Devon v Surrey, Thursday 14th August

Surrey 172 for 6 in 54 overs . T Parker 34,R Acton 10 2 26 2,

M Cooke 20 3 47 3
Devon 110 all out in 50.2 overs. J Bess 21 S Ratnayeke 11 3 15 2,

A Ansari 15 3 39 4.

SURREY WON BY 62 RUNS

The final game of the finals and with the other games both finishing in draws the destination of the trophy was far from clear. Three sides finishing with equal points would mean the winners being decided on bonus points and Devon had a little ground to make up. Following pre match discussion of the overall situation resulted in Devon deciding to field first and backing themselves to emerge as outright winners by chasing any target posed.
The early bowling was better than in the Yorkshire match and the spinners were in action as early as the 7th over to take maximum advantage of yet another poor pitch. Again forcing the pace proved difficult for the Surrey batters and 54 overs were used in reaching 172 for 6 with Parker contributing a useful 34. Matthew Cooke was the pick of the bowling taking 3 for 47 in 20 overs.
As has been the case for much of this season Bess and Bowser provided Devon with an excellent start putting on 43 for the first wicket before both were dismissed in a manner uncharacteristic of their earlier play.
Thereafter it was a sorry tale with only Carr (17) able to show any real resistance in the face of good quality spin bowling. Jon Raistrick who has proved to be an outstanding team player provided some late order enterprise but Devon were dismissed for 110 leaving Surrey as the deserved winners of the competition.

A rather disappointing end to what has overall been an excellent season. It is no mean feat to reach national finals even though the batting was found wanting against good sides in the later games.
Well done to the players involved, reflect on some outstanding performances against Warwickshire,Wales and Gloucesterhire and learn from experiences in defeat right at the end of the season.
There is every reason to believe that players from this squad will go on to represent Devon well in the older age groups and possibly the full County side. Most certainly,and perhaps most importantly they will enhance the playing strength of their clubs and as a consequence help to strengthen league cricket in Devon.                                                           Back