Paignton back in the Premier League title hunt

It’s game on again for Paignton in the Premier Division title race after week nine’s fixtures in the Tolchards Devon Cricket League, which mark the half-way point of the season.

Looking to arrest a mid-season slump of two straight losses, Paignton had tail-ender Mark Gilmour’s 34-ball 62 not out (including six 4s and four 6s) to thank for getting them up to 264-9 at Mount Wise against in-form Plymouth.

A favourable start in the field, combining tight bowling and fielding, then had Plymouth wobbling at 57-5 and looking distant from their required target. Ayabulela Gqamane (4-29) was pick of the six bowlers used as the home side eventually ran out of wickets at 144 in the 41st over.

Then followed news from The County Ground that league leaders Bradninch and Kentisbeare had lost. Former Teignmouth and Shaldon rising star Seb Linnitt carrying his bat for 103 not out to guide Exeter home by three wickets.

With Bradninch’s lead cut to eight points, second-place Paignton return to Queen’s Park for the visit of Sidmouth (9th) on Saturday.

In the A Division, Bovey Tracey put last week’s loss behind them. Peter Bradley returned figures of 4-32 as Cullompton were bowled out for 169. Then hit the winning boundary in the 34th over for the three-wicket home win, which moves them up to fourth. Bovey host Hatherleigh (2nd) in week ten.

The foot of the table is, however, grim reading for Torbay. Barton are rock-bottom on 58 points following their seventh defeat. Torquay and Kingskerswell the team above them in ninth, albeit with a cushion of 33 points.

Barton’s overseas recruit Tinashe Kamunhukamwe finally clicked with a skilful 93, out of 202 all out, at Cricketfield Road. He should have completed his maiden Barton century which, with more support around him, would have set a far greater challenge for league leaders Tavistock.

Tavistock feel they have the strongest batting line-up in the division and that could well be true given the composed way they conducted the run-chase to win with five overs to spare, for the loss of four wickets. Their patience, more thoughtful shot selection and game pacing were a contrast to Barton’s often haphazard approach.

Torquay and Kingskerswell’s usually reliable top order are in crisis. Rio Koyikkar’s 36 not out was the only contribution of note as they were skittled for 90 at Hatherleigh. Emmerson Wood (6-10) ran through the tail to end their innings in the 34th over. Hatherleigh had to concentrate, and lost five wickets in reply, but eased home in the 18th over.

Next week sees Torquay and KK at home to Bridestowe and Belstone (8th) and Barton travel to Thorverton (3rd) before the two face each other in, what could already be called, a relegation dogfight at Cricketfield Road on July 12.

Returning home induced three wins for the South Devon teams in the B Division, following three away defeats last week. A vital 57-run win for Abbotskerswell over Clyst St. George was not enough to lift them off the basement but has given renewed hope. Clyst all out for 133 chasing 191 to win.

Ipplepen moved out of the bottom two following a three-wicket win over Braunton. Aidan Phillips claimed 3-21 in Braunton’s 151 all out, then top-scored with 47 as Ipplepen passed the runs required in the 33rd over for the loss of seven.

A better day for Stoke Gabriel too with a two-wicket win over Bideford, Littleham and Westward Ho! Isaac Withington’s miserly 4-5, from nine overs, was significant in Bideford’s 102 all out. Target reached in the 35th over for the loss of eight wickets with Justin Pringle (51) finally back in the runs.

Saturday sees Stoke (7th) travel to leaders Plymstock, whilst Abbotskerswell make the shortest of journeys to Ipplepen.

All eyes on Teignmouth and Shaldon and Brixham in C Division West. Another win for each sees them third and fourth respectively. Seamus McKenna struck 85 in Teigns’ 259 all out, which proved too many for the leaders Cornwood 2nds who fell 73 runs short.

Brixham’s short trip to Queen’s Park resulted in their third-straight win. Tim Robinson made 65 and Tom Hopper 52 in Brixham’s 184 against Paignton 2nds. Max Pedley claimed 4-33. A close finish always looked likely, Brixham managing to bowl Paignton out for 176 with six balls to spare.

South Devon were on the wrong side of a heavy 213-run defeat at home to Kingsbridge. James Westlake (103) and Freddie Ford (136) almost batting them out of it early on, with an opening stand of 192. South Devon crumbled to 126 all out chasing 340 to win.

The start of the second half of the season sees Brixham host Chudleigh (9th). Teignmouth and Shaldon against Paignton 2nds (8th) at Hazeldown Oval, whilst South Devon (7th) welcome Ashburton (2nd).