UNDER-17s FINISH SECOND AT KING'S
An excellent week at King's College, Taunton, saw the Devon Under-17s come very close to winning the Under-17 ESCA Trophy as they finished runners-up to Kent. A week graced with dry weather saw the Devon girls secure two winning draws and a losing draw.
The opening game against Kent was a terrific affair as two very good sides fought to the end in an attempt to get the outright victory that would set up the week. Kent posted 198-7 in their 45 overs as lots of batsmen got in but no one went on to make the big score that the situation craved for. Heather Knight picked up 2-43. Devon eemed to have everything in control as Knight made 74 and was going along very nicely before a run out cut short her innings as Devon looked to be closing in on victory. Her loss did not affect the other batsmen as they kept on pressing for the win only to fall four runs short in a tremendous match that saw Kent pick up 12 points and Devon nine.
The next day saw Devon entertain Somerset and Heather Knight and Vicky Bowden treated everybody to a wonderful opening stand of 183, Knight retired on 101 and Bowden went on to make 60 before Abi Evans hit an quickfire 29 that enabled Devon to declare on 235-1 from 38 overs. The reply was dominated by Frances Wilson, who made 74, and, together with Beth Howe, kept Devon at bay as they managed to bat through 52 overs and eventually close on 176-8 with Devon unable to get the last couple of wickets.
The final game turned into quite a drab affair as Devon again batted first, knowing a win would put them level with Kent and a share of the spoils. Knight and Bowden again were in good form as they put on 165 for the first wicket before both perished, Knight for 84 and Bowden 38. Devon pushed on and eventually made 207-2, making a very generous declaration, giving Shropshire 58 overs to get the runs. In a very dull affair it was disappointing to see Shropshire look to bat out the overs from the very first ball and, despite the use of nine bowlers and many bowling changes, Devon were unable to take the wickets they required, and had to settle for another winning draw and second place. Rebecca Donohue did well to pick up 2-18 and the other bowlers got the odd wicket but the innings tailed off to a very lame finish.