Perfect Paignton challenging at the top of Premier Division

So far, so very good weather-wise in the 2025 Tolchards Devon Cricket League. And the same can be said for Paignton in the Premier Division. Three wins from three. The latest by four wickets at Exmouth.

Captain Harry Ward was back after injury, but the toast was once again Luke Medlock. Electing to bat, Exmouth reached a respectable 279-8, despite being 12-3 early on. Skipper Finn Marks (84) and Cameron Kidd (113) led the recovery with a partnership of 195 for the fourth wicket. Ayabulela Gqamane taking 4-44 for Paignton.

Paignton themselves were wobbling at 9-2 until Gqamane (84) and Medlock (112 not out) put on 168 for the third wicket and gave the visitors clear sight of victory.

It was fitting for the impressive Medlock to hit the winning runs, coming in a boundary four off George Greenway, with nine balls to spare. Paignton are second in the table, a point either-way of defending champions Bradninch and Kentisbeare (top) and Exeter (3rd), who are the only other unbeaten teams. They return to Queen’s Park on Saturday to play Sandford.

Bovey Tracey came out on top of another low-scoring affair for Torquay and Kingskerswell in the A Division. Chris Kelmere’s 32 was the highest in their disappointing 120 all out. A total which again highlights the lack of real depth in their batting arsenal. Ben Kay was pick of the bowlers with 3-34.

Torquay and KK, in fairness, made it difficult for Bovey in defence of their modest total. Harry Passenger trapped dangerman Slade van Staden LBW without scoring and they were 62-6 before captain Seb Ansley (48 not out) used his guile and experience to see Bovey home within 39 overs. Passenger returning the best figures of 3-17.

Barton captain Steve Lewis returned from injury but could not steady his listing ship, nor prevent a third loss. Put into bat, Kilmington posted 240-7 in the Cricketfield Road sunshine. Nick Watkin’s 4-55 the best with the ball.

But Barton’s batting deficiencies were highlighted again as Joel Seward (4-22) and Oliver Reed (3-26) kept the run-chase in check and they were eventually bowled out for 167 in the 42nd over, losing by 73 runs. Matt Lipton top scoring with 47.

There is, however, encouraging news as overseas recruit Tinashe Kamunhukamwe should be here and ready to play this week. His introduction to Devon league cricket will be at Plympton.

Elsewhere in the division on Saturday, Torquay and KK host unbeaten league leaders Tavistock and Bovey visit Thorverton.

In the B Division, Stoke Gabriel desperately need inspirational Justin Pringle to return as soon as possible. They slumped to a second home defeat, by seven wickets against Ivybridge. A total of 165 all out, with Dan Bullock top-scoring on 44, was no test for the visitors, who won inside 36 overs for the loss of three wickets.

A much better day at last for Abbotskerswell. Despite missing captain Toby Codd, they recorded their first win, beating Braunton by four wickets at Two Mile Oak.

Ipplepen lost by eight wickets at Budleigh Salterton. Their 213 all out proving too few as the hosts coasted to victory in the 31st over for the loss of two wickets.

Week four sees Ipplepen host unbeaten Plymstock. Stoke go north to Braunton and Abbots visit Bovey Tracey 2nds.

In C Division West, Ashburton kept up their 100% start to the season with a three-wicket defeat of Kingsbridge. South Devon’s short journey to Chudleigh was fruitful. A maximum 20 points secured thanks to a seven-wicket win. Chasing 160 to win, Jonty Tupman carried his bat, for 66 not out, to guide them comfortably home within 29 overs.

After helping usher the first team to victory last week, the accomplished Neil Hancock was back at Queen’s Park as second team skipper but could not inspire his young side to successfully chase down 224 to beat Cornwood 2nds. The reply stalled at 171 all out and the 52-run win keeps Cornwood top.

Teignmouth and Shaldon beat winless Brixham by three wickets at Hazeldown Oval. The visitors were held to 222-9, including 101 from Mohammed Shaikh. Tshepo Legodi (49 not out) scored the winning run for Teigns in the 38th over.

Saturday sees Paignton 2nds travel to Kingsbridge. Brixham host Ipplepen 2nds, whilst South Devon are at home to Teignmouth and Shaldon. Ashburton visit Plymstock 2nds and Chudleigh are at Cornwood 2nds.

Babbacombe are still to get off the mark in D Division West. Their third loss came at Yelverton by eight wickets. That elusive first win may come at Walls Hill against Ivybridge 2nds on Saturday.

Stokeinteignhead sit atop E Division West after a third-straight win, by a commanding nine wickets, at home to Bridestowe and Belstone 2nds. They travel to Torre Valley North to play Paignton 3rds in week four.