Paignton v Exeter
Latest from the Tolchards Devon Cricket League
Looking skywards was the norm in Paignton on Saturday afternoon, but the aerial airshow acrobatics failed to distract or disrupt the town 1st XI’s impeccable start to the Tolchards Devon Cricket League Premier Division.
Visitors Exeter elected to bat and were 57-6 at one point before recovering to 160 all out. Ayabulela Gqamane (4-22) again led the way with the ball, stoutly supported by Rory Medlock (3-26). Paignton held their catches well, fielding like the hungry in-form unit they are.
It was a huge ask for Luke Medlock to make it three hundreds in as many weeks, yet his magnificent form continued with a solid 58, which proved to be the foundation for win number five.
It was left to Ollie Woodcock (27 not out) to seal victory, with a maximum six-hit, in the 34th over, for the loss of five wickets.
Leaders Bradninch and Kentisbeare won comfortably again, by nine wickets, at home to North Devon, where Paignton go on Saturday. A single point separates the two sides, who will meet at Queen’s Park on June 14.
A huge sigh of relief was audible at Cricketfield Road as Barton secured a first A Division win of the new campaign. Four of Barton’s eight used bowlers took wickets as Hatherleigh accrued 193-7.
Despite skipper Steve Lewis falling early, Barton’s batting finally clicked. Nick Watkin used his vast experience to craft a match-winning anchor innings of 63 not out. Ably assisted by debutant Chris Lesiba Ngoepe (45) and Matt Lipton (51), Barton chased down their target inside 39 overs for a much-needed six-wicket win.
At the same time, Torquay and Kingskerswell were heading to a nine-wicket triumph at Cullompton.
Only big-hitting captain Brendon Parr (71) got going for the hosts, who failed to bat out their overs, in a total of 186 all out. Aiden Little’s 5-48 the standout figures.
The result was never in doubt once Tim Western (51 not out) and Nathan Roux (82 not out) got in tune. A well-constructed and determined partnership of 126 saw Torquay and KK home in the 33rd over. Roux’s first noteworthy score since returning from South Africa.
Bovey Tracey were back to near full strength for the trip to Kilmington and it showed in an impressive eight-wicket win. On their usually high-scoring ground, Kilmington could only muster 168 all out. Will Christophers (4-29) and Ben Kay (3-34) the prominent bowlers.
With Slade van Staden (75 not out from 56 balls) back in the runs and backed up by Lewis Hammett (43 not out), it proved a formality in the end for Bovey. The maximum twenty points secured in the 36th over.
Week six sees Torquay and KK take on Kilmington at The Rec. Barton travel to Bridestowe and Belstone, whilst Bovey host the unbeaten league leaders Tavistock.
In the B Division, Isaac Withington’s 4-32 helped Stoke Gabriel hold Abbotskerswell to 176-8 at Two Mile Oak. Skipper Ed Smout-Cooper top-scoring with 55.
Anthony Miller (4-29) and James Tyler (4-54) made Stoke work hard in reply and had them at 46-5. A partnership of 93 for the sixth wicket between Adriaan Maxwell (40) and Liam Mair (46) swung it back Stoke’s way, and it was still on a knife-edge, with nine wickets down, until Withington hit the winning runs in only the 29th over.
Ipplepen’s second win of the season came at Bovey Tracey 2nds by 18 runs. They host Ivybridge in week six, when Stoke play Bovey 2nds at Aish and Abbots visit second place Budleigh Salterton.
Buoyed by their first C Division West win last week, Brixham shocked top of the table Cornwood 2nds, by dismissing them for just 121. Lee Upham claimed 4-39 and there were three wickets each for Rhys Dallow and Brad McKee. Brixham lost seven wickets in reply but reached their target in the 33rd over.
Ashburton are still unbeaten and looking strong at the top. Steve Edmonds smashed 125 in a total of 310-5. Far too many on the day for Paignton 2nds who fell short by 121 runs.
South Devon are third following their fourth win on-the-bounce, successfully chasing down 163 to beat Plymstock 2nds by five wickets.
Teignmouth and Shaldon’s 309 all out (Ruben Minnaar 105 and Alastair Cliffe 85) proved too much for Kingsbridge at The Butts. Three wickets for Minnaar as Kingsbridge only reached 231-9.
Week six sees revitalised Brixham take on Kingsbridge at North Boundary Road. Teignmouth and Shaldon welcome Ipplepen 2nds to Hazeldown Oval. South Devon are at home to Cornwood 2nds, Paignton 2nds host Plymstock 2nds and Chudleigh face leaders Ashburton at Kate Brook.
Finally, Babbacombe have their first D Division West win, by 19 runs over Barton 2nds at Walls Hill. Seasoned opener Marcus Thompson carried his bat for 104 not out in Babbacombe’s 181-5. They visit Chagford next.
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