One of the youngest teams ever to grace the Devon Leagues made its mark in fine style at the King’s Field when Ottery 3rd XI beat Kenn 2nd XI by 188 runs, writes Ian Townsen.

With only one adult in the line-up, Ottery boasted players from Under-13s to Under-18s, yet showed no signs of naivety in securing a maximum points victory.

A solid platform was laid by captain Richard Kitzinger and Tom Peters, the opening pair putting on 40 for the first wicket before Kitzinger was bowled for 21. This proved to be the lowest individual score of the innings. Tom was joined by older brother Harry Peters who showed terrific hand-eye coordination in striking a rapid 28. Tom miscued a pull shot, also for 28, having played some lovely shots in his patient innings.

The middle order then weighed in. Vice-captain George Mutter looked stylish, drawing comparisons with Joe Root, in scoring 37 and Jack Dallyn made the same score with some terrific shots of his own. The show was stolen, however, by Albie Southall-Brown who entertained the crowd with five fours and five sixes in his 66. His timing was superb and his method of avoiding the lush long grasses of the outfield by hitting the ball over it was inspired. The charge to a formidable total of 298 was completed by wicket-keeper Eddie Rudolph (22 not out) and all-rounder Sam Brook who made 36 unbeaten runs off only 18 balls.

Nourished by another splendid Ottery tea, the youngsters set about bowling the Kenn side out. Harry McNamara-Campbell bowled with great pace but no luck, conceding a mere 8 runs from his six overs. Joe Button almost made the breakthrough but for a sudden squall at long leg which carried a top edge over the fielder’s head. Brook was also tight with his line and length but it was that man Southall-Brown who struck first, removing Kenn’s skipper Ian Hutchings for 50. His partner fell leg before to the next delivery for 8 and the Ottery youngsters were on course for the win.

The leg spin twins of Ethan Glanville (eight excellent overs for only 21 runs) and Dallyn (3-17 from five overs) ensured that there was to be no win for Kenn. Then Harry Peters (1-3) and Mutter (three wickets for no runs) wrapped up the game by the massive margin of 188 runs. It was a credit to the energy and enthusiasm of the young team that they took the challenge on without fear.

Otters Man of the Match – Albie Southall-Brown