Devon Cricket Board - Squire bags brace on Devon debut

Squire bags brace on Devon debut

DEVON’S decision to draft in left-arm spinner Will Squire looked like a sound one after he took two wickets on his debut before the game against Cheshire at Bowdon was halted due to rain.

The two teams will present themselves back at South Down Road in the leafy suburbs of Altrincham this morning – weather permitting – with Cheshire resuming on 254 for seven.

There was no question about it: Devon had the best of it on day one against the current Western Division leaders.

There were three previous stoppages for rain during the 69.1 overs bowled before a fourth deluge forced the players off for the day.

Devon were the happier of the two sides at close of play having worked their way steadily through the order.

Cheshire reached 30 for none before losing three wickets in a rush a Devon took the early initiative.

Opener Johnny Kettle was caught by a tumbling Trevor Anning at mid-wicket to give skipper Josh Bess the first wicket.

Ric Moore didn’t detain Devon long as he was well caught one-handed at slip by Rob Holman off Bess before getting off the mark.

When Warren Goodwin slapped Anning to Rhys Davies at extra-cover, Cheshire were 38 for three.

A stand of 105 between James Duffy (53) and Khalid Sawas (80) either side of lunch appeared to re-establish equilibrium in the home camp.

Duffy was first out after lunch, bowled by Chris Bradley followed by Lee Dixon, who went lbw to the same bowler.

Sawas long vigil ended at 197 for six when Squire trapped him lbw. He hit 14 fours in a 135 minute stay.

Last man out before the fourth and final stoppage was Danny Berry, who played down the wrong line to Squire and saw his leg-stump knocked back.

The not out batsmen at the premature close were Jack Williams (36) and Adam Sydall.

Sydall took a blow on the wrist from Bess trying to deal with what proved the last ball of the day.

While Sydall was rubbing his sore wrist, the drizzle turned nasty and the teams came off.

Cheshire 254-7 (W W Goodwin 23, J A Duffy 53, K Sawas 80, J J Williams 36; W D Squire 2-58, C Bradley 2-70, J J Bess 2-53).

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