Cricket round-up: First defeats for Bovey Tracey and Paignton in wide open Premier Division

Cricket by David Hammond

It was not to be three wins from three in the Premier Division for Bovey Tracey.

Batting first, Plympton posted an impressive 272-9, Ben Privett top scoring with 114.

Opening bowlers Seb Ansley (3-66) and Alex Bevilaqua (2-40) demonstrated their all-rounder prowess by both scoring half centuries in Bovey’s chase.

But it came up 23 runs short.

Paignton were coasting to win number two in the glorious Queen’s Park sunshine. Charlie Ward’s 3-36 helping bowl Cornwood out for 157, with prize scalp Jay Bista out early for just one.

Divyaansh Saxena (69 from 36 balls) and Harry Ward (25) quickly amassed 98 for the first wicket before stutter and collapse saw Paignton disappointingly dismissed for 149 at the end of the 31st over.

Lee Baker’s 6-24 charged up Cornwood’s galvanised response and Paignton’s subsequent implosion. Improved application needed with the bat for Paignton as they travel to Bovey in week four.

The first meeting of local A Division rivals Torquay and Abbotskerswell saw a solid 112 first wicket stand for Torquay from openers Ruan Terblanche (59) and Tim Western (41). Despite more middle order wobbles, Chris Kelmere (57) and Aaron Hearn (30) pulled them around to post a robust looking 275 all out.

Abbots started their reply well. 66-1, 99-2 and 130-3. Eddie Smout-Cooper leading the way with 75 before more middle order subsidence set in and the chase eventually slipping away to 181 all out. Chris Kelmere took 5-51.

Torquay travel to Thorverton on Saturday, with Abbots at home to Kilmington.

Barton did well to restrict Chudleigh to just 133-9 from their 45 overs in B Division. All-rounder Cephas Zhuwao taking 3-20. But Barton never really got going in reply and faded to 125 all out. This despite 42 from Steve Lewis.

Ipplepen would have been happy enough with their 229-9 at Seaton - 72 from Mawgan Penrice. But it proved too few as Seaton nudged home in the last over with eight wickets in hand.

This week, Barton travel to Sandford 2nds as Ipplepen play Bovey Tracey 2nds. After three wins, Bridestowe are the surprise league leaders.

Stoke Gabriel impressed observers again, and go top of C Division West, after a 218-run defeat of Babbacombe. South African Justin Pringle smashed 151 in their 294-6, with captain Jake Robinson’s 5-24 instrumental in bowling Babbacombe out for just 76 in reply.

Brixham are second after overcoming Dartington and Totnes by 40 runs. Tom Hopper is well on his way to another 800+ league runs after scoring 104 not out in Brixham’s 251-2. Dinesh Raheja batted through for 108 not out but did not receive enough support to get Darts closer, finishing on 211-7 in reply.

Saturday sees Stoke Gabriel at Plymouth 2nds. Brixham at Kingsbridge. Babbacombe are at home to Cornwood 2nds and Darts take on Ashburton at Foxhole.

Teignmouth and Shaldon’s trip north to Braunton in C Division East was fruitful. Ryan Bougourd and Ruben Minnaar took three wickets each in a Braunton total of 134 all out. The win, by two wickets off 35 overs, puts Teigns top after three games. They take on Uplyme and Lyme Regis at Hazeldown Oval in week four.

In D Division West, South Devon are three from three after beating Hatherleigh 2nds - Mike Smith’s 152 the backbone to a three-wicket win.

Chelston and Kingskerswell are still looking for their first win after an 85-run defeat at Lewdown. They are at home to Hatherleigh 2nds on Saturday while South Devon host Plymstock 2nds.

Finally, special mention of former Devon wicketkeeper Andy Hele, who began playing league cricket with Barton over 40 years ago. He struck 111 for Barton 2nds at Ipplepen 2nds. Unfortunately for Barton, they lost by six wickets.

Hear more local cricket on David Hammond's radio show, South Devon Sports Scene, broadcast every Wednesday from 6pm on Riviera FM (107.9FM)