The second day could not have had a worse start as Daniel Bowser's back went during the throw downs and arrangements were made to get him home for some treatment as soon as possible. He bravely batted without adding to his overnight score and was beaten on the back foot by one that kept low. Five runs were added for the second wicket when Wilkinson was caught behind. Piper entered in 2004 vogue and put on 37 with Bess. Bess carelessness continued as he hit a four and then chipped, it is getting annoying as he was well set having faced 83 balls in helping put on 62. The fourth wicket pairing looked more than promising as Fraser put on 52 in 53 balls with Piper. Then out of the blue Fraser was bowled by Reid and we were back in trouble. Five balls later we were virtually dead as Reid forced Piper to miss cue to cover for a 99 ball 42. Piper has been outstanding this season and deserved a five not out in the second innings to average 40 but Bess and Porter blocked his way! From 115-5 Devon fell further away to being all out in 75.4 overs for 156. Chappell battled then had a rush of blood, swept – yes we have been there this season and had middle and off removed. Yau disappointed again being in four minds, in the end did nothing and was bowled fifth ball. Price was leg before. Porter had done his best – batted for 83 balls and may have been a bit unlucky when wood came before pad and was leg before for 24. Tom Allin was determined to occupy as long as possible but Carr departed fifth ball - the 38th Devon batsmen to be caught in five games and not the last. Strangely Devon were invited to follow on as Gloucestershire were short of overs but needed only one point to avoid the drop. They sadly will play third division cricket with us in 2005 but first Fraser was caught at mid off (no 39 caught). However Porter and Bess then put on 166 in 37 overs, the third highest second wicket partnership. With better running it could easily have been more but they both batted sensibly. Bess undefeated on 53 off 118 and Porter yet another county best 79 off 119. Too often this season we have shown how we can bat but it is always in the second innings when the pressure is off – huge lesson to be learnt there. Lessons have been learnt with 10 of this team eligible for 2005 and hopefully Matthew Cooke will be fit again so the season can be looked forward with optimism. We now look forward to the Piper/Price Memorial game and thank both these troopers for their major contribution in 2004.

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