They took in lunch at 100-2, tea at 235-2 and the record youth partnership finally was broken at 6.13 pm when Fletcher was caught. The pair had put on 303 runs breaking all under 17 records and 52 runs more than the record under 19 partnership between the current county all-rounder David Court and Trevor Anning against Dorset in 2000. The pair faced 552 balls in their 256 minutes together. It was perfect batting with the running improving as they gained confidence in each other; they had only met up for the first time the previous night. The individual statistics tell the full story. Fletcher batted 304 minutes (5 hours 4) facing 321 balls hitting seventeen fours and a six in reaching the third highest individual score of 159. Chappell in all batted 277 minutes (4 hours 37) facing 283 balls reaching his fifty with a six and hitting fourteen fours in his 142 (sixth highest individual under 17 score). This was an amazing performance by both who showed great patience, temperament and not a little skill. The Hampshire attack were racing through their overs with the clear intent of bowling 122 in the day. Devon’s plan was to bat their opponents out of the game and reach 400 plus by close of play. Not for the first time this summer was the objective not achieved. From 341-3 the side subsided to 389-7 at close of play with just one more over available in the morning. The batters still do not have a game plan to score at 6 an over without playing big shots. The Hampshire openers the next morning gave a lesson in running an aspect that this side must work on. Whilst the large stand had been progressing Benton and Wrench were having 20 minute sessions with their pads on and it David Wrench who came in at four. He added 13 with Chappell when his partner hit the ball back to the bowler who turned and ran out Wrench with his bat in the air – when things are not going well for a cricketer they tend to get out in unusual ways. Seb Benton then had the responsibility to increase the tempo without taking too many risks added another 15 when Benton was bowled for 7. The scene was set for a Joel Seward innings but sadly his batting confidence is at rock bottom at present and Eliot Acton was given the responsibility of reaching the 400. Two were added when Chappell’s record breaking knock came to an end as he too was caught. One run late Acton was bowled and the management were expressing, disappointment, no anger and the inability to build on the perfect platform. Seward joined Tom Whittle and they took their side up to a new record under 17 total passing the 383 scored against Cornwall the previous season although this was still well short of the highest ever youth score (450-5 under 19s v Berkshire 2001). From 341-3 the side had 102 balls to add 59 runs minimum and this was not achieved as only another 48 were added – very very poor cricket.

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