Devon Dumplings v Crusaders Relics

 This fixture had been 5 years pending due to Covid upsetting travel. The  Crusaders, from Melbourne, Australia, were on a long tour to England and Dumplings were playing their senior team. The Relics 17 day tour covered North Devon, Warwickshire and Sussex before the main tour took place. This was their first game, and, as requested, Richard Tidball had raised a relatively senior team.

Crusaders Relics won the toss and decided to bat first. This was looking to be a serious game

with both teams warming up prior to play, unusual for a Dumplings side. The Relics had put on 83 for the first wicket when Michael Day, ( 51 off 56 balls) retired. Craig Mann’s appearance at the wicket was relatively short - caught and bowled by Devon Over 70s  Paul Berman taking  a low hard- hit return. In the 23rd over, Grant Adam followed his opening partner also retiring on 50 off 70 balls (104-3) Both our veterans, Bernie Wilson (2/27) and Berman (2/32) bowled tidily, with Wilson being rewarded with 2 wickets in 3 balls. Peter Turner also took 2 wickets, Jim Mawle got another one, and a run out meant The Relics finished on 181 for 10 after 35 overs, having used 12 batters!

After a wonderful Hatherleigh tea, expertly prepared by Sue Tidball,  Dumplings were  confident of getting the runs but Michael Rathenbury bowling 5 overs for just 4 runs meant a slow start. Dan Coles rallied the cause and retired on 50 in 48 balls with six 4s. Kirt Forgham, Jim Sibcy and Lewis Downes kept it ticking along and at 106 for 4 with 10 overs to go, a win was in sight. But then came a run out and some tight bowling and  Dumplings finished short on 156 for 8.

It had been a great day and both teams exchanged Club mementoes. Thanks to Hatherleigh for their hospitality and to Andy Parker on his first scoring appointment for  Dumplings.

Crusaders Relics: 181 for 10 (M Day 51, Grant Adams 50 – B Wilson 2/27: P Turner 2/27; P Berman 2-32. 

Devon Dumplings: 156 for 8 D  Coles 50: J Sibcy 29;  T Rath 2/10.

RT/WH