Devon Cricket Board - Orchard takes three as Devon dominate final session

Orchard takes three as Devon dominate final session

DEBUTANT Mark Orchard produced a three-wicket burst that put Devon back on top in their see-saw Minor Counties Championship game against Shropshire at Whitchurch.
Brixham skipper Orchard – whose cousin is Plymstock captain Dave Orchard – was a surprise inclusion in the side after bowling well for the Devon League XI against the Devon Lions at Sandford two weeks ago.
Devon liked the look of Orchard – raw but quick – and so far he has justified the county taking a punt on him with four wickets in the match.
Shropshire, 77 for eight overnight in the morning in their first innings, were back at the end of day two chasing 236 to win,
By close of play Shropshire were 126 for five – 110 runs short - and victory looked a long way away indeed.
Having shot off to 51 for none on seven overs, opener Richard Oliver blazing away, a double strike from Chris Bradley left Shropshire 51 for two.
Jamie Ralph kept the momentum going with a brisk 34 off 30 balls and at 90 for two Shropshire were in the driving seat.
The balance of power shifted during a lively spell from Mark Orchard, who bowled Ralph then had Rob Foster and Jono Whitney caught by sub fielder Jack Dart at point in the space of five balls.
Orchard had figures of three for 27 at stumps.
Devon needed 20 overs at the start of the day to get Shropshire out the first time, David Lye finally coming up with the goods to break a stand of 94 for the ninth wicket between Ed Foster 58 and Elliot Green (44no).
Last man Dan Bowen (0) was less of a challenge as the final wicket went on 129, 27 runs behind on first innings.
Second time around Devon were all out for 208 – not the score they were looking for when Rob Holman and James Burke went out to open up.
A target of around 260 was a minimum for a lead in the region of 300.
Holman was lbw to Tom Friend first ball, which didn’t help, but Rob Woodman (70), Seb Benton (46) and Matt Thompson (40no) got the board ticking over.
There may have been a case for putting Thompson in higher up as he understand the concept that three-day cricket is about occupation of the crease as well as anyone in the team.
Woodman got out trying to force the pace – he was caught at long-on – and Benton fell into the trap and was pouched hooking.
Green and Tom Friend with four wickets each – aided by some smart catching close to the wicket – were the prime bowlers for Shropshire.
Devon 156 (R J Holman 38, R J Woodman 49; E G Barnard 4-18, R K Oliver 5-11) & 208 (R J Woodman 70, S R Benton 46, M W Thompson 40no; T Friend 4-37, E J Green 4-46), Shropshire 129 (E J Foster 58, E J Green 44no, T S Anning 5-30, J Bess 2-33) & 126-5 (R K Oliver 59no; M A Orchard 3-27).

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