Devon Dumplings 5 August 2025

Captain Arthur Muir

Won by 4 Wickets

Devon Dumpling 169 all out (O Tewatiya 4 for 21)

SOA 170 for 6 (D Mackay-Champion 58*, J Aziz 36*, B McCure 30*)

The Dumplings won the toss and elected to bat on a blustery day at Queens.

SOA started tightly with the ball, applying pressure without making an early breakthrough. A dropped catch by skipper Muir early in the innings looked like it could prove costly at the time. However, SOA soon found their rhythm and took control of the match thanks to an outstanding spell from Kiwi U19 international Oliver Tewatiya.

Tewatiya had an inkling before play that he might be facing a familiar face—having spotted his Wellington teammate on Snap Map. While he didn’t manage to dismiss his teammate, he did have the final word by catching him out. His bowling was a masterclass in flight, guile, and control, varying his pace to dismantle a strong Dumplings top order. He finished with figures of 4–21, including a standout moment: a spectacular one-handed over-the-shoulder catch at long-on by Blayne Riley to dismiss Sam Read, who has been a thorn in SOA’s side in recent seasons.

The Dumplings were bowled out for 169.

With 45 minutes left until tea, SOA began their chase. The game picked up pace as opener Durness Mackay-Champion had limited time to bat before heading off to a T20 club fixture. Unfortunately, he found himself stranded at the non-striker’s end as wickets fell at the other. With the score at 39/3 and only 25 minutes remaining, Mackay-Champion took matters into his own hands—unleashing a flurry of boundaries with some extraordinary ball striking.

SOA teammates even acted as ball boys, racing to return the ball and keep the momentum going. His final shot—sailing over the temporary fencing—was a fitting farewell as he jogged off with 58 runs to his name, leaving SOA needing fewer than 70 to win.

A composed partnership between Junaid Aziz and Ben McCure saw SOA home, their 66-run stand sealing victory before the final 20 overs were even called.

It was a fantastic day of cricket, made possible by the efforts of Bob Beltcher and Andrew Moss, who umpired and scored the match respectively. Huge thanks to both!