Devon Dumplings v Exeter School

Wednesday 01 May 2019 at School

DD 290-7 School 251-7

The Dumplings secured a victory over Exeter School in a particularly high scoring game, particularly when considering that the match was played in early May. As usual, there were strong connections between the two sides with six Old Exonians in the Dumplings side and several of the Exeter School have experience of representing the Dumplings.
Skipper Tim Read - his son Sam was in the opposing side - won the toss and elected to bat. Ben Abrahams and Ian Hayter produced a fine opening stand of 146, with Hayter caught for an impressive 93 off just 52 balls. Ben was dismissed for 57 off 73 balls and then Mark Oelofse (67 off 48) and Gary Chappell (67 off 48) added 112 for the third wicket. The school used seven bowlers, but none enjoyed great success.
Following a pleasant tea, the school batsmen came out and attacked with gusto and there was a fine opening stand of 78 between Jash Patidar and James Horler. Patidar was caught on the long-on boundary off the bowling of Mark Gribble for 40 off 34 balls. The Dumplings bowlers chipped away at one end with none of the incoming batsman passing 16, but Horler proceeded to an impressive 141 off just 104 balls until trapped leg before by Ben Abrahams. Reassuringly, James is also a Dumpling! The innings close on 251 for 7 and a victory for the Dumplings by 39 runs. Mark Gribble (2 for 27 off 7 overs) was the pick of the bowlers.
The School were excellent hosts as usual on the day and our thanks to Andrew Mason and also to the ground staff for producing a pitch of real quality. We look forward to continuing rivalries next year.