Devon Cricket Board - Premier - Dart explains five-star selection

Premier - Dart explains five-star selection

NORTH Devon skipper Matt Dart said he had no qualms about fielding four pro cricketers and South African U19 star in the eight-wicket win over Exeter.

Club pro Glenn Querl (Matabeleland Tuskers) and Warwickshire staffer Tom Allin were joined in the side by South African U19 batsman Jason Smith and the Overton twins, who are both on contracts with Somerset.

Paul Heard, who had played for Devon Lions the previous Sunday against Worcestershire at Wolverhampton, was dropped to the 2^nd XI to make room one of the twins.

Querl,. Jamie Overton and Allin had two wickets each as Exeter were bowled out for 182 – Rob Holman (58) and Tom Viljoen (35) making the only scores of note.

North Devon opened up with a stand of 87 between Barney Huxtable (34) and Smith (92).

Smith and Craig Overton (33no) nudge the chase up to 162 for two, then Querl (20no) finished it off in 14 balls.

Smith hit 12 fours and put Adam Gribble on the beach twice for sixes in his 82-ball stay

North Devon have now won seven in a row and are up to joint fourth in the table.

Dart accepted the strength of his team against Exeter would be a talking point among rival clubs, but added he could live with it.

“It was probably the strongest side we could put out,” said Dart.

“We had no idea until Friday night that Craig or Jamie could play, but they have been members of the club since they were toddlers and Somerset wanted them to have a game.

“It would have been wrong for us to say ‘no’ under those circumstances.

“Having Jason, Tom and Glenn gave us five first class cricketers. It is slightly unfair on opposing sides, but it is not going to happen that often.

“We did not expect to see Jamie at all this season as it seemed Somerset had him in mind. Craig was playing as part of his comeback from injury.”

DCB Ltd, University of Exeter Sports Hall, Stocker Road, Exeter, Devon EX4 4QN Company Registration Number: 7024773