Devon Dumplings v Somerset Stragglers

 Dumplings managed to snatch a win in a tight 40-over game with Somerset Stragglers in the first match played for the Peter Spencer Memorial Cup. It was another glorious summer’s day, just right for cricket, and also perfect for the Devon Dumplings Patron’s Day. 

Dumplings won the toss and put Stragglers in. The decision looking decidedly poor with Stragglers scoring at a healthy 6-7 per over for the first 20 overs. However Dumplings stuck to the task and picked up wickets steadily. 

Fielding was the star of the show, with Graham White flying across the outfield from mid-off to mid-on to take an excellent catch on the run (he maintains it was the best catch ever taken by a Dumpling!) and Gareth Tidball taking an excellent one-handed catch behind his head at slip.

Three wickets at the end for Cameron Edwards meant Stragglers were all out just shy of their 40 overs for a total of 228.

Dumplings got off to a poor start, falling to 29-3 before a 73-run partnership between Graham White and Jermain Harding provided some stability. After Graham White fell for 38, including a 4 into the tea pavilion, Adam Fradgley joined Harding at the crease and the pair put on another 51 to bring Dumplings to 153. Both departed in quick succession putting the game back in Stragglers’ favour with Dumplings on 163-6. An excellent partnership of 62 between the Hatherleigh pair of Adam Quick and Kagiso (Jonty) Rapulana was assisted by “undercover Dumpling” Harry Everett dropping Rapulana over the boundary at long-on. With Dumplings needing just 4 to win, Stragglers launched a late push for a win taking 3 wickets in 4 balls to leave Dumplings 125-9. Thankfully number 11 Sangeeth Sohan was able to hold up his end and Adam Quick held his nerve to get Dumplings over the line.

Peter Jolliffe presented the Cup to Gareth Tidball, the victorious Dumplings’ captain. No doubt Somerset Stragglers will be keen to get their hands on the Cup next year. 

SS 228 (Williams 51, Gadia 39 – Edwards 3/24)

DD: 229 for 9 (Harding 70, Rapulana, 43, White 38 – Chaffy 3/20, Gadia 3/31)

GT & WH