Spinners hand Cheshire advantage

Spinner Nathan Dumelow claimed 3-94 in Devon's first innings © David Bailey

Spin twins Nathan Dumelow and Daniel Berry gave Cheshire a strong chance of a fourth successive Championship victory against Devon - at Exmouth.

The off-spinning pair equally shared six wickets between them on an intriguing second day of the Western Division clash, as the table-toppers chiselled out a lead of 183 going into the final day.

The hosts began day two at 64 for three in reply to Cheshire’s first innings 341 for six and completed their 90 overs on 291 for eight – a deficit of 50.

Oulton Park’s former Derbyshire man Dumelow claimed 3-94 from his 33 overs, while Hyde’s Berry claimed 3-82 from 26. Adam Syddall and Jason Whittaker picked up one apiece.

Opener Rob Holman top scored with 57 for the hosts, while James Hudson hit 49, David Lye 41 and nightwatchman Ian Bishop 35.

The hosts recovered from 133 for five and 220 for seven mainly thanks to a late blast of 32 runs in 12 minutes from tail-ender Rob Newman.

Cheshire then stumbled in reply, with opener Danny Leech top scoring again with 37. Oulton Park’s Leech creamed 154 on the first day, but was caught behind off the bowling of Trevor Anning in the second.

The visitors slumped to 81 for four, with debutant Jonny Kettle opening his account with 18 following a first innings duck.

But Ben Spendlove and Dumelow put on an unbroken 52 for the fifth wicket, notching 27 and 32 respectively. It was tough going for the former Derbyshire duo, taking the visitors to 133 for four at the close.

The wicket is getting lower and slower at the Maer Ground, and could be more receptive to spin today.

“We are still in a reasonable position, but it was a mixed day,” assessed team manager Sandy Scrimgeour. “Maybe it is getting closer to even stevens.”

“We were in a bit of trouble at 81-4,” he continued. “But the lads at the end worked hard to keep us going.”