Devon Cricket League: Hancock inspires Paignton resurgence

Bringing-in former Devon and Somerset all-rounder Neil Hancock from Ipplepen to give themselves much-needed experience and bite in the middle order. And it worked a treat.
Paignton ran up 337-8, including the first century of the summer for Divyaansh Saxena (148). He and Hancock (58) putting on 143 for the third wicket. Harry Ward, down the order at five, contributed 59 not out.
Ambidextrous Saxena then led with the ball, taking 5-44 as North Devon were skittled for 81, inside 22 overs in a much better, and much needed, day for Paignton (eighth) who are back at Queen’s Park this week to take on fifth-place Sidmouth.
Bovey Tracey’s 200-9 proved too few at leaders Cornwood, who got home for the loss of five wickets, inside 39 overs. Bovey (sixth) are at home to Exmouth (seventh) next.
Torquay passed another examination of their A Division promotion potential with flying colours to stay second behind Exeter. Hatherleigh posted 268-9 from their 50 overs with Callum Stanley taking 4-57.
Ruan Terblanche then hit his second ‘ton’ of the summer (139 not out) as Torquay timed the run chase to perfection - passing the required target of 269, with four wickets down and with four balls to spare.
Abbotskerswell’s fortunes finally turned around at home to Thorverton. Jack Neylon carried his bat for 67 not out as Abbots reached the required 143 to win, for the loss of just three wickets, recording their long-awaited first win of 2023.
Abbots are at Tavistock (eighth) on Saturday. Torquay back at The Rec to play Clyst St. George (ninth).
Barton were always unlikely to match week seven’s amazing run-fest at Westward Ho! But they did record a third straight win, to put them third in B Division. Wickets were shared around in Bovey Tracey 2nds’ 161 all out.
Barton secured the win, by seven wickets, within 30 overs. Adam Parker and Cephas Zhuwao were both unbeaten on 46 at the end.
Ipplepen remain bottom, despite enjoying their second win, a two-wicket defeat of Plymstock with Adam Bligh’s stubborn 41 not out helping them over the line with three overs to spare.
Barton play Ipplepen at Cricketfield Road on Saturday.
Stoke Gabriel tasted defeat for the first time, by 14 runs at home to Yelverton, but are still joint top in C Division West.
Brixham notched-up a very useful 138 run win at Ivybridge. Craig Eaves top scored with 92 in their 280-3 which proved more than enough on the day.
Babbacombe are still finding it tough this season. Their sixth loss in seven was by 27 runs at home to Ashburton.
Dartington and Totnes cannot find that elusive first win. They are rooted to the foot after the latest (114-run) loss at Plymouth 2nds.
In week nine, Brixham take on Babbacombe at North Boundary Road. Stoke are involved in a fascinating top-of-the-table clash at Cornwood 2nds. Winless Darts play Ivybridge at Foxhole and Ashburton are at home to Kingsbridge.
Teignmouth and Shaldon are dominating C Division East. Carl Woolnough smashed 121 not out in an impressive 389-7. North Devon 2nds fell short by 249 runs. Sidmouth 2nds await Teigns next.
South Devon took the local spoils in D Division West, with a comfortable six-wicket win over Chelston and Kingskerswell. Paignton 2nds are still clear at the top after beating Hatherleigh 2nds by 164 runs.
South Devon travel to Ivybridge 2nds on Saturday, when Chelston and Kingskerswell host Barton 2nds.
In E Division West, Torquay 2nds’ great season continued with a five-wicket win over Teignmouth and Shaldon 2nds at The Rec. Ben Passenger struck 101 in the successful run chase.
Hear more local cricket on David Hammond's radio show, South Devon Sports Scene, broadcast every Wednesday from 6pm on Riviera FM (107.9FM)