Game of survival for South Devon Prem clubs

July brings in the second half of the Tolchards Devon Cricket League with plenty to play for, albeit a game of survival for our South Devon representatives in the Premier Division.

Bovey Tracey have had a poor 2024 and are staring relegation in the face, 31 points from safety, after a 3-wicket home defeat to Cornwood. Devon’s Matt Skeemer man-of-the-match with his 5-39 in Bovey’s 184-9, and 71 in the successful reply which reached its target in the 38th over.

Bovey’s inability to win matches will help keep Paignton up. They demonstrated their habitual inconsistency, losing by the same (3 wicket) margin to Heathcoat at Queens Park. A much-changed line-up again, under Luke Medlock, set the visitors an inadequate 170 to win, which they passed in the 41st over.

A rare defeat for Sandford at home to Exmouth means Bradninch and Kentisbeare are now top of the Premier, by 8 points, after their 310-run annihilation of Plympton.

Week eleven sees Paignton (8th) at Exmouth (4th), as Bovey (9th) travel to Plympton (10th) in a game that may only decide who finishes bottom.

Torquay and Kingskerswell are the form team in the A Division and secured a fourth straight win, by 7 wickets over Hatherleigh at The Rec. Wickets were shared amongst the bowlers as Hatherleigh were dismissed for 153 in one of the league’s many agreed early starts, intended for play to be finished in time for kick-off in Dusseldorf.

Torquay and KK’s top order has been their strength this season and again produced. Evergreen opener Tim Western (62 not out) guided the sensibly paced reply, and with help from Sumukh Bharadwaj’s 30 not out, saw them home for the loss of 3 wickets, in the 35th over.

North Devon’s unexpected loss at home to Bridestowe, sees their lead at the top reduced to just six points, so another win, at Plymouth (4th) on Saturday, will mark second-placed Torquay and KK down as serious title contenders.

Abbotskerswell can do them a huge favour if they can turn over North Devon at Two Mile Oak. On the form book, this look unlikely with Abbots stuck in an unpleasant losing run and 21 points adrift at the bottom.

A plucky effort to chase down 301 to win at high-scoring Kilmington may have given them the renewed vigour they need, along with the signing of former Bovey Tracey captain Toby Codd. Ed Smout-Cooper hit 69 and Niall McCarthy 75 not out as Abbots eventually ran out of steam at 275 all out.

Barton are rolling along in their quest to return to the A Division, noticeably inspired and driven by Zimbabwean star Tarisai Musakanda’s runs, 688 so far, as well as highly valuable mid-season signings Nick Watkin (from Abbotskerswell) and Cole Harford (from Paignton).

Tarisai blasted his third century of the summer, 129 from 86 balls, in Barton’s 303 all out, putting on 258 with Watkin (87) for the second wicket. Barton utilised eight bowlers in a bid to bowl out Clyst, but the visitors lost only 5 wickets, finishing 62 runs short at the close.

Stoke Gabriel did secure a maximum 20 points to keep firmly on Barton’s shirt tails, and cut their lead at the top of the B Division to 7 points. They beat Bovey Tracey 2nds by 5 wickets at Aish.

Ipplepen’s poor run continued with a fourth straight loss, by 100 runs at Teignmouth and Shaldon. Chasing 216 to win, Ipplepen were never going and stuttered to 115 all out. Three wickets for Teigns’ Ryan Bougourd.

This Saturday, Barton make the short journey across to Ipplepen (7th), as Stoke visit Clyst St.George (9th) and Teignmouth and Shaldon (8th) go to Bovey 2nds (6th).

Paignton 2nds maintained their strong 10-point lead atop C Division West with a 7-wicket win at South Devon. Neil Hancock (50 not out) and Cole McFarlane (44 not out) steering them to a winning total of 126 with many overs left.

It’s been a disappointing season for Brixham. Ivybridge completed a straightforward double over them, by 7 wickets at Filham Park.

Paignton host Plymouth 2nds (10th) this week, as Brixham (7th) are home to Cornwood 2nds (3rd). South Devon (9th) desperately need a win from their trip to Yelverton (6th).

Babbacombe’s recent Brockman Cup triumph inspired a 78-run win over Kenn at Walls Hill, moving them back to 3rd in D Division West. Josh Thompson continued his fine form with 50 in Babbacombe’s 221-7, Rob Redding adding 57. All bowlers pitched-in holding Kenn to 143 all out in reply. Babbacombe next go to Foxhole to play Dartington and Totnes (8th).

Torquay and Kingskerswell 2nds are currently matching their first team. A 9-wicket win at Lewdown keeps them firmly in second place in E Division West, although the gap to unbeaten leaders Chagford is 25 points.