Hancock targets Cidermen

Devon cricket captain Neil Hancock is looking forward to having another crack at Somerset when the Unicorns face them at Exmouth in the next round of Clydesdale Bank Pro-40 matches

Hancock is the only Devon player in the Unicorns’ squad, which is being run by the Minor Counties Cricket Association as an all-amateur side in the Pro-40 tournament.

The Unicorns are doing well so far, winning three of the seven games they have started. They are in fourth place in the seven-team table, ahead of first-class sides Lancashire, Worcestershire and Glamorgan.

The Unicorns are due to face group leaders Somerset at Exmouth on Sunday, August 8 (1.45pm) – and go into the game fresh from beating Worcestershire at Kidderminster last Sunday.

Hancock, who hit the winning runs in that game, cannot wait to have another go at Somerset, who beat the Unicorns by seven wickets when the sides met earlier.

“The three sides we have beaten so far – Sussex, Worcesteshire and Glamorgan – were in home games for us, which is significant,” said Hancock.

“If you take the first-class counties out of their comfort zone at home, it takes a while for them to adjust. Somerset have a fantastic side for this sort of cricket. Trescothick, Trego, Hildreth and Kieswetter have all performed consistently in short forms of the game, and can destroy bowling attacks.

“We’ve got some lads who can play, though, and if we keep the total under 300 we will have a chance. Two of our wins have been chasing, and scores over 275 are within our reach because we have been there and done it.”

Hancock was 25 not out off 14 balls as the Unicorns chased down 288 to win with two balls to spare against Worcestershire. He was modest about his part in the victory, though, saying that all he had to do was finish the work done by others.

“Someone has to be in at the end and it just happened to be me,” said Hancock. “It was a good win for us as Worcestershire put out a strong side, including Solanki and the Bangladeshi all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan.”

Discounted tickets for the game can be purchased by visiting www.unicorns40.co.uk. Tickets will be available on the day of the match, but at the full retail price of £15 for adults and £8 for students and senior citizens.