Lydney 142, Devizes 143-9 (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Lydney 142, Devizes 143-9

DEVIZES edged a thrilling encounter with Lydney on Saturday with a tense one-wicket victory. The Devizes bowlers were in impressive form as they made quick work of the Lydney order, bowling them out for 142 in just 40 overs.

Jon Couch put on a fine display, taking four wickets, while captain Andy Hodder added three.

Despite the impressive bowling attack, Devizes made hard work of the win, losing nine wickets as they scraped to the 143-run total required.

Mark Colyer was the top-scorer with 40, while Alex Muse (31) and the rest of the middle order were impressive at staving off a collapse.

It was left to Owen Burgess to hit the dramatic winning single with the last ball of the 55th over and provide Devizes with the perfect tonic for the frustration of having last Saturday's match against Trowbridge called off.

Although they struggled to the winning total, Hodder was delighted with his side's performance and feels that it bodes well for the rest of the season. He said: "We were delighted because having bowled them out for 140 we were very confident of winning, but they had us in trouble. The performance of the middle order was very encouraging and the fact that everybody is contributing is very positive."

Devizes will be without Mark Colyer and Richard Wright for Saturday's match against Swindon.