Inconsistent themes to the cricket season

As we approach the end of the 2023 Tolchards Devon Cricket League, salient takeaways for me will be inconsistency in team availability leading to inconsistency in form and middle-order collapses peppered by too many rash (T20 style) shots that simply give wickets away.
Unpredictable Paignton thought a dogged 196 was enough to beat Bradninch and Kentisbeare at Queen’s Park. However, a well-timed response got the visitors home by two wickets, with four overs to spare. This was loss number nine for Paignton (seventh). But a win at home over North Devon next week should ensure Premier Division survival for another year.
Bovey Tracey slumped to loss number eleven, and tenth in a row, in a seven wicket home reverse to Heathcoat. They remain in the second relegation spot, facing Cornwood (fourth) at home next, almost resigned to A Division cricket in 2024.
Sandford will be champions next weekend if they beat Heathcoat at Creedy Park.
In A Division, Torquay got the big win that still gives them faint hope of finishing runners-up. This was given further scope with Kilmington and Hatherleigh both losing.
Steady bowling, a helpful pitch and mediocre batting saw Plymouth dismissed for 70 at The Rec. Three wickets each for Aaron Hearn and Harry Passenger. Ruan Terblanche passed 1000 league runs, in his 34 not out, as Torquay cruised home by eight wickets.
Week seventeen sees Torquay (third) at home to Hatherleigh (fifth) and Abbotskerswell (eighth) at Thorverton (fourth).
Abbots gave themselves a vital lifeline with a five wicket home win over Hatherleigh. Samuel Carpenter took 5-15 as Hatherleigh were held to 167-9. Jack Neylon hit 72 in the successful reply.
In B Division, Barton yet again self-imploded in catastrophic style. Losing by five runs to Bideford, Littleham and Westward Ho! Cephas Zhuwao set up the run chase with a typical whirlwind 62. All the way through, Barton had overs and wickets in hand. But by putting little value on their own individual wickets, instead of patience and common sense, they fell short, at 181 all out, with seven overs still to be bowled.
Ipplepen remain in a relegation battle after an eight wicket home defeat to Cullompton. They now face a difficult trip to Plymstock (second). Barton (sixth) face Bovey Tracey 2nds (seventh) at Cricketfield Road.
Stoke Gabriel can start celebrating the C Division West title after a straightforward 106-run win at Dartington and Totnes leaves them 31 points clear of Brixham. Only one team is promoted.
Brixham beat Yelverton by five wickets. Lee Upham took 5-31 in Yelverton’s 144 all out. Chris Lanyon hit 80 not out in the successful reply.
Babbacombe gave themselves hope of staying up with a gutsy five wicket win at Plymouth 2nds. The gap to safety is nine points with two to play. The great escape will be on if they can win at Ashburton (seventh) on Saturday and (all but) relegated Dartington and Totnes can beat Plymouth 2nds (eighth).
The penultimate fixtures also see Stoke at Yelverton (sixth) and Brixham (second) at home to Ivybridge (third).
Similarly, only the champions of C Division East will be in B Division next season. That still looks like being Teignmouth and Shaldon despite a rare (55-run) loss at Ottery St. Mary (now second). With an 18 point lead, Teigns can clinch the title with a win at North Devon 2nds on Saturday.
South Devon’s five wicket win was Paignton 2nds’ first loss in D Division West. Sean Andrews took 4-32 in Paignton’s 164 all out. Paignton, however, are 25 points clear at the top from South Devon in second.
At the bottom, Chelston and Kingskerswell lost to Plymstock 2nds by 64 runs and are twelve points adrift. They could be sent down by South Devon, at Manor Drive, 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).