Selection struggles for South Devon clubs

It is becoming more widely accepted that player availability for weekend cricket has more demands upon it than ever before.

Week four of the Tolchards Devon Cricket League was one of those Saturdays when more than just the usual smattering of clubs had players otherwise engaged in a stag weekend, wedding, holiday or other family activity.

Despite disruptions to consistency of selection, results generally held up well for local teams. In the Premier Division, Exeter quickly took advantage of winning the toss against a selection-affected Paignton.

Hampshire staffer John Turner (4-25) and Joe Gore (3-46) inflicted the early damage before a vital last-wicket stand of 59, between Rory Medlock (25) and Sam Woodcock (31), got Paignton up to a defendable 165 all out, after being 45 for 5.

A spirited effort, under stand-in skipper Luke Medlock, made Exeter work very hard for an eventual one wicket win. Cole Harford outstanding in taking 5-28, as Paignton almost it pulled off.

Plenty of overs in hand for Exeter, but Paignton left wondering how close they came to victory for the second week in a row.

Bovey Tracey held Exmouth to 184 all out, but then fell apart with the bat. George Greenway took 6-18, as the home side crumbled to 51 all out and their third loss from four games.

Paignton (8th) travel to second-placed Bradninch and Kentisbeare in week five, as Bovey (9th) host league leaders Sandford.

In the A Division, Torquay and Kingskerswell should have restricted league leaders Thorverton to fewer than the accrued 196-8, Vivek Kulkarni taking 4-35. There was nothing to worry about in the end, as the classy Nathan Roux (59 not out) and Harry Passenger (68 not out) shared a match-winning stand of 123 to win by 8 wickets and go second in the table.

A much better day for Abbotskerswell. Wickets were shared, as Tavistock were dismissed for 133. Rain interruptions were not long enough to scupper Abbots’ first win of 2024, reaching their revised target for the loss of 5 wickets.

Torquay and Kingskerswell are at Bridestowe this week, while Abbots (9th) play Plymstock at Two Mile Oak.

Missing Steve Lewis, Adam Parker, Tom Drake and Shaun Needham did not hinder Barton, who comfortably beat Teignmouth and Shaldon by 157 runs to go second in the B Division. Tarisai Musakanda hit 111 in Barton’s impressive 307-6, ably assisted by Adam Last (64) and Adrian Lipton (56). Stu Bowker claimed 4-30, as Teigns only mustered 150 all out in reply.

Stoke Gabriel remain top of the league after their fourth straight win. Justin Pringle was again in prime form, striking 87 in Stoke’s 223-9, which included 70 from Abhishek Anand. Bideford, Littleham and Westward Ho! falling 74 short of their minimally revised target.

Ipplepen had a successful trip to Budleigh Salterton. Runs were spread across most batters in their 215-9. Paul Thomas’ 4-33 helped hold Budleigh to an inadequate 169-9 in reply.

Stoke Gabriel’s game this Saturday is just off the M5 at Cullompton. Chudleigh host Barton, Teignmouth and Shaldon (10th) travel to Budleigh and it’s Clyst St. George v Ipplepen (5th).

Brixham are still frustratingly winless in C Division West after going down by one-run to South Devon at Marsh Road. Chasing 139 to win, Brixham were bowled out for 137 with four overs still remaining.

Paignton 2nds beat Sandford 2nds at Queens Park to remain second behind Ivybridge. They are at home again this Saturday to play Ashburton. South Devon (6th) host Ivybridge and Brixham (10th) will be hoping for that elusive first win at Yelverton.

Babbacombe head D Division West after win number four, by 23 runs at Abbotskerwell 2nds. At the other end of the table are winless Dartington and Totnes. Their latest loss was by 6 wickets at Plymstock 2nds.

This Saturday sees Babbacombe travel to Ipplepen 2nds and Darts are at Cricketfield Road to meet Barton 2nds.