth in the batting department, some ‘tough decisions’ had to be made whitling the squad down to a match-day 12.
“The selection process on the batting front was tough,” admitted Horler. “The likes of Ben Beaumont and Sam Elstone have missed out through no fault of their own.”
An indication of the changing face of the Devon squad is that only six players – Privett, Horler, Matt Thompson, Jamie Stephens, Sam Read and Fin Hill – survive from the side that played Berkshire at the corresponding group stage last season.
Devon’s last experience against Buckinghamshire was a positive one. Privett belted a century in a total of 279 for eight at High Wycombe. Kazi Szymanski then took five wickets as Bucks were bowled out for 187.
Standing between Devon and the quarter-final are group-stage opponents Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire (A), Cornwall (A) and Berkshire (H).
Devon (from): J D Horler (Exmouth), S J Linnitt (Exeter), B H Privett (Cornwood), F J Hill (Exeter), M W Thompson (Congresbury), L S Walker (Sandford), C F Harvey (Midsomer Norton), S O Read (Exeter), J A Stephens (Valley End), S J Allison (University of Exeter), J P Heywood (Bath), J M Nott (Exeter).
Buckinghamshire: A N Kervezee, E W H Bragg, A Dodds, R Friend, C P W Haddow, G D C Harvey, C W Hemp, A N Raykar, R A J Richardson, M C Utley, T Weymes
Umpires: P A Smith, C Evans.
