Devon Dumplings v W Buckland School

Wednesday 27 June 2012 at School

DD 133 ao School 137-7

 The Devon Dumplings suffered a narrow loss at West Buckland School. Being principally comprised of players from the Exeter and Plymouth areas, the Dumplings had a long drive to North Devon for an 11am start, so opted to bat despite the pitch and outfield being wet and more rain in the air. It was hard going early on with few shots along the turf reaching the boundary. Lunch was taken after 20 overs with the Dumplings 60 for 2. The sun come out over lunch and quickly dried the outfield, but also the pitch, allowing much more grip for off spinner Harry Booker (5 for 46) and the Dumplings collapsed to 133 all out. Only opener Jake Luffman (52) showed the necessary application to get a score. 

But 134 was no easy score to chase on a helpful pitch and Aussie Steve Bourke struck an early blow for the Dumplings by clean bowling Booker with a gorgeous away swinger. The Dumplings used three spinners in Bernie Wilson, Henry Bennett and John Meredith, gradually chipping wickets away whilst Witheridge played nicely for his 24. The re-introduction of Bourke brought four quick wickets but Sherington kept a cool head for the School and batted solidly for 42 not out to see his side home by 3 wickets. 

 D.D. 133 (J. Luffman 52, C. Grainger 20) LOST to 

West Buckland School 137/7 (S. Bourke 5-30) by 3 wickets