Devon look ahead after rain off ends title hopes

 DEVON are already looking ahead after giving up on retaining the Minor Counties title following the wash out against Dorset at Exeter.

Sixth-placed Devon, 19 points behind leaders Cornwall going into the game, needed a win to stop the leading group pulling too far ahead. It was a rain-off too many for Devon, who have only played one full game out of five this season.

No play was possible on Sunday or Monday, but hopes were high of salvaging a single-innings game on Tuesday.

With rain falling as the scheduled start time of 10.30 approached, umpires Steve Bishopp and Richard Hampshire called captain’s Chris Bradley and Tom Hicks together and reached the joint decision to call it off. It was the first time since 1982 that an entire home game in the Championship had been lost the bad weather. Somerset II at Exmouth to be precise.

Devon’s final game against Shropshire at Whitchurch in two weeks is largely academic, but certainly not meaningless.

The current campaign may be dead and buried, but Newman is already looking ahead to 2013.

“If we are not in a position to retain the title, then we might as well start planning ahead,” said Newman.

“There are players coming into contention for next year and the Shrosphire match is a good opportunity to have a look at them.”

Devon now turn their attention to Friday’s T20 double benefit game against Gloucesterhire at Cornwood (4pm).

Gloucestershire’s Alex Gidman and the David Shepherd Cricket Foundation are the joint beneficiaries of the match.

Devon have named a strong squad for the match, anticipating a near full-strength Gloucestershire side if previous meetings between the counties are anything to go by.

Devon have picked Cornwood left-armer Adam Goodliffe, who has been making great strides in the county development squad over the past year.

“Adam has worked hard on his game – he was voted the most-improved player in the squad after the winter programme – and to play against a First Class county on his own ground is a fantastic opportunity for him,” said Newman.


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