Batting collapses continue to haunt Paignton CC

After week eleven of the Tolchards Devon Cricket League, Bradninch and Kentisbeare still lead the Premier Division, by nine points from Sandford, after both teams won again. Up to third are Exmouth following a 38-run win over Paignton at The Maer.

Paignton did the hard work, bowling Exmouth out for 169, with wickets shared amongst the bowlers, but again struggled to put innings and partnerships of note together and were dismissed for 131 in reply, from 38.2 overs.

Charlie Ward’s 54 was the only notable score in another otherwise disappointing batting performance that keeps Paignton in 8th place.

Bovey Tracey at last had something to smile about, although their 5-wicket win at basement club Plympton may only decide which of the two finishes bottom come the end of August. Seb Ansley returned figures of 3-39 as Plympton accrued 200-8 from their 50 overs.

Bovey finally clicked with the bat, helped by 83 from Musa Twala, and reached their target with six overs to spare for only their second league win of 2024.

Bovey are now 19 points behind Paignton and safety. The two meet on the final day of the season at Bovey in a clash that already has “must win” written all over it.

In the meantime, week twelve sees Paignton visit Sandford (2nd) as Bovey host Heathcoat (7th).

Torquay and Kingskerswell’s good recent A Division run came to a halt at Mount Wise, where a 5-wicket defeat to Plymouth dropped them back to 4th . Tim Western carried his bat for 99 in Torquay and KK’s decent looking 252-8.

Teddy Haffenden (75) was the thorn in their side again, his partnership of 65 with Jonathan Varcoe (46 not out) for the fourth wicket proved to be the catalyst in sealing the Plymouth win with three overs to spare.

Isolated heavy showers randomly hit parts of the county, some locations affected more than others.

Two Mile Oak was one that did not escape, with only 25 overs possible between Abbotskerswell and leaders North Devon.

Bridestowe’s win over Kilmington sees the gap reduced to three points at the top, whilst Abbots remain 32 points adrift at the foot. This Saturday sees Torquay and KK at home to Plymstock (9th) as Abbots visit Bridestowe (2nd).

The B Division is looking like a three-horse race for the title. Barton (185 points) are still leading the way, with Stoke Gabriel (180) nibbling at their slender lead and Cullompton third (175). All three won again.

After rain interruptions, Ipplepen were set 205 from 27 overs by Duckworth/Lewis to beat Barton but could only muster 163-8. Three wickets each for Stu Bowker and Morgan Harford.

Stoke Gabriel’s Jack Tolley took 5-30 in holding Clyst St. George to 194-8 at Bohea Field, a target Stoke passed with overs to spare for a 3-wicket win.

Another casualty of the downpours was Teignmouth and Shaldon, with only three overs possible at Bovey Tracey 2nds. No more play with Teigns on 5 for 2.

On Saturday, Barton host Bovey 2nds (6th), Stoke Gabriel are home to Teignmouth and Shaldon (8th) and Ipplepen (7th) are at Cullompton.

Paignton 2nds still lead C Division West, by nine points from Ivybridge, with an almost perfect record. Win number ten came by 62 runs over Plymouth 2nds at Queens Park. Neil Hancock was again outstanding with 156 not out in Paignton’s 258-6. Ella Gill claimed 3-28 as Plymouth came up short.

Brixham’s disappointing season continued with a low scoring 7-wicket home defeat to Cornwood 2nds. Jumping over them in the table are South Devon, who were home early from a profitable trip to Yelverton. Jon Martin (4-12) and Mali Marshall (3-29) ripped into the home side, who were skittled for just 49. The visitors winning inside fourteen overs.

In week twelve, Paignton 2nds are home again to Yelverton (7th), South Devon (6th) host Kingsbridge (5th) and Brixham (8th) travel to Ashburton (4th).

In D Division West, Babbacombe crumbled to a 5-wicket defeat at Foxhole against Dartington and Totnes. Chasing 134 to win, Justin Osborne’s 85 not out saw Darts comfortably home to give themselves breathing space over the bottom two. Babbacombe (4th) are at Hatherleigh 2nds (7th) this week, with Darts (8th) visiting Abbotskerswell 2nds (10th).

Finally, there was very nearly a much-needed silver lining to Bovey Tracey’s wretched league campaign on Sunday. Congratulations, however, go to Exmouth for lifting the Devon T20 Cup on finals day at Cornwood, beating Bovey in the final by 58 runs.

Exmouth overcame Sidmouth by 8 wickets, as Bovey were beating Plymouth by 65 runs in the morning’s semi-finals. The afternoon’s face-off saw Exmouth post 155-9 from their 20 overs, Will Christophers (3-18) the pick of the bowlers. Bovey never really got going and were soon up against it, folding to 97 all out. Disappointment, but surely a morale boost for Premier Division survival.