Devon Dumplings v Strollers

Monday 08 August 2022 at Exeter County

Devon Dumplings 135 all out. Strollers 128 all out. Dumplings won by 7 runs

The County Ground still had a slight tinge of green to it despite the continuing hot, dry weather. The pitch was hard but proved difficult to score runs on which led to a low scoring game. 

Dumplings’ captain Graham White won the toss and chose to bat first. New Dumplings player Mohammed Thoufeeq was the first to go after a promising start with a couple of boundaries, bowled by Richard Sykes with the score on 15. White also fell victim to Sykes, caught behind for 0 having faced 14 balls. Wickets fell regularly while Adam Bilston propped up the other end, scoring a vital and patient 50, eventually falling LBW to spinner Adam Price with the score on 93 for 5. Four batsman went for a duck, but Aditya More managed 25 off 16 balls, hitting the only 6 of the innings. Harry Everett hung around for a long time for his 12, helping to take the score from 80 to 124. Lunch was taken with the Dumplings 8 down, and surely  not enough on the board. 

After lunch the innings lasted only another 3 overs. Dumplings’ innngs had lasted a bare 32.5 overs. Price had proved to be the most dangerous of the Strollers’ bowlers taking 5 for 36 off 9 overs. Sykes had been miserly with just 7 runs scored off his 7 overs taking 2 wickets in the process.

If the Dumplings were going to have any chance of winning they would have to bowl well and take early wickets. They had David Lawrence back in the pavilion with the score on 6 caught off the bowling of George Daldorph. Daldorph also dismissed the other opener, Freddie Smith for 18 with the score 29 for 2. It was the fourth wicket partnership that proved troublesome between Charlie Knightley & Price, until Knightley was caught by Bilston for 17 with the score on 72. Tea was taken with the score on 79 for 4 and the Strollers looking favourites to win. 

However Strollers’ captain Chris Townsend fell in the first over after tea and the Dumplings felt they were in with a chance. Price was holding the innings together but kept losing partners, with three wickets in 3 overs taking the score to 98 for 8. Needing another 38 to win, Price hit out, much to the delight of his team mates, but this was also his downfall as he was caught by Bilston for 48 with the score on 124. Last man in fell in the next over, and the Dumplings had won a very close match. 

 Thanks to Exeter CC for preparing the pitch in these challenging conditions, and to the Squash Club for again providing excellent food. Also of course to the umpires who had to stand out in the hot weather. We wish the Strollers well on their remaining tour and look forward to welcoming them next year for their centenary tour. 

DD 135 all out (Adam Bilston 50, Aditya More 25, Adam Price 5/36, Richard Sykes 2/7)

Strollers: 128 all out (Adam Price 48, Billy Buckingham 4/37, Aditya More 3/30) 

WH