Devon B 22-22 Bristol B

At Rileys, Plymouth, 22nd March 2009

 

Match Report –I started my last report asking for my first win as Captain in Devon and although we didn’t quite do it, When you weigh up all the issues, we can be very proud of coming away with a draw.  We haven’t won in Devon for years (even a draw), we were missing at least 6 quality players, which I must say, although everyone had valid reasons,    it was a massive disappointment to me, we were dropping like flies on the morning of the game and credit must go to the team that did travel who made just as much noise, if not more noise than when we usually have 20 at a game.  We made a dream start winning the first set 7-4 and although we lost the second set 6-5 we consolidated the lead by winning the third set 6-5 to go into the final set 18-15 up.  Then another 4th set collapse which was on a par with the England Cricket team!!!  We found ourselves 7-1 down in the final set, Josh Lane the only victor and with it we found ourselves 22-19 down and what looked like a certain defeat.  I have to say at this point I was dumb struck, but rallied the troops and we got on with the job in hand.  Wins from Mark Stevens, Dave Barrett and then a final frame shoot out win from myself saw us come away with a deserved draw.  A first in Devon and a gain on 6 points from the same fixture last year.  Well done to everyone but yet again we need to sort out our tail end sets!

 

Man of the Match – An easy one this month.  There were 4 players who managed 3 out of 4, John Millard, Mark Stevens, Myself and Stuart Scotland who I must say played some awesome pool and was a close contention to my man of the match, well done Stu.  But Man of the match goes to that man Bawaaaat (Rabbbbbbit!!).  Not just a four out of four, but a class four out of four against quality opponents.  Some great finishes and well deserved.  Well done mate!!

 

Next Match – The big games keep coming.  Were home to Cornwall. Possibly our biggest threat to our third consecutive title.  They have a 14 point advantage on us, so we need to win well.  I will be making more changes for this game.  If you get your chance in the first 11, then make sure you grab the opportunity.

 

2009 Table

 

2009 Rankings

P

Team

Pl

Pts

 

P

Name

Pl

W

L

Pts

1

Cornwall B

2

69

 

1

Dave Barrett

8

7

1

14

2

Devon B

2

57

 

2

Matt Bull

8

6

2

14

3

Bristol B

2

55

 

3

Lee Rossiter

8

6

2

12

4

Somerset B

2

49

 

4

Marcus Foster

8

5

3

10

5

Wiltshire B

2

32

 

 

Mark Stevens

8

5

3

10

6

Dorset B

2

31

 

6

Shane Thompson

8

4

4

8