Rare weather washout frustrates cricketers

The weather forecast was spot on, as it was at Old Trafford. The predicted rain that scuppered England’s Ashes hopes, wiped out week twelve of the Tolchards Devon Cricket League for all local sides.
Somehow, Devon Medics and Cranbrook managed to start and finish in H Division East. Only one other game started (although did not finish) in the county. A simple case of copy and paste “no play – rain, 10 points each” across the divisions.
An opportunity, therefore, to take stock of our local teams, at two-thirds the way through the season.
Paignton need wins to secure another Premier Division campaign next summer. They sit eighth, five points above the two relegation places.
Mark Orchard’s young side seem to be growing in confidence, bolstered by the experience of former Devon and Somerset all-rounder Neil Hancock. Keep an eye on South African all-rounder Kelly Smuts in the remaining games. His contribution with bat and ball could be vital.
Paignton play Bovey Tracey (seventh) at Queen’s Park on Saturday. Bovey are in a slump having not won since June 3.
Sandford comfortably head the Premier Division on 192 points from defending champions Bradninch and Kentisbeare (167). Cornwood and Sidmouth are joint third (164).
Ruan Terblanche has spearheaded Torquay’s latest push for a return to the Premier. He has accumulated 879 league runs so far. But needs support around him to keep posting match-winning totals.
Torquay trail leaders Exeter by seven points in the A Division. The big showdown between the two is at The Rec on August 5. Captain Harry Baxendale has been successful with the ball in what is predominantly a spin-bowling attack.
Torquay are at home to Thorverton (sixth) on Saturday, as Abbotskerswell (seventh) look to get back to winning ways at Kilmington (fourth).
Barton need to address another self-inflicted mid-season decline. Seventh place, in B Division, is not considered good enough for a club with their pedigree and background.
Temporarily without star all-rounder Cephas Zhuwao, Barton are at home to Sandford 2nds (eighth) in week thirteen. Ipplepen (ninth) travel to Bovey Tracey 2nds (sixth) needing wins to pull away from the threat of relegation. Bridestowe still lead the division.
Stoke Gabriel have their sights firmly set on the C Division West championship. And will take some stopping after losing only one league game all summer. They have already hit 200 points for the season and have an 18-point lead. Runs have been plentiful, from the likes of Justin Pringle and Abhishek Anand.
Stoke are home to Plymouth 2nds (seventh) on Saturday as Brixham host Kingsbridge (fifth). Brixham, looking for back-to-back promotions, are third. One point behind Ivybridge 2nds in second.
Babbacombe (ninth) need to start winning quickly to avoid a direct return to D Division West. They travel to Cornwood 2nds (fourth) as bottom club Dartington and Totnes visit Ashburton (eighth).
In C Division East, Teignmouth and Shaldon (second) had their chance of leapfrogging Braunton taken away by the washout. They visit Uplyme and Lyme Regis on Saturday for the next challenge in their title quest.
Paignton 2nds are 38 points clear at the top of D Division West. And rightfully so with team members who have recently had Premier Division experience. South Devon are clutching on to second place. They visit Plymstock 2nds on Saturday, as Paignton go to Ipplepen 2nds.
Chelston and Kingskerswell (eighth) are not safe from relegation. A win at Hatherleigh 2nds (sixth) this week may ease worries for now.
Finally, a mention for Torquay 2nds who are having a solid season in E Division West (third) and Stokeinteignhead who lead F Division West by four points from Paignton 3rds.
Still lots to play for in the last six games. Here’s hoping the weather plays ball too.
Hear more local cricket on my radio show ‘South Devon Sports Scene.’ Broadcast every Wednesday evening from 6pm on Riviera FM (107.9FM).