SKIPPER Jamie Stephens claimed four wickets and paceman Jack Popham three more on is comeback bowl in Devon Lions 76-run win over Cornwall Development XI at Tavistock
The Lions left Cornwall 129 to win in the fourth innings of the two-day game, which was tougher than it looked in damp conditions at the Ring.
Devon had made 148 for nine in 65 overs in their first innings – Popham making 52 – and that was the best total in the match.
Cornwall, 21 runs behind on first innings, bowled Devon out second time round for 107 with Harry Bolland taking six wickets for eight runs.
Cornwall plummeted to 31 for six in reply, Callum Donnelly made 25 in an attempt to stop the rot, but the last four wickets went for a run as Stephens (4-19) and Sam Fereday (2-3) knocked over the tail.
Tim Western, the Lions director of coaching, said the conditions were challenging but that wasn’t a bad thing as games like this are about exposing players to different situations.
“It is important our emerging players develop their skills in different conditions,” said Western.
“It was a technical and mental challenge our batters against the swinging and seaming ball.
Jack Popham showed patience and determination in his first innings score of 52, which was the only fifty in the match.
“Bowlers had to be patience and bowl the right length consistently.
“The first innings was restricted to 65 overs, which meant we had a good opportunity to exploit the conditions in the latter part of the day and took four important wickets before the close.”
Western felt Devon were 20 runs short of a declaration total in their second innings – and admitted the Lions were glad of a stand of 62 between Matt Skeemer and Dan Wolf for reaching 107 all out.
Even so, Western felt the Lions’ lead was defendable and so it turned out.
A target of 129 in around 32 overs soon seemed a tall order for Cornwall,” said Western.
“Jack Popham (3-11), coming back from injury, bowled with aggression and pace in the second innings taking three early wickets.
“Jack was supported by Jamie Drew, skipper Jamie Stephens and debutant Gill Crouch, who impressed with his attitude and control.
“It will be interesting to see how he bowls on a harder wicket and using his height.”
The Lions next game is against Dorset Leopards at Torquay on July 26.
Devon 148-9 (J Popham 52, R Mawdsley 22; A Ridd 5-37) & 107 (D Wolf 36, M Skeemer 42; H Bolland 6-8), Cornwall 127-6 (K Rodda 29; F King 2-27) & 52 (C Donnelly 25; J Stephens 4-19, J Popham 3-11), Devon bt Cornwall by 76 runs.
