Devon Dumplings v UCS Gowers

Three games in a week made raising a team problematic and at 9.30a.m. we only had 7. A call on social media was answered by Rob McManus who also brought along his 13 year-old son Jack. Borrowing 2 players from UCS gave us 11.

UCS won the toss and elected to bat.  DD opened with the pace of 6’ 9” Alex Bevilaqua and pace off from skipper Richard Tidball from the red tree end. Bevilaqua struck quickly to remove the opener and bowled possibly the best opening spell ever seen at Filleigh, beating the bat at least three times an over.  UCS made slow progress to 149 for 3 at which point guest player John Crofts was introduced.  He promptly took 5 for 50 including Siddanth Kartik who had patiently accumulated 74 off 133 balls.

Special mention to Bevilaqua who bowled 15 rapid overs, taking 2 for 27, and to young Jack McManus who weighed in with 1 for 30 off his 6 overs.  Off spinner Matt Boundy took 1 for 19 off 6 overs.

Dumplings made a steady start with Kian Burns and Wali Muhammod (56) putting on a quick 39 for the 1st wicket.  Lewis Downes, nursing a huge lump on his thigh, did not stay long but Alex Bevilaqua showed his all-round skills with 91 off 78 balls. When Wali went, home player Ed Wilson (having kept well earlier on) made a good 45 not out and, after losing Alex, saw us home with Matt Boundy. There were still 10 of the last 20 overs to go.  Joel Grabinar bowled with good pace and ended with 3 for 39 off 12 overs.

Alex Bevilaqua was Man of the Match despite 4 dropped catches.

A thoroughly enjoyable day in the sunshine at the very picturesque ground at Filleigh and our thanks go to them.  Also thanks to Sheila Harding for scoring and Peter Jolliffe for umpiring.

UCS Gowers: 228 (Siddanth Kartik 74, Joel Grabinar 45 Dylan Rendall 38 – John Crofts 5/50, Alex Bevilaqua 2/27)

DD: 231 (Alex Bevilaqua 91, Wali Muhammod 56, Ed Wilson 45 – Joel Grabinar 3/39) 

RT