U15sTourReport2008

DCB DEVELOPMEN TOUR

SOUTH AFRICA 2008.

DAY BY DAY MATCH SUMMARIES.

Monday 11th February, Day 1 of 2 day match

v Mpumalanga U15 at Skukuza

On a good pitch with a lightning quick outfield Mpumalanga made 246-9 from their 60 overs, with the wickets being shared around.

In reply, Devon were 214-8 at the close, Zak Bess top scoring with 47 and Tom Mitcham and Alex Brown contributing 31 and 29 respectively.

Thursday 12th February, Day 2

Devon batted on to reach 236-9declared . Mpumalanga batted positively second time around and declared with the score on 228-7 ( R Skinner, 3-41, D Winsor, 2-19), leaving Devon to score 239 to win off 54 overs. After losing an early wicket Mitcham (59) and Brown (40) put on 70 for the next wicket before the latter fell. Devon were in control with 87 needed from the last 20 overs with 7 wickets in hand when a run out and middle order collapse left them needing another 38 runs with the last pair at the crease. However the heavens opened and the match was abandoned as a draw with Devon on 201-9.

Thursday 14th February- 50 Over match

v Development X1 at Green Point, Cape Town

After a poor start Devon reached a respectable 224-9 off the allotted 50 overs. Barnaby Huxtable (37) and Jack Lily D'Cruz (42) batted very sensibly and ensured a reasonable total was made with a crucial 56 run partnership.

The seamers struggled to find a consistent line and length and only Jack Hughes got to grips with the conditions returning excellent figures of 7-1-9-4. The ground fielding and catching was good and Devon secured a 109 run win by bowling the opposition out for 115.

Friday 15th February- 50 Over match

v Southern Suburbs at Univ: of Cape Town.

Batting first on a rain interrupted morning Devon amassed 213 from their reduced 40 overs. George Stephenson dominated the innings with some superb stroke play and aggressive hitting. After falling 3 runs short of a deserved century it was left to the lower order to ensure Devon reached a competitive total.

A much improved bowling display backed up by some good fielding restricted the home side to 163-7 with Barnaby Huxtable (3-32) being the pick of the bowlers.

Sunday 17th February- 2 Day match

v Western Province U14, Day 1 at Vineyard Oval.

Losing the toss Devon bowled tidily restricting the home side to 135 all out with Huxtable, Lily D'Cruz and Skinner all picking up 2 wickets apiece, and Winsor bowling with consistent accuracy finishing with 3 wickets for 9 runs. After a poor start Devon replied with 186-7 with Huxtable playing very sensibly (65no) and DeFriend chipping in with an entertaining 27no. Zak Bess had earlier scored 40.

Monday 18th February, Day 2

Devon declared at the over night score. In their second innings Western Province batted poorly and were bowled out for 67 with Zak Bess, bowling a superb line being rewarded with excellent figures of 11-5-10-5. Dan Winsor also made another valuable contribution claiming 3 wickets. Cameron Grainger kept wicket very well while some outstanding catching from Brown and DeFriend supported the bowlers.

With only 17 to win Devon clinched victory for the loss of 1 wicket.

Wednesday 20th February, 50 over match

v Western Province U15 at Uitsg Constantia.

After losing the toss, Devon bowled and fielded exceptionally well and skittled the opposition out for 133 with Bess (3-46), Winsor (3-32) and Skinner (2-11) being the main wicket takers.

Chasing the below par total, Devon were not able to establish a match winning partnership against a good varied attack. Several players made a start but lost their wicket at crucial times with poor decision making shots. This culminated with Devon finishing a disappointing 10 runs short of the target.

Thursday 21st February. 50 over match

v Boland U15 X1 at Paarl Boys School.

Winning the toss and batting first on a good pitch Devon struggled to score at a reasonable rate and lost wickets when trying to up the tempo. Huxtable held the inning together with a classy 56 and Devon reached 156-9.

A fine early spell from left arm spinner Winsor, backed up by some tight seam bowling saw the home side struggle to 52-1 off 27 overs at tea. The bowlers continued to exert pressure after the break, backed up again by some excellent fielding which saw the required run rate creep up. As is usually the case the lack of scoring opportunities resulted in a loss of wickets and Devon won a thrilling match by 2 runs. A great team performance to finish the tour.