Devon Cricket Board - Dawson digs in to put Exmouth in right path

Dawson digs in to put Exmouth in right path

BOB Dawson showed the professionalism that earned him a 10-year career in the game with a match-winning knock of 78 in Exmouth’s 57-run victory over Heathcoat.
Dawson spent a decade on the payroll with Gloucestershire before returning to Minor County cricket with Devon and extending his career by another 12 seasons – seven of them as captain.
Dawson only plays for Exmouth now – at 45 he has other priorities – but is just the man to have around in a crisis.
And when Exmouth were 48 for five in the 20th over against Heathcoat, they were glad of Dawson’s expertise to get them off the hook.
Paul Elliott had taken four Exmouth wickets for 13 runs in 10 tight overs – and Jamie Drew had disposed of opener Andrew Buzza in the first over.
Dawson led the way with 78 off 139 balls as Exmouth recovered to make 203 for eight.
He hit six fours and four sixes and faced an awful lot of dot balls during his stay.
There was a brief stand of 28 with Gary Chappell (18) which moved things along after Exmouth had been 20 for four in the eighth over.
The key stand for Exmouth was one worth 132 between Dawson and his former Devon team-mate Trevor Anning.
Anning made 58 off 78 balls with eight fours thrown in as Exmouth recovered to 160 for eight.
Matt Hague trapped Dawson lbw and eight runs later ran out Anning.
In the time left, Jon Evennett went on to reach 20 from 10 balls before he was last out.
Heathcoat were in even worse shape on the chase as they slumped to 20 for five and 42 for six in reply.
Anning (4-35) had Brad Barnes and Drew one after the other then added Sam Smith at 42 for six.
There was some resistance from Ned Menheneott (26), Jack Dart (28) and Elliott, who hung around for 74 minutes making his 26.
No one could accuse Heathcoat of giving it away, but as they resisted as long as they could.
David Lye applied the last rites to the innings by removing Elliott and Jack Menheneott to finish with a cheeky two for 23 off 9.2.
Richard Baggs, the Exmouth captain, said he hoped beating Heathcoat would kick start a season which hadn’t included a win before Saturday.
“it was a great win and much needed,” said Baggs.
“Brilliant performances from Bob and Trevor and a nice little cameo from Evennett.
“Hopefully we can now get on a bit of a roll.”

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