Devon Dumplings v Mount Kelly

Another sunny day, but the brisk breeze took the edge off the temperature, especially for the scorers under their gazebo on the boundary edge. Matt Witcher won the toss and decided to bat first in the 40 over game. Dumplings had only 10 players which included Josh Paget’s father Mark, and so were lent pupil Scott Heywood who also kept wicket for half of the College’s innings. The match was accompanied by loud music, controlled by the cricket master - probably a first for a Dumplings game.

The innings didn’t start well, 3 wickets lost in the first 4 overs became 35 for 4. However Shreyansh Ghosh and Dylan Penberthy-Hutchings put on 118 for the 5th wicket before Penberthy-Hutchings was out for 49. Ghosh, joined by Witcher, added another 52 runs. Ghosh just missed out on a century, falling for 98. Harry Witcher cleaned up the tail, taking the last wicket off the last ball giving him 4 wickets. Dumplings had set a good target of 274.

After refreshments, which included a glass of wine, the chase began, but with both opening bowlers claiming an early wicket, the College were soon 25 for 2. Captain George Richard then came in and became the core of their chase, scoring 74 off 81 balls. He was helped by good contributions from Josh Brookes (33) and Ayan Syed, run out for 44, despite attacking field settings. Right at the end Ed Sorensen made a valiant attempt to reach the target, scoring freely off James Ewen’s bowling, but the College fell short by just 21 runs.

Thanks to Mount Kelly for their hospitality.

DD: 274 (Shreyansh Ghosh 98, Dylan Penberthy-Hutchings 49, Matt Witcher 48* - Harry Witcher 27/4, Anas Syed 32/3)

Mount Kelly: 253 for 7 (George Rickard 74, Ayan Syed 44, Josh Brookes 33 – Shaquan Glasgow 14/2.)

WH