DEVON U15s has a frustrating time at the ECB County Championships at Oundle School in East Anglia, where they had almost as much trouble from the weather as they did from opponents.

   Devon were due to play Warwickshire, Essex then Yorkshire on successive days, but only the tournament opener against Warwickshire wasn't affected by rain.

   At the end of three days Devon had been rained off once, drawn once and lost once.

   Essex were eventually declared winners, but only after their game against Warwickshire had been rained off and the rule book consulted.

   Devon failed to bowl with control against Warwickshire and a target of 280 to win was always going to be difficult - especially when Devon were reduced to 27 for three in reply.

   Sam Smith (44) and Chris Metters (32) began the fight back, but at 182 for nine there was still a lot to do to avoid defeat. An excellent last-wicket partnership of 47 between Tom Cross and Adam Dibble was sufficient to achieve a draw.

   With rain in the air Essex had no hesitation asking Devon to bat first. At lunch the game was well balanced with Devon on 95 for three but only four more overs were possible before rain caused a long delay.

   At the restart the Devon innings was reduced to only three more overs and a target of 128 in 32 overs appeared insufficient to pose many problems for Essex, who had been surprise winners against Yorkshire on the first day.

   But Devon bowled and fielded superbly and Essex only had an over left when they completed a five-wicket win.

   Devon batted first against Yorkshire and were in a good position at 102 for one at lunch before rain brought an early end to proceedings.

   Running youth cricket is an expensive business and team manager Alan Swift said he would like to thank all the sponors and, in particular, ABC Roofing Services of Exeter who helped keep costs down for the finals by loaning one of their mini buses as team transport.

RESULTS

   Warwickshire 279-5 dec (T Lewis 134), Devon 182-9, S Smith 44, C Metters 32, T Cross 26no, A Dibble 26no). Match drawn.

   Devon 128-5 (L Bess 39, Essex 129-5 in 30 overs. Essex bt Devon by 5 wkts.

   Devon 102-1 (L Bess 37, J Burke 39no) v Yorkshire. Rain stopped play.