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20 Oct 2025

Perfect start to Premier season for Paignton CC

Torquay and Kingskerswell v Barton

Torquay and Kingskerswell v Barton

Round two of the Tolchards Devon Cricket League

The sun shone warmly from azure skies across the county for week two of the Tolchards Devon Cricket League. Queen’s Park in Paignton was a happy place to be as the home side engineered their second Premier Division win from two starts.

The visitors, Heathcoat, were held to a total of 185 all out. Ayabulela Gqamane and George Woodcock capturing three wickets each. In reply, Paignton recovered from 35-4 to reach their target, in the 38th over, for a four-wicket win. A vital partnership of 133 for the fifth wicket, between vastly experienced Neil Hancock (59) and Ollie Woodcock (54), proving the catalyst.

Week three sees Paignton visit Exmouth, who are also two wins from two, as are defending champions Brandninch and Kentisbeare and Exeter.

The eagerly anticipated A Division derby at The Rec was disappointing, as a spectacle, for the good-sized, sun-drenched crowd. Torquay and Kingskerswell procured the local spoils in a one-sided affair.

Barton chose to bat first, but lost wickets consistently and were ultimately dismissed for less than 100 runs for the second consecutive week.

Spinners Chris Kelmere (4-8) and Harry Passenger (3-14) demoralised Barton, reducing them to 86 all out. Torquay and KK expectedly eased to victory, for the loss of two wickets, in the 18th over, Tim Western the anchor with 44 not out.

Barton’s batting requires serious bolstering and quickly. The impending arrival of a new overseas signing should help. He is expected to be in place and ready for the visit of Kilmington on Saturday.

Torquay and KK visit Bovey Tracey in week three who secured their first win, by 84 runs, at home to Bridestowe and Belstone. Slade van Staden (85) top-scored in a total of 210-9, which proved more than enough on the day. Ben Kay (3-18) initially kept the reply in check before Jake Pascoe’s 5-31 drove Bovey over the line for a comfortable win.

It’s already been a disheartening return to the B Division for Abbotskerswell. Loss number two came at Bideford, Littleham and Westward Ho! by 176 runs. A target of 301 to win was always a big ask for Abbots, who stumbled to 124 all out. Toby Codd’s 41 the highest contribution.

Stoke Gabriel are up and running thanks to a four-wicket win at Ipplepen. Reuben Stanley’s 49 not out was the highest in the home side’s 198-9 from 45 overs. Stoke skipper Jack Tolley achieved the same tally and, with a useful 43 from Adriaan Maxwell, Stoke got home for the loss of six wickets in the 36th over.

Stoke host Ivybridge in week three, as Abbotskerswell welcome Braunton and Ipplepen travel to Budleigh Salterton.

In C Division West, Ashburton posted a second good win with a 91-run defeat of crestfallen Brixham at North Boundary Road. A target of 241 proved too much for Brixham, who were bowled out for 149. Adiya More’s 4-33 in Ashburton’s defence complemented his 79 not out earlier in the afternoon. Skipper Lloyd White also weighed in with 73.

South Devon overcame Paignton 2nds by 78 runs in a low scoring affair at Marsh Road, Newton Abbot. Set 151 to win, Paignton were quickly 0-2 and capitulated further to end 72 all out, Jack Allen bagging 6-16.

Chudleigh’s Will Heather is in excellent early season form and hit another 93 in their 231-9 at Hazeldown Oval. But Teignmouth and Shaldon’s measured reply was too strong. Josh Couch (70) and Alastair Cliffe (57) were the foundation as the home side won, inside 36 overs, for the loss of five wickets.

This Saturday sees Ashburton host Kingsbridge. Chudleigh are at home to South Devon, as Paignton 2nds take on Cornwood 2nds at Queen’s Park and Teignmouth and Shaldon are home again to Brixham.

It could be long season for Babbacombe in D Division West. A second defeat, by 64 runs at home to Plymouth 2nds, was their return from week two. Plymouth’s wicketkeeper/captain James Toms contributed 151 of their 275-4. Always too many for Babbacombe who were dismissed for 211, despite a defiant 68 from Dave Stubbs batting at number seven. They travel to Yelverton this week.

The ‘reverse derby’ at Cricketfield Road saw Barton 2nds defeat Torquay and KK 2nds by 17 runs. They face a difficult game at Plymouth CS and Roborough next, as Torquay and KK 2nds play Hatherleigh 2nds at The Rec.

Stokeinteignhead enjoyed their second E Division West win, by five wickets at Tavistock 2nds. But it was yet another loss for unfortunate Dartington and Totnes, by eight wickets at Plympton 2nds. Stoke are at home to Bridestowe and Belstone 2nds in week three and Darts host Tavistock 2nds.

Never forget there is still cricket played regularly at magnificent Cockington Court. St. Marychurch Old Boys take on Teignmouth and Shaldon 3rds there on Saturday in H Division Central.

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