Weekend surprises in Devon Cricket League

Week twelve’s washout in the Tolchards Devon Cricket League probably helped some teams, by giving them a mid-season break, but not all. Many week thirteen outcomes went against form, resulting in noteworthy league position changes at a crucial stage of the season.

Neil Hancock’s return to first-team action inspired Paignton, who recovered from 73-4 to post a robust looking 290-8 against Exeter at Queens Park. Hancock (39) and Abhay Negi (59) figured in key partnerships with Luke Medlock who went on to reach his first Premier Division century (105).

As is Paignton’s frustrating way, this still proved inadequate for victory. Charles Clist (79) and Seb Linnitt (41) commenced a perfectly paced Exeter reply, carefully putting on 102 for the first wicket. Sam Read’s 60 then guided them safely towards a three-wicket win, with ten balls to spare.

Bovey Tracey’s great escape could be on after a one wicket win over Exmouth. Ollie Clifford-Bourne (4-26) took the bowling honours and helped restrict Exmouth to 195-8 at The Maer. Musa Twala’s 51 spearheaded another sensible run chase, which saw Bovey victorious in the 47th over.

Bovey (9th) have subsequently pulled 32 points clear of bottom club Plympton and only trail Paignton (8th) by ten points. A reminder that Bovey host Paignton on the last Saturday (August 31).

Week fourteen sees both sides play the top two. Paignton are at home to Bradninch and Kentisbeare (2nd) with Bovey travelling to Sandford (top).

Torquay and Kingskerswell are back in second place in the A Division after a convincing 73-run win at Thorverton. Chris Kelmere struck his third league ton of the season (149) in their 294-6, putting on 191 for the second wicket with Nathan Roux (85). Harry Passenger called on eight different bowlers, but they got the job done, as Thorverton fell short at 221-9.

North Devon still lead the division by nine points. Torquay and KK travel to Instow on 10th August.

At the other end of the table, another miraculous escape could be on the cards after Abbotskerswell beat Tavistock by 5 wickets at Two Mile Oak. Wickets were shared between five bowlers as Tavistock slumped to 132 all out. Abbots were safely home in the 41st over with Thomas Heath undefeated on 50.

This week, both teams have pivotal fixtures. Torquay and KK are back at The Rec to play Bridestowe (3rd) as Abbots (10th) visit Plymstock, who are only one place, and fifteen points, above them.

The B Division’s fascinating title race saw another dramatic twist with Barton and Stoke Gabriel both losing, allowing Cullompton to jump into top spot after their 106-run win at Bovey Tracey 2nds.

Barton were set an achievable looking 189 to win at Teignmouth and Shaldon. Nick Watkin took 3-46 in the home side’s 188 all out. Despite 30s from Tarisai Musakanda and Adam Parker, runs were already hard to come by before Seamus McKenna’s 4-20 finished Barton off at 126 all out.

Stoke Gabriel’s long trip to Westward Ho! also ended in a costly defeat. They too found batting second difficult, falling to 151 all out after Bideford, Littleham and Westward Ho! amassed 252-7, including 101 from Devon Lions captain Jack Ford.

Ipplepen got back to winning ways with a hard-fought 13-run win at home to Budleigh Salterton. Cullompton have 203 points, two clear of Barton with Stoke on 194. This week sees Cullompton visit Stoke Gabriel as Barton host, still winless, Chudleigh. Ipplepen (7th) are home to Clyst St.George (9th) and Teignmouth and Shaldon (8th) face Budleigh Salterton (5th) at Hazeldown Oval.

Paignton 2nds have been usurped from the top of C Division West following a 32-run loss at Sandford 2nds. Ivybridge’s eight wicket win at Yelverton gives them a slender three-point lead. Ollie Woodcock (50) and Carl McFarlane (80) were the scorers of note as Paignton were bowled out for 231 at Creedy Park, chasing 264 to win.

Brixham took the local spoils at North Boundary Road where 179 proved too much on the day for South Devon, whose often volatile batting could only accrue 129 in reply.

As August dawns, Paignton 2nds visit Ashburton (5th), Brixham (6th) host Yelverton (9th) and South Devon (8th) face a difficult assignment down the A38 at Ivybridge.

In D Division West, Babbacombe remain fourth despite an early demolition of Abbotskerswell 2nds at Walls Hill. Just one score (outside of extras) in double figures for Abbots in their 64 all out. Josh Thompson scored almost as many on his own (48 not out) as Babbacombe cruised home by 10 wickets.

Dartington and Totnes expectedly lost at home, by five wickets, to league leaders Plymstock 2nds. This week, Darts (8th) host Barton 2nds (9th) in a relegation battle at Foxhole, as Babbacombe are back at Walls Hill again to take on Ipplepen 2nds (2nd).