Paignton slump to fourth defeat in the opening five weeks

Five weeks into the 2024 Tolchards Devon Cricket League and Paignton’s season has yet to ignite.

It’s now four defeats out of five after a 111-run downfall at Bradninch and Kentisbeare in the Premier Division.

Inspirational captain Gary Chappell hit 76 in the home side’s 240-9, with wickets shared amongst Paignton’s attack. Ross Acton’s 6-30 helped subdue the reply, which fizzled out at 129 all out, dropping Paignton to 9th as Bradninch and Kentisbeare stay second.

Bovey Tracey are also finding it tough, 146 all out was never going to be enough against league leaders Sandford. It was not all straight forward in reply, Sandford leaving it late again, reaching their target with only one wicket remaining to retain their 100% record.

Paignton take on Plympton, one point below them, at Queens Park on Saturday, when Bovey (8th) are at Exeter (5th).

In the A Division, Bridestowe discovered that winning the toss and removing Torquay and Kingskerswell’s top order cheaply provides the best chance of beating them this season.

Only three batters accrued double figures, and there were five ‘ducks,’ in an unsatisfactory 100 all out, Chris Kelmere carrying his bat for 40 not out. Bridestowe needed only 20.3 overs to cruise home by 6 wickets.

Inder Singh’s 3-13 from 10 overs helped Abbotskerswell hold Plymstock to 181-8, which looked an attainable target, despite a green pitch keeping low. Tight bowling and fielding, however, forced collapses and the home side’s reply could only muster 79. Prince Masvaure took 5-16 to send Abbots to their fourth loss and the foot of the table.

Torquay and Kingskerswell (6th) are back at The Rec to play promotion favourites North Devon (2nd) in week six. Abbots looking to make amends at Thorverton (4th).

The B Division is also very open-looking at the top and is now headed by Barton following their fourth win, by 31 runs at Chudleigh. Zimbabwean Tarisai Musakanda made it back-to-back tons with exactly 100 of Barton’s 173 all out. Morgan Harford returned figures of 5-24 as Chudleigh’s response came to a halt at 142 all out.

Stoke Gabriel experienced their first defeat of the league campaign, going down by 6 wickets in a low-scoring game at Cullompton. Stoke bowled out for 132.

Ippelpen remain 5th after a 5-wicket win at Clyst St. George. Andy Bligh claimed 4-39 in Clyst’s 174 all out, chased down within 37 overs to reward Ipplepen with the maximum (20) points.

Teignmouth and Shaldon are finding it tough a division up from last season. They slumped to a fifth straight loss at The Holt, where Budleigh Salterton’s 270-9 proved to be 66 runs too much.

All four teams are at home this Saturday. It’s first against second as Barton take on Cullompton at Cricketfield Road. Stoke Gabriel (3rd) host Budleigh Salterton (4 th), Ipplepen face Chudleigh (9th) and Hazeldown Oval sees Teignmouth and Shaldon (10th) against Bideford, Littleham and Westward Ho! (7th).

The C Division West action finally saw Brixham get off the mark for 2024, with a much needed 8-wicket win at Yelverton. Matt Parsons’ 4-37 was a factor in the Bohemians being dismissed for 159, before Brixham eventually looked like their old selves. Michael Barron struck 64 and skipper Tom Hopper 43 not out as Brixham sailed home inside 35 overs.

South Devon found it hard, as many will, against leaders Ivybridge, going down by 106 runs at Marsh Road. Mali Marshall took 4-44 in Ivybridge’s 231-9. South Devon never recovered from losing their first three batters without scoring, falling to 125 all out in reply.

Paignton 2nds remain 2nd, after beating Ashburton by 5 wickets at Queens Park. Captain Connor Bryan undefeated on 74, as Paignton won inside 33 overs.

In week six, Brixham (8th) are at home to Sandford 2nds (10th), Paignton 2nds travel to Kingsbridge (5th) and South Devon (6th) make the short journey to Ashburton (4th).