Stormy winds blow ‘Super Saturday’ off course for local teams

Week 14 of the Tolchards Devon Cricket League was billed as ‘Super Saturday’ because of the potential title, promotion and relegation deciders it promised.

Unseasonal strong winds and overcast conditions did not help batters and fielders, leading to many low-scoring events and gritty, rather than elegant, cricket. Definite markers were still, however, put down for how the season could finally shape-up.

Both Paignton and Bovey Tracey lost at home in the Premier Division and are both in a battle to avoid relegation. Inconsistent Paignton were dismissed for 130 against Exmouth, with Dan Pyle taking 5-29. It only took Exmouth 28 overs to chase down and win by four wickets.

Bovey’s desperate second half of the season continued with a humbling two wicket loss to bottom club North Devon.

With four games left, it’s a four way tussle for two relegation places. North Devon (116 points) are still firm favourites for the drop. But it is tight for the other spot. Either Plympton (137), Bovey (138) or Paignton (142) could be in A Division in 2024.

Paignton (seventh) travel to Heathcoat (sixth) on Saturday, as Bovey (eighth) go to Sidmouth (fourth).

Sandford are champions in waiting following a four wicket win over Bradninch and Kentisbeare. Giving them a healthy 22 point lead.

The potential A Division title decider at The Rec left Exeter odds-on for the championship, with more woe for Torquay, who slip to fourth. Torquay’s fragile middle-order let them down again as they were bowled out for 163. This despite a solid 51 from opener Ruan Terblanche and a whirlwind 34 not out from (number ten batter) Josh Nott.

Exeter patiently chased down their target to win, in the 41st over, for the loss of three wickets.

Torquay hope to reboot at Kilmington (now second) on Saturday, as Exeter host Abbotskerswell, who find themselves bottom after an underwhelming six-wicket defeat at home to Clyst St. George.

In B Division, Barton unsettled leaders Bridestowe’s title ambitions with a narrow seven run win at windy Cricketfield Road. Finley Last (5-32) led again with the ball as Bridestowe were bowled out for 117, chasing only 125 to win.

Ipplepen have found form when needed. The closest finish of the day saw them beat Chudleigh, by one run, on the last ball.

Barton (fifth) are straight up the M5 to Cullompton (sixth) in week 15, as Ipplepen (seventh) go to bottom of the table Sandford 2nds.

Another potential title decider, in C Division West, confirmed Stoke Gabriel as solid favourites to be champions. They beat Brixham by seven wickets at North Boundary Road and now lead the table by 33 points.

Three wickets each for Justin Pringle and Jack Tolley in Brixham’s 201 all out. Michael Meech hit 94 as Stoke cruised home in the 30th over.

Dartington and Totnes beat Babbacombe by two wickets. But both now look destined for relegation with the gap to safety at 33 points.

Stoke host Ashburton (seventh) this week as Brixham (still second) travel to Cornwood 2nds (third). Darts (tenth) go to Kingsbridge (fifth) and Babbacombe (ninth) host Yelverton (sixth).

Teignmouth and Shaldon top C Division East by 18 points thanks to a seven wicket win at Heathcoat 2nds and title rivals Braunton being rained off. Teigns return to Hazeldown Oval on Saturday for the visit of Exmouth 2nds (eighth).

Paignton 2nds are almost home as champions in D Division West. They hammered Chelston and Kingskerswell by 193 runs. The hosts bowled out for just 34.

Chelston and Kingskerswell visit Kenn next. The only team now below them. Kenn lost to South Devon by four wickets to keep the Newton Abbot club (a very distant) second. South Devon visit Barton 2nds on Saturday.

Hear more local cricket on my radio show ‘South Devon Sports Scene.’ Broadcast every Wednesday evening from 6pm on Riviera FM (107.9FM).