Paignton toppled with first defeat of the season

A weather enforced week off can benefit some teams already needing a recharge. Conversely, it can halt momentum and be a disadvantage to others.

Apart from a handful of isolated cases, play was possible for games to reach natural conclusions again in week seven of the Tolchards Devon Cricket League.

Game of the day on paper in the Premier Division saw Paignton take on second place Bradninch and Kentisbeare. Paignton holding a three-point advantage at the top after last week’s cancellation for them and first loss for Bradninch.

The visitors decided to bat at a breezy, but dry, Queen’s Park that had received a dose of overnight rain. Early advantage went to Paignton with Charlie Ward (3-22) snaffling dangermen Gary Chappell and Malusi Siboto early. Both caught behind by Ollie Woodcock for just 5 and 2 respectively.

Bradninch cautiously reached 163 all out with former Torquay star Mitchell Pugh (42) and Jonathan Triner 37 (not out) providing stability. Three wickets also for Mark Orchard.

It proved to be a day for the bowlers, however, as Paignton lost wickets at regular intervals in reply and a first defeat soon looked inevitable. The final ball of the 32nd over saw this confirmed. 74 all out, their worst return of the year. Ross Acton (4-16) and Chappell (3-11) taking the bulk of the wickets.

The significant 89-run win sees Bradninch return to the top, with a nine-point lead over Paignton, who are back at Queen’s Park this Saturday for the visit of Cornwood (6th).

In the A Division, Torquay and Kingskerswell encountered some of the county’s rain at Plympton, but posted a respectable 164-5 from a reduced 30 overs. Nathan Roux top scoring with 61.

Three wickets each for Harry Passenger, Chris Kelmere and young Ethan Kulkarni saw them assert in the field and bowl Plympton out for 110, in 29 overs, for the 54-run win.

Barton’s overseas signing finally made his debut but could not prevent another low-scoring defeat. Tinashe Kamunhukamwe contributed 25 in their meagre 112 all out against Bovey Tracey at Cricketfield Road with Will Christophers taking 5-26.

Slade van Staden (63 not out) saw Bovey comfortably home by 7 wickets, inside 27 overs. The win puts them second behind leaders Tavistock, but Barton are becoming adrift at the bottom.

Week eights sees Torquay and KK (6 th) home to Thorverton (5th). Bovey are at Plympton (8th) and Barton go to Cullompton (4th).

It was a day to forget, or maybe learn from, for South Devon teams in the B Division. Stoke Gabriel finally had Justin Pringle back but he could not inspire them enough at second place Budleigh Salterton. Budleigh ran-up 218-6, which proved more than enough. A poor day with the bat saw Stoke dismissed for just 70, losing by 148 runs.

Ipplepen also struggled with the bat. Their 112 all out at Clyst St. George was not competitive enough and they lost by five wickets within 24 overs. Abbotskerswell stay bottom after a 130-run home loss to undefeated Plymstock.

All are away in week eight. Stoke Gabriel (7th) visit Clyst St. George (3rd). Abbotskerswell go to Ivybridge (5th) and Ipplepen (8th) are up at Bideford, Littleham and Westward Ho! (9th).

In C Division West, Teignmouth and Shaldon impressively inflicted a first defeat on Ashburton. Todd Ballman (52) and Seamus McKenna (53) top scored in Teigns’ 188 all out before Ryan Bougourd (3-14) and Carl Woolnough (3-33) led the way in the field. Ashburton were second best on this occasion and crumbled to 91 all out.

Brixham’s season has turned a corner. Their third win came at winless Plymstock 2nds, by 96 runs. Mohammed Shaikh hit 116 in Brixham’s 241-5. Wickets were shared amongst the bowlers as Plymstock caved in at 145 all out.

South Devon’s good run came to an end with a loss at Ipplepen 2nds. The hosts reaching their target of 177 with overs in hand, but only one wicket.

Paignton 2nds beat Chudleigh by 155 runs at Kate Brook. Carl McFarlane hit 101 in Paignton’s 232-8. Steve George’s 5-4, from nine overs, helped strangle the reply, which got no further than 77 all out.

This week, Brixham (6th) take on South Devon (3rd) at North Boundary Road. Paignton 2nds (7th) are at Ipplepen 2nds (5th). Teignmouth and Shaldon seek another win at Plymstock 2nds (10th).

In D Division West, Babbacombe remain bottom. Their fifth loss came at Hatherleigh 2nds, by 138 runs. Requiring 199 to win they were all out for 60. Babbacombe are back at Walls Hill to play Torquay and KK 2nds next.

The E Division West top versus bottom clash upset the formbook with Totnes and Dartington pvercoming previously unbeaten Stokeinteignhead by 21 runs to register their first victory of the season. Stoke were 101 all out at Foxhole, chasing 123 to win.