DEVON Lions’ eight-wicket win over Cornwall Choughs at Plympton in the first three-day game for either side was a real result in every sense of the word.
Cornwall, bowled out for the second time in the match on day three, left Devon a session and a half to make 164 to win. Victory was achieved with just over an hour to spare.
Although Devon always savour wins over old rivals Cornwall – and that emotion is fully reciprocated – it was how it was achieved that was equally important.
Three-day cricket is a step-up from the 50-over format played in most Premier Leagues on a Saturday afternoon – and a world away from the crash, bang, wallop of the Twenty20 game.
Tim Western. Devon CCC’s performance director, said the way the players adapted to ‘time cricket’ was a massive learning gain.
“Across the three days, the team were tested in a longer format of the game that demanded patience, resilience, and tactical awareness,” said Western. “This is exactly the kind of environment designed to accelerate learning for players pushing towards contention for future 1st XI selection.
“It proved how valuable the extended format had been for player development, giving them time in the middle, long spells with the ball, and necessity for fitness and concentration to last the three days.
“The match also showcased the competitive hunger within the squad to represent the county at men's level.”
Cornwall recovered from 85 for five on day one to make 354 all out in their first innings. Half-centuries from Jack Ivamy (71) and Tom Fox-Dean (52), plus a near miss for George Rickard (45) repaired damage done by Sam Ford (2-37) and Josh Farley (2-90) early on.
A Matt Whalley century (123) and runs from Sam Elstone (88) and Matt Matravers (59) helped Devon chip away the deficit. Ollie Woodcock was the last man out on 96 in a Devon total of 438 all out.
Cornwall, 84 behind on first innings, made 247 all out second time they batted. Opener Henry Phillips was their star man with 130 scored during a gruelling four hours at the wicket. Once he was seventh out on 232, new-ball bowlers Josh Nott (3-28) and Tom Hodgson (3-42) were brought back to knock-over the tail.
“With eight wickets still needed to close out the Chough's innings, the group responded superbly on day three,” said Western.
“It was tough going in the morning session with Harry Phillips batting very well but a lift in concentration and intensity just before lunch saw the Lions pick up two quick wickets.
Devon lost opener Joe Hopkins four balls into their reply, not that it made much difference. Elstone (66no) and skipper Teddy Haffenden (85) got the target down to 14 before the latter was dismissed.
Said Western: “Senior players like Elstone and Whalley showed why they are in the 1st XI; the likes of Hodgson, Nott, Farley, Kidd, Woodcock and Haffenden gave a very good account of themselves; and the emerging talents from the under 18s embraced responsibility and the showed that they can operate at a higher standard.”
Western said Plympton CC’s contribution to the success of the venture had to be acknowledged.
“Plympton’s outstanding hospitality and facilities created a positive, professional environment throughout the three days,” said Western. “The quality of the pitch and outfield played a significant role in enabling both teams to perform at their best.”
Devon Lions' next fixture is a 50-over meeting with the Somerset Academy at Cullompton's new ground on Sunday, August 2 (11am).
