DEVON V HAMPSHIRE

A patiently crafted innings from “overseas player” Tony Oxley saw the Seniors to a narrow victory in this key rearranged game. 

After winning the toss & batting, a steady partnership by the Devon openers was broken when Barry Goodman had Macey caught behind for 14 with the score on 34. The introduction of Andy Yorke then paid dividends as he bowled fellow opener Shephard (32) & then trapped Tidball lbw for 20. At 101-4 the Seniors appeared well in control. However a fifth wicket stand of 88 by the Rogers brothers threatened to take the game away from the Seniors before Yorke once again intervened to bowl J Rogers (59). Wickets then fell steadily including N Rogers (52) as Goodman & Jim Smallbone mopped up the tail finishing with 3 wickets each. 

In reply, the Seniors openers Ian Britton (18) & Goodman (0) fell cheaply. The heroes of the Dorset game, Tony Oxley & Peter Tapper then brought the Seniors run chase back on track as they set about the Devon attack. Tapper again looked in fine form but, having hit 4 sixes, he was caught in the deep for 39 with the score on 121. Skipper Alan Wright soon followed & thereafter it was imperative that Oxley stayed at the wicket. This he did with great discipline as the Seniors whittled away at the Devon total. With good support from Phil Green (12), Pat Wickson (8) & Steve Mitchell (3*) the Seniors finally overhauled the Devon score with 2 wickets in hand, 2 overs remaining & Oxley 97*, just short of another deserved century.

A well contested game with the result in doubt until the end – the Seniors next entertain Somerset at Hook this Wednesday 16 July in what is always a tough fixture.

Dick Batchelor - Scorer

 Scoreboard