Taunton Deane Under-15s 96-0 beat Exeter Under-15s 93 by 10 wkts

NESTLED just below the university, boasting some impressive facilities and a deal of cricketing pedigree - including producing Somerset's Tom Lammonby and Ben Green - Exeter CC welcomed the Deane Under-15 side on Sunday for the second round of the national Under-15 T20 competition.

As the Exeter players arrived they were confronted with the sight of Russ Jones leading a training session and a strong contingent of Deane supporters, who had already taken over the upper tier of the pavilion terrace.

Exeter won the toss and chose to bat but the first over set out the stall for the Deane as just one bye came from it and the Exeter openers looked a little dismayed.

Wickets fell at 14, 15, 27, 37, 38 and 48 before Ben Sims was able to find a partner.

Only Bradley Hunt joined Sims on double figures as the Exeter total staggered to 93.

Top scorer for Exeter was Extras – a worrying 27 – while the bowlers all enjoyed success if not an equal share of the wickets.

Taylor Flitton took the only non-caught wicket with an LBW and, although wicketless, Max Johnson and Harrison Hambly showed their qualities of line, length and control.

Josh Thomas and Aman Rao took two wickets apiece, as did Flitton, but any commentary on this part of the game cannot pass without mention of Charlie Sharland, whose bowling figures of 3-9 runs from his 3.4 overs do not exaggerate his influence.

Sharland’s catching and throwing also provided three wickets the Deane may might have waited longer for if not for his agility and accuracy. This lad makes things happen.

There were further excellent examples of high quality fielding in the deep with Will Baverstock, Harry Love and Max Johnson showing the importance of chasing hard, picking up cleanly and throwing in accurately.

The route to victory after the break was, in truth, unexpectedly easy.

Both Ben Chaffey and Aman Rao played some very good shots and the running between the wickets was confident.

The Deane reached the target with few alarms in the 11th over and now look forward to the regional finals day on Monday, July 29 at Wembdon CC.