That's all folks - the ups and downs of a wintry cricket season

The remarkable summer weather of 2022 was never going to be beaten in the 2023 cricket season.

Runs still flowed, although not in the amount some teams and their followers would have liked. Wickets definitely tumbled. Cheaply, and with too much regularity, in many cases.

Some divisions were decided before the season’s last day. Including the Premier Division where Sandford picked up their first county title since 2004.

It was not a vintage year for South Devon clubs. But huge congratulations go to the following champions. Stoke Gabriel (C Division West), Teignmouth and Shaldon (C Division East), Paignton 2nds (D Division West), Paignton 3rds (F Division West) and Brixham 2nds (G Division West).

For the majority, there was mid-table security alongside some disappointing relegations. Most notably, Bovey Tracey’s drop from the Premier Division after a wretched second half of the season. Prompting Lewis Hammett to call it a day as captain.

Other significant goodbyes to captaincy came at Paignton, where Mark Orchard is standing down. And at Barton, where long standing skipper Adam Parker is handing over the reins after an incredible 16 years so he can spend more time actually playing and with his young family.

For the outstanding overseas player of the summer, look no further than Torquay’s South African opening batter Ruan Terblanche. His 1162 league runs, at an average of 116.20, almost single-handedly secured promotion from A Division for Torquay. They finished third.

This likeable young man, who had time for everyone at the club and beyond, hit four half centuries, five centuries, with a high score of 183. He is surely destined for tougher challenges at a much higher level and everyone who came into contact with him will wish him well in future campaigns. Wherever they may be.

Reflecting generally across the summer, it was glaringly evident that clubs were again unable to consistently field their strongest line-ups week in week out. Something that is still worryingly common across all grass roots sport.

Changing lifestyles, social and family commitments, as well as other distractions and outlooks continue to impact on people’s priorities when it comes to weekends and time committed to sport. A very modern problem and an on-going concern with no easy answers.

One of the biggest frustrations for followers of the game was teams not batting their full allocation of overs. Which indirectly gifts runs to the opposition in the same way that needless extras does.

Particularly for me, throwing wickets away with T20 style batting and shot selection. As opposed to greater value placed on individual wickets and consolidation after wickets fall.

I lost count of the number of needless and senseless collapses and implosions I witnessed from teams in run chases. No easy answers again. But plenty of scope for discussion and opinions.

Without wanting to sound like the former Yorkshire and England opening batsman who is appearing in Paignton in October, I will sign off by saying I have once again thoroughly enjoyed the local cricket scene this summer.

Experiencing the unique variety of locations we are fortunate to have on our doorstep. Catching up with new and old faces. Talking over the above points of interest as well as remembering how it used to be.

But there would be no opportunities to do this without the unseen hours of work put in by armies of passionate volunteers. So, a final ‘well done’ and huge thank you to all cricket club members and officials. Umpires, scorers, ground staff and players, of all ages, for enabling matches to happen in the first place.

When the upcoming winter gives way to spring. It will be time once again for Devon cricket. Winter well everyone and forever cherish your cricket memories of 2023.

Hear more local sport on my radio show ‘South Devon Sports Scene.’ Broadcast on Riviera FM (107.9FM) and via www.riviera.fm/live every Wednesday evening from 6pm.