Devon Dumplings v Brasenose Strollers

 Our first visit to this lovely ground this season, a day before our tour, and raising a team proved

problematic for Match Manager Ian Hayter, but he succeeded.

The Dumplings won the toss and batted first, but were soon 15 for 3 which included Julian Hayter run out having faced just 3 balls. This brought James Ewen and Niall Leahy together who took the score on to 113 before Ewen was caught for 33. Youngster Damon Berry was very patient for his 17 runs, supporting Leahy (87) in their 52 run partnership before Dumplings suffered their second run out. The later batsman all contributed enabling a measured declaration to be made at 252 for 9.

In reply Julian Hayter bowled tidily, but without success going for just 12 runs off his opening 6 over

spell. The other opening bowler, Sam Ewen, picked up the first wickets and Strollers were

68 for 2 off 15 overs. But a big partnership then developed between Smith and C. Knightly before Joe Poustie claimed Smith’s wicket, having made 114 off 81 balls. Next over Poustie took another wicket and they were 171 for 4 off 31 overs. With the last hour well underway, a further 82 runs were needed off the last 10, but the bowlers stuck to their task. Julian Hayter returned, bowling the last over in which he claimed the wicket of Alex Thomas and managed to restrict the runs to just 5. This left the scores level, and the match was drawn.

DD 252 for 9 dec. (Niall Leahy 87, James Ewen 33, Sam Ewen 32 – Chris Townsend 3-31.

Strollers 252 for 7. (F. Smith 114, C. Knightley 71* - Sam Ewen 3-64)
WH