Record-breaking Devon weather does little to dampen Paignton cricketers

The warmest Saturday of the season in the Tolchards Devon Cricket League tested the resilience of players, umpires and supporters alike, but did little to halt Paignton’s push for the Premier Division title.

Ayabulela Gqamane (5-47) again returned best figures as Heathcoat were bowled out for 126 at Knightshayes.

Luke Medlock captained the side, in Harry Ward’s injury absence, and continued his stellar summer passing 500 league runs with another commanding 89 not out to lead them comfortably and quickly home in the 15th over for the loss of just one wicket. Paignton’s eighth win from ten games completed.

League leaders Bradninch and Kentisbeare won again, by three wickets in a low-scoring game at Sidmouth but only collected eighteen points in contrast to Paignton’s twenty, reducing the gap to six points at the top with seven games to play. Paignton face Exmouth (4th) at Queen’s Park on Saturday when Bradninch host Sandford (6th).

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Bovey Tracey move back to fourth in the A Division after their straightforward seven-wicket win at Bridestowe and Belstone. Rob Pryke took 3-33 in Bridestowe’s 156 all out. Slade van Staden top scored with 57 and Albie Bradley (33 not out) had the delight of hitting the winning boundary in the 26th over.

This Saturday, Bovey are at The Rec to play Torquay and KK. Barton travel to Kilmington (6th).

In the B Division, Abbotskerswell experienced their eighth loss of a disappointing season. On the wrong end of a heavy 257-run defeat against Bideford, Littleham and Westward Ho! at Two Mile Oak. The visitors ran up a mammoth 372-6, far beyond Abbots’ present batting capabilities. 115 all out the tame reply.

Stoke Gabriel overcame Ipplepen by 56 runs. At 36-3, Justin Pringle (88) and Abhishek Anand (82) came to Stoke’s rescue with a partnership of 115 for the fourth wicket that allowed them to eventually post 254-9. Three more wickets for Isaac Withington helped keep the run-chase in check, which ended at 198 all out.

In week twelve, Stoke (6th) visit Ivybridge (3rd), Ipplepen (8th) are home to Budleigh Salterton (2nd) and it’s the basement clash as Abbots (10th) go north to Braunton (9th).

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Teignmouth and Shaldon stay third in C Division West with win number eight. Skipper Todd Ballman won the toss, fancied a bat, then hit an unbeaten 132 in Teigns’ 256-9. Too many for Chudleigh who were bowled out for 124. Carl Woolnough claiming 3-26.

Ashburton made use of the warm conditions to set Brixham 309 to win at Varwell Field. Nick Martin the standout batter scoring 144. Despite hard toil in the field, Matt Parsons returned figures of 6-78 for Brixham.

Mohammed Shaikh’s fourth century of the season was not enough. His 112 dominated the scorecard that could only reach 214 all out in reply. Jack Warren taking 6-58 in Ashburton’s success that keeps them four points behind leaders Cornwood 2nds.