The Devon County Sports Cup Under 12 Finals Day took place at Ottery St Mary CC on Sunday, August 1, Culmstock coming out as winners with a fine team performance.

After a promising start by opener Cameron Pelly, Culmstock were soon under pressure at 13-2 after four overs, losing early wickets in their semi-final against Tiverton Heathcoat. Jordan Travers (15) and Louie Allen (16) steadied the ship adding 35 for the third wicket. A fluent 22 from Ollie Wilkins and a quick fire 24 from Josh Allen saw Culmstock finish their innings at 125.

In reply, only Harry Eaton reached double figures for Heathcoat with a solid 20, as the pressure applied by tight bowling and a faultless fielding display reduced Heathcoat to 98 all out. Josh Allen was the pick of the bowlers with 3-7 from four overs, backed up by Arron Campbell 1-12 and Michael Ellacott 2-8. Sam Guy also chipped in with a couple of wickets, with his flighted spin, as Culmstock avenged two heavy defeats earlier this season.

Being asked to bat in the final against Budleigh Salterton, Culmstock were soon in trouble at 24-5 after only 6 overs. ‘Man of the final’ Ollie Wilkins (36no) and Michael Ellacott (15) stopped the slide with a solid sixth wicket partnership. Contributions from a wagging tail, including Cam Wright (12), meant Culmstock eventually recovered to 118.

After losing two early wickets, Budleigh Salterton soon got into their stride and were cruising at 60-2, with Harry Collinson hitting a quick 30no and F Marks 26. Inspired fielding, including a direct hit run out by Ashley Venn, and tight bowling from Arron Campbell 3-12 from four overs, Michael Ellacott 2-20 from four and Kit Sidlow 1-17 from four soon stopped the momentum and pulled the game back for Culmstock as only 20 runs came from the final six overs.

Going into the final over, Budleigh required 12 to win with two wickets remaining.

A tight final over from Michael Ellacott yielded only two extras as Culmstock’s fine fielding produced two further run outs and Budleigh were all out for 108 off the final ball, leaving Culmstock winners by 10 runs.