Horler is hopes for a bright day for Devon

DEVON’S Twenty20 captain James Horler is hoping to avoid another rain-ruined day tomorrow when he leads the side out for the first time on his home ground at Exmouth, writes Conrad Sutcliffe.

Horler has taken over from county pro Calum Haggett as Twenty20 captain, but has get to toss a coin in anger as two warm-up games and a T20 group match have all fallen foul of the weather.

Devon were due to play Wiltshire on the South Wilts CC ground at Salisbury last Sunday in their group opener, but that match was called off three days earlier due to the saturated state of the pitch and outfield.

Friendlies against the Somerset Academy and the University of Exeter had already gone west due to bad weather before the wash-out against Wiltshire.

Another weather wipe-out would leave Devon with plenty to do to finish in the top two and qualify for the knockout stages. And a win over Dorset would nullify the advantage they gained by beating the weather to defeat Herefordshire twice last Sunday.

And there is another more personal reason Horler wants to be at the front of the team as they walk down the hill from the pavilion and on to the Maer Ground.

“I joined Exmouth when I was nine years old and it is the only club I have ever played for,” said Horler, who was 21 in February.

“It seems fitting that I get to lead the county side out at my home club and I am extremely honoured to have the opportunity. I am just praying for good weather.”

Horler admitted the lack of match practice is ‘certainly not ideal’, but is not dwelling on it either and is upbeat about Devon’s prospects in the group.

“Some of the boys have been overseas and our work with specialist coaches throughout the winter will pay dividends,” said Horler.

“I am confident we have the skill set in our side to come out victorious on Sunday. “

Devon (squad): J D Horler (Exmouth), A J Small (Sandford), E H Hamilton (Plympton), C J Haggett (Shapwick & Polden), S O Read (Exeter), J S Moore (North Devon), M P Skeemer (Cornwood), B A Beaumont (Cornwood), M B Shepherd (Cheltenham), K B Szymanski (Swansea), S E H Ansley (Bovey Tracey), J C Gore (Exeter).

James Horler