Devon Girls off to winning start against Dorset

Devon under 15 Girls started their defence of the National Title at a windy, freezing and very wet North Devon CC. Most people thought the game would have been called off but thanks to a massive effort by the North Devon groundsman and the Overton twins, the match was able to be played.

The overs were reduced from 35 to a 25 over match per team. There was no surprise when Dorset won the toss and chose to bowl but Devon where happy to bat and would have anyway. Dorset bowled tightly and very well especially under the conditions they were playing in, sometimes gale force winds and after 10 over's had Devon slightly struggling at 39 for 3, with their 3 main batswomen out. Still at the crease though, was 13 year old Lydia Harris who has been in fantastic form at the start of the season and was joined by Alli Kelly, a talented 12 year old who has started playing this year. These two under 13 players put on 67 for the 4 th wicket in 14 over's before Alli Kelly was dismissed for a very good 21 off 42 balls. Devon finished on 105 for 4 off 25 over's with Lydia Harris carrying her bat with a brilliant 53no off 74 balls. L Edworthy finishing with figures of 3-8 off 5.

The day got colder and windier as it went on and it was going to be hard for the Devon girls to stick at it in those conditions but they did a superb job. Devon were always confident of defending that score with their bowling and fielding and knew if they did them well they would win. With excellent opening spells from Jodie Dibble and Esme Ansley restricting Dorset to 18 for 2 off 9 over's, Dorset were always behind the run rate and would have to push on if they wanted a chance of winning. The pressure of this brought about 3 wickets and Dorset were reduced to 31 for 5 off 15 over's and the task of chasing down 105 was just a bit too much for them. D Maidment batted very well making 21 allowing Dorset to make a respectable final score of 75 for 7 off their over's. Jodie Dibble finishing with figures of 2-8 off 5 and Emily Adams 2-12 off 5.

A good start to the season with the victory, well done to all the girls for playing in those conditions and a big thanks to North Devon for managing to get the game on. Looking forward to the next game on Wednesday 8 th July versus Gloucestershire.