Half-term report in the Devon Cricket League

The picture at halfway in the Tolchards Devon Cricket League is usually a trustworthy indication of how the season will finish at the end of August. But, there is still plenty of time for change and fortunes to turn around for clubs requiring a better second half.

In Luke Medlock and Ayabulela Gqamane, Paignton have the Premier Division’s leading run-scorer and wicket-taker, and both played starring roles in another, statement of intent, nine-wicket win on ‘turn-around’ Saturday.

Gqamane claimed 4-24, to take his seasonal wicket-haul to thirty, as Sidmouth were held to 171-9 at Queen’s Park. Steve George chipped in with a valuable 3-13.

Confident again, Paignton soon had the run-chase in control. Luke Medlock the dominant partner in an opening stand of 152, with anchorman Noah Wright (45 not out).

Medlock deserved his third century of the campaign but holed out on the boundary for 97, (including eleven sixes), looking to bring up three figures in style. His league run tally now stands at 479, with an average of 59.88.

Leaders Bradninch and Kentisbeare patiently chased down 252 to win at home to Heathcoat, to maintain their eight-point advantage over Paignton. The latest opponents swap seats on Saturday, as Paignton visit Heathcoat (8th), with Bradninch at Sidmouth (9th).

This weekend in the A Division, all eyes and a decent-sized crowd will be at Cricketfield Road to witness, what is now, a relegation clash between Barton (10th) and Torquay and Kingskerswell (9th).

You could have cut and pasted Torquay and KK’s previous result as their batting crisis showed no sign of improvement against Bridestowe and Belstone at The Rec. All out for 83. The one bright spot being the visitors lost six wickets in reply. But still won comfortably enough in the 27th over.

Likewise, an all too familiar tale for Barton. Caving-in at 113 all out chasing 236 to win at Thorverton. Barton are thirty points adrift at the foot going into a fixture with much more than just local pride and old school rivalries at stake.

A thrilling finish at Bovey Tracey where Hatherleigh won by three wickets with eleven balls to spare.

Opener Jake Pascoe struck 60 and skipper Seb Ansley 50 in their 260-8. But Hatherleigh are in second place for a reason and paced their run-chase to perfection. Bovey (5th) visit Bridestowe and Belstone (6th) in week eleven.

In the B Division, Stoke Gabriel encountered the worst of the isolated rainfall that affected West Devon. Their game at league leaders Plymstock cancelled without any play.

Three wickets for George Tapley as Ipplepen exposed Abbotskerswell’s batting deficiencies in a 30-run home win over their closest geographical rivals. Abbots could only muster 115 all out chasing 136 to win.

Week eleven sees bottom of-the-league Abbots take on Bideford, Littleham and Westward Ho! (7th) at Two Mile Oak. Stoke Gabriel (8th) play Ipplepen (5th) at Aish.

Teignmouth and Shaldon have C Division West promotion firmly in their sights after another impressive home win. Ross Jameson (58) and skipper Alastair Cliffe (62) top scored in their 295 all out against Paignton 2nds. Jameson then bagged 3-13 as the visitors fell short at 180 all out. Teigns stay third but are now within seven points of leaders Cornwood 2nds.

Brixham remain fourth after a workmanlike 16-run home win over Chudleigh. Mohammed Shaikh struck his third league century of the summer (112 not out) as Brixham accrued 227-8.

Chudleigh replied well, and with a close finish on the cards, Shaikh eventually had Mark Russell caught in the penultimate over to terminate a spirited reply at 211 all out. Jijin Keralam (5-50) with the best of Brixham’s returns.

South Devon’s poor run continued. Ashburton winning by six wickets at Marsh Road. The home side’s 161 all out proving too few on the day. Another 45 from Steve Edmonds as Ashburton eased home in the 30th over to remain in second place.

Week eleven sees South Devon (7th) at Queen’s Park to play Paignton 2nds (8th). Chudleigh (9th) face Teignmouth and Shaldon and Brixham travel to Ashburton.

Despite a feisty 81 not out from captain Rob Redding, Babbacombe fell to their seventh loss and are once again propping up D Division West. Set 203 to win at Walls Hill, Kenn won by six wickets in the 39th over.

Elsewhere in the division, a 137-run home defeat for Barton 2nds (6th) against Ivybridge 2nds, but a 73-run win at Chagford for Torquay and KK 2nds (8th). The two meet each other at The Rec on Saturday, when Babbacombe travel to Mount Wise to play Plymouth 2nds (3rd).

Thursday evening (July 10) sees the final of South Devon’s other evening cup competition. The Aaron Printers Cup Final pitches holders Bovey Tracey 2nds against Ashburton. The venue is Bovey Tracey’s Recreation Ground, with a 6pm start.