Opening day for victory for Paignton CC

Despite a mixed forecast earlier in the week, sun-laden early summer weather conditions greeted players and supporters for the opening Saturday of the Tolchards Devon Cricket League.

Shining brightest, on first view, were the coloured playing kits and pink ball that have been voted in, and will be the order of the day, in this year’s Premier and A Divisions.

The inception is somewhat inevitable given its universal adoption across cup and T20 fixtures. But will, initially, raise eyebrows and promote vigorous discussion from the traditionalists amongst us.

In the Premier, Paignton adapted well to the kaleidoscope with a four-wicket first day win at Sidmouth. South African recruit Ayabulela Gqamane took 3-45 on debut as the home side were dismissed for 197 at The Fortfield.

Captain for the day Luke Medlock chipped in with 3-34. Both players contributed well with the bat as Paignton successfully chased down their target inside 36 overs, Gqamane top scoring with 54.

Heathcoat visit Queen’s Park in week two. They lost at home to defending champions Bradninch and Kentisbeare. There were also opening day wins for Cornwood, Exmouth and Exeter.

It was a disappointing start for Torquay and Kingskerswell, Barton and Bovey Tracey in the A Division. Torquay and KK lost by 48 runs at (renamed) Bridestowe and Belstone. Captain Harry Passenger bagged 3-44 as the home side amassed 228-9 from their 50 overs.

After a typical solid start, Torquay and KK’s capricious middle-order was again their undoing in a reply of 180 all out. A warmly anticipated derby with Barton at The Rec awaits them in week two.

At Cricketfield Road, Barton started well with the ball. Thorverton on the ropes at 50-7, then 130 all out. Former Brixham seamer Craig Eaves taking 4-24 and Fin Last 3-16. But despite knowing conditions and how the pitch was playing, Barton’s old batting demons resurfaced in a reply of only 72 all out, losing by 58 runs.

Bovey endured a five-wicket loss at Hatherleigh on their return to the A. This despite an impressive opening day total of 287 all out. 78 on debut for Slade van Staden and 97 from skipper Seb Ansley.

But Hatherleigh’s batters all chipped-in and measuredly reached their target with eleven balls to spare. Bovey are at home to Bridestowe and Belstone this week.

In the B Division, Ipplepen made the shortest journey of their season to Abbotskerswell and came away with a 77-run win and the full 20 points. The visitors ran up 249-8 from their 45 overs, 67 from Jono Colgate the top score. Only Toby Codd (67) really got going for Abbots in reply. Joe Parker’s 4-33 was significant in their 172 all out.

It proved a good toss to win for Plymstock, who bowled Stoke Gabriel out cheaply for 107 in 31 overs. Three wickets each for Isaac Withington and Sanjog Dabholkar made Plymstock work hard for a two-wicket win, achieved with plenty of overs in-hand.

This Saturday, Stoke travel to Ipplepen as Abbotskerswell go north to Bideford, Littleham and Westward Ho!

Both Brixham and South Devon started their C Division West season with away defeats. Chudleigh’s Mark Halse claimed 4-11 as Brixham collapsed from 81-0 to 145 all out. The home side wasted little time and had the game won in the 22nd over for the loss of only two wickets. Will Heather smashing 91 not out.

South Devon lost by six wickets at Varwell Field after being 174 all out. Ashburton’s 177 in the winning run-chase was the highest total of the day in the division. Achieved with thirteen overs to spare.

Paignton 2nds beat Teignmouth and Shaldon by three wickets at Queen’s Park. Lewis Swar (6-17) was pick of the bowlers in the visitors’ 157 all out. Paignton’s winning reply aided in no small measure by Mark Gilmour’s 86.

Week two sees Brixham at home to Ashburton, whilst South Devon host Paignton 2nds in Newton Abbot and Teignmouth and Shaldon welcome Chudleigh to Hazeldown Oval.

Babbacombe’s return to D Division West was not a happy one thanks to a low-scoring four-wicket loss at Kenn. They face Plymouth 2nds at Walls Hill on Saturday. Also in that division, newly promoted Chagford won well, by 106 runs, at The Rec against Torquay and KK 2nds, who make the shortest of journeys, up Barton Road, to play Barton 2nds this week.

Stokeinteignhead enjoyed a first E Division West win, by 71 runs, over Plympton 2nds and next play at Tavistock 2nds.

Finally, with the evenings still getting longer, the local (20 over) cup competitions are swinging into action. Brockman Cup games are scheduled for Tuesday evenings and the Aaron Printers Cup for Thursdays. Next Thursday (May 15), you can catch another Barton v Torquay and KK clash at Cricketfield Road in the Aaron Printers Cup first round.