CONRAD SUTCLIFFE AT CORNWOOD

DEVON captain James Horler has described the maiden three-century Sam Read’s scored against Cornwall as a ‘game changer’.

Read made 130 on a fractured day’s cricket at Cornwood CC to bat Devon back into the game. Half the side was out for less than a hundred when Read went in – and opener Elliott Hamilton (54) had made a large slice of the runs so far.

A stand of 127 for the seventh wicket between Read and Mat Skeemer (31) took Devon towards a total of 301 all out, and a first-innings lead of 15.

Cornwall were 18 for two when stumps were pulled on day two, a lead of three with eight wickets in hand going into the final day.

Horler said Read may have been the stand-out player, but it was not a one-man show.

“All things added together it was quite a superb knock,” said Horler.

“Coming in at 84 for rive,  other than Elliot no one scoring more than 50 in the game, it was a brutal and mature innings that completely changed the nature of the game.

“Eight huge sixes took the game to Cornwall and really switched the momentum.

“Matt Skeemer’s knock was also exceptional. It would been difficult for Sam to do what he did, just hold up an end and accumulate. That partnership completed changed the complexity of the game and enabled us to snatch a small lead.

“Hammers (Hamilton) again showed his skills, patience and temperament at the top of the order.”

Breaks for rain and bad light over the first two days have permanently taken around an hour and a half out of the game, time which cannot be clawed back. Another lost hour has been recovered thanks to early start times.

It’s all square going into the final three sessions, which Horler hopes won’t stay the situation for long.

“It is great to have Cornwall two down, however as things have shown over the first two days, it can all change very, very quickly,” said Horler.

“It will be interesting to see what approach Cornwall take? Key will be morning session wickets, and taking home the 23 points.”