Half-term report from the Devon Cricket League

The halfway-point in the Tolchards Devon Cricket League usually gives a good indication of how the season will finish.

In the Premier Division, both Sandford and Bradninch and Kentisbeare won again and are clear at the top. Plympton and Bovey Tracey both lost again and are cast adrift at the bottom.

Paignton beat Bovey Tracey by 125 runs at Queens Park after the home side’s impressive 286-5 proved far too many. All Paignton batters contributed, along with 33 wides, captain Noah Wight top-scoring with 72.

Bovey have forgotten what winning is like and were never truly in the hunt. All out for 161 in the 42nd over and are now 31 points from safety.

Paignton (8th) face Heathcoat (7th) at Queens Park this Saturday, whilst Bovey (9th) host Cornwood (3rd).

North Devon are still in command of the A Division. A 7-wicket win at Thorverton was their seventh of the campaign. Back up to second are Torquay and Kingskerswell following a second-straight 9-wicket win.

Chris Kelmere took three wickets in Kilmington’s 199 all out at The Rec, then scored 58, in another impressive opening stand of 81 with Tim Western (65 not out). This despite twisting an ankle in the pre-match warm-up!

Nathan Roux (67 not out) combined well with Western to guide Torquay and KK home with 20 overs to spare. At half-way, Roux is looking good for 1,000 league runs. He currently has 494 at an average of 164.67.

Abbotskerswell’s constant inability to score enough runs led to their eighth loss, by 6 wickets at Hatherleigh. Abbots’ total of 161 all out was passed with 20 overs still to go, leaving them 24 points adrift at the foot of the table.

Week ten sees Torquay and KK at home to Hatherleigh (6th), as Abbots travel to Kilmington (7th).

Barton continue to head the B Division after a solid all-round 148-run defeat of Budleigh Salterton at Cricketfield Road. Tarisai Musakanda passed 500 league runs with his 93 in Barton’s 271-7. Nick Watkin, enjoying being back at the club where he started, chipped in with 81, then took 5-32 in Budleigh’s 123 all out.

Stoke Gabriel bounced back from last week’s league and cup defeats by beating Ipplepen by 4 wickets at Moor Road. Dan Bullock was there at the end with 55 not out, after taking three wickets in Ipplepen’s 163 all out. Stoke winning inside 38 overs to keep them ten points behind Barton in second.

Teignmouth and Shaldon found Cullompton’s 274-6 to be too many at Hazeldown Oval. Alastair Cliffe top scored with 59 in the reply that came up 47 runs short of the win.

As July dawns, Barton are home again to Clyst St.George (9th), Stoke Gabriel host Bovey Tracey 2nds (5th) and Ipplepen (7th) are at Teignmouth and Shaldon (8th).

Paignton 2nds still have a healthy 10-point lead atop C Division West. Their latest win was by 33 runs at Brixham. Neil Hancock scored 90 not out in Paignton’s 219-4. Then Jack Harman returned figures of 3-26 in Brixham’s reply of 186 all out.

Another day to forget for South Devon, who are likely to face relegation worries in the second half of the season unless performances dramatically improve. They were bowled out for only 88 at Cornwood 2nds, having elected to bat first. A very early finish, as Cornwood eased home within 18 overs.

Week ten sees South Devon (8th) host leaders Paignton 2nds at Marsh Road, Newton Abbot, as Brixham (6th) go down to Ivybridge (2nd).

Babbacombe have dropped to 5th in D Division West following a 52-run defeat at Walls Hill against leaders Plymstock 2nds. Chasing 181 to win, Syed Ali (3-69) and Anthony Mustica (5-47) made it difficult from the off for the home side, who eventually came unstuck at 128 all out in 20.1 overs.

They will be looking to make amends against Kenn (4th) at home this week.

There was success, however, for Babbacombe the night before. The club ended a 40-year wait to lift the Brockman Cup, defeating holders Ipplepen by 23 runs at Torquay’s Rec.

Babbacombe had father and son Marcus and Josh Thompson to thank, who got them off to an incredible start, putting on 121 for the first wicket, believed to be a competition record. Josh blasted 80 off 38 balls, including 10 fours and 3 sixes. Marcus was the cement of the innings with a more patient 63 not out, as the final total reached 166-2 from 20 overs.

Ipplepen gave it a good go, but lost wickets when the run rate crept up, and were 143-8 as the overs ran out. Ross Kennard top scored with 46 and Dave Stubbs was pick of the bowlers with figures of 3-23.

Babbacombe last won the Brockman Cup in 1984, when they beat Stoke Gabriel by 7-wickets.