Devon Dumplings v The Strollers

 This our second match of the season, against one of our regular touring opponents, actually took place on the day originally arranged months ago. We are grateful that they still felt able to tour at this time, and thanks also to Exeter CC for hosting the game as usual and of course the Officials.  The format of the match was altered to a 40 over game to allow for the extra time taken up with the required hygiene breaks.

On one of the hottest days in Devon this summer with the mercury edging up towards 30 deg C, the Dumplings won the toss and captain Graham White decided to bat. After a steady start, fellow students James Horler and Sam Read soon started scoring boundaries freely, putting together an excellent partnership with some lovely shots, before it was broken in the 25th over when Read was caught by the Strollers’ captain, just 5 short of a century. Read’s fifty had come off just 52 balls, and altogether he hit 15 4s and 3 6s. Horler was joined by young wicketkeeper Adam Small, but their partnership ended after just 18 runs when Horler was also caught, having scored 70. White came in next, but he was soon back in the pavilion. Harry Kandampully made a useful 26 runs and with Peter Hensor ending up 18* at the end. Dumplings had made a good score of 255 for 7. The pick of the Strollers bowlers was Adam Price who finished with figures of 3-39 from his 8 overs.

Sadly this season the traditional cricket teas are nowhere to be seen. After a break and time to eat our own picnics, socially distanced, the Strollers started on their run chase. By the second over, they had lost opener David Townsend who was caught and bowled by Hensor.  Strollers found it very difficult to score off Ziegler-Evans, and when Exeter’s young spinner Finlay Hill came on they were in more trouble at 70 for 5. Hill had taken 3 wickets in 6 balls. One was brilliantly caught by Read on the boundary.   By now, Price was at the crease and started to hit much needed boundaries. With partner Simon James they put on 56 runs for the 6th wicket partnership in 9 overs, before James was out for 34. Captain Chris Townsend and Price then put on 61 before Townsend was adjudged LBW to Read after scoring 23 runs with the score on 187. Adam Fradgley then finished off the Strollers by taking two wickets in the 35th over, including Price whom he bowled for 71. With Callum Flintoff being unable to bat following an injury to his hand whilst fielding, the Strollers finished on 195 for 9 all out.

Dumplings had won by 60 runs, with some good performances by our younger players.

Devon Dumplings 255 for 7. Read 95, Horler 70; Price 3-39, Wethey 2-54.

The Strollers 195 for 9 all out  Price 71; James 34; Hill 3-41; Fradgley 2-14.