Titles secured for South Devon cricket clubs

Much was decided on the penultimate Saturday of the Tolchards Devon Cricket League, with championship titles confirmed for some South Devon teams.
Premier Division champions are Sandford following their seven-wicket win over Heathcoat. Their first county title since 2004.
Paignton convincingly preserved their Premier status with an impressive nine-wicket win over relegated North Devon at Queen’s Park. After losing Harry Ward early, Kelly Smuts (126 not out) and Noah Wright (73 not out) together knocked off the (revised) target of 214 to win, inside 36 overs.
Bovey Tracey’s eleventh straight loss, at home to Cornwood, disappointingly confirmed their expected relegation.
In week eighteen, Paignton (seventh) see out the season at Sidmouth (fourth) as Bovey travel to Exmouth (fifth).
In A Division, Torquay still have a squeak of finishing runners-up to champions Exeter after a proficient eight-wicket win over Hatherleigh. Kilmington also won, giving themselves a nine-point cushion in second spot. Torquay need to win at relegated Clyst St. George and hope Kilmington don’t beat Plymouth at home.
Ruan Terblanche scored his fifth century of a stellar summer (110 not out) as Torquay patiently chased down their (revised) target of 236. Credit Tim Western (39) Jono Colegate (40) for ably supporting Terblanche, who has now amassed 1,118 league runs at a Bradmanesque average of 111.80!
Abbotskerswell’s two wicket win at Thorverton finally ensured their safety. Skipper Nick Watkin led by example with 5-21 in holding the hosts to 125-9 in a reduced 37 overs game.
Abbots (eighth) end the season at home to Tavistock (seventh).
In B Division, Barton have had a very disappointing summer and ended their home campaign in similar vein, with a six-wicket loss to Bovey Tracey 2nds. Barton (seventh) finish the season at Ipplepen (eighth) on Saturday.
The home side needing to better Seaton’s result to stay up following a narrow defeat at Plymstock. George Tapley (4-39) and Noah Rider (3-29) almost did it for Ipplepen. One wicket remained when the winning runs were scored in the last over.
Bridestowe are the deserved B Division champions.
Stoke Gabriel made the C Division West title officially theirs with a 68-run win at Yelverton. The dependable Justin Pringle hitting 69, then taking 3-18, as Yelverton fell short in a 40 over match. Stoke have had an excellent summer with fourteen league wins. Topping the table by 37 points with one to play.
Ivybridge jumped over Brixham into second place after their seven-run win at North Boundary Road. Babbacombe’s slim chance of staying up evaporated in a 66-run loss at Ashburton and an 87-run win for Plymouth 2nds at (also relegated) Dartington and Totnes.
Stoke celebrate the championship on Saturday at home to Cornwood 2nds. Brixham can still finish runners-up by winning at Walls Hill against Babbbacombe. But need Dartington and Totnes to stop Ivybridge winning. Only Stoke will be promoted, however, because of two C Divisions going into one B Division.
Joining them in B Division next year will be Teignmouth and Shaldon. Whose seven wicket win at North Devon 2nds was enough to guarantee them the C Division East title. The hosts were bowled out for 126. Teigns safely home within sixteen overs. They finish off at home to Sidmouth 2nds.
Paignton 2nds are champions of D Division West. Another emphatic win on the road at Hatherleigh 2nds gives them a 45-point lead over South Devon in second. Their 32-run win at Manor Drive confirmed promotion as runners-up but sent Chelston and Kingskerswell back down to E Division West after only one season up.
Paignton will celebrate the title at home to Lewdown as South Devon finish at home to Ivybridge 2nds. Chelston and Kingskerswell say goodbye to D Division with the short journey to play Barton 2nds at Cricketfield Road.
Hear more local cricket on my radio show ‘South Devon Sports Scene.’ Broadcast every Wednesday evening from 6pm on Riviera FM (107.9FM).