Paignton title hopes slipping away in Tolchards Devon Cricket League

With the county’s outfields still in need of hydration, it is a drought of runs damaging Paignton at the most crucial point of the season in the Premier Division of the Tolchards Devon Cricket League.

Inserted by Sandford at Creedy Park, they could only muster a disappointing 138 all out following another poor start. Captain Harry Ward (44), for the second week running, with the only noteworthy score in an otherwise deficient scorecard.

Despite three more wickets for Ayabulela Gqamane, Sandford kept their heads to win in the 35th over for the loss of six wickets. Paignton drop to third (Exmouth second) and a widening 32 points off leaders Bradninch and Kentisbeare, who formidably skittled Cornwood for 92, winning by seven wickets inside 15 overs.

Paignton have to win at Exeter (5th) on Saturday and hope for an against-the-odds Bradninch flop at basement team North Devon, to keep fading championship hopes alive.

In the A Division, Torquay and Kingskerswell fancied their chances at league leaders Tavistock.

Posting a very respectable 262-6 only strengthened this hope with Nathan Roux (101 from 103 balls) constructing another masterful innings to pass three figures for the second consecutive Saturday.

But Tavistock’s batting has been impressively strong all season and they had their own centurion in Rodney Mupfudza, who controlled the perfectly paced reply. He was unbeaten on 125, as the home side competently completed their tenth win, for the loss of four wickets, with seven balls to spare.

Read more about cricket in South Devon

Barton look doomed to an immediate return to the B Division but are not going down without a fight. They almost pulled off a rare win against ninth-placed Plympton at Cricketfield Road.

With the visitors set 204 to win, Barton fought hard again in the field. Stu Bowker (3-40) and Nick Watkin (3-27) returned the best figures, yet it was another case of just out of reach for this Barton side and Plympton scraped home with one wicket remaining in the 45th over. An eleventh loss leaves Barton 39-points adrift and 42-points from safety.

Slade van Staden’s return for Bovey Tracey was significant in their seven-wicket triumph over Thorverton. Set 183 to win, Van Staden remained unbeaten on 63 as the target was passed in the 44th over. Bovey remain fourth, but 21 points off a promotion place.

The first Saturday in August sees Torquay and KK (7th) at home to Cullompton (5th), Barton travel to Hatherleigh (2nd) and Bovey are home to Kilmington (6th).

The imposing Justin Pringle took control of Stoke Gabriel’s innings in their B Division game at home to Braunton. Pre-match showers reduced the contest to 37 overs each. Pringle helped himself to 134 out of 201-6 with many trademark blows into the adjoining Aish hedgerows.

Braunton lost wickets at crucial times and as the overs ran out, the result became inevitable. The end coming at 165 all out. This latest win leaves Stoke safely in (mid-table) sixth place.

Henry Alsop (4-12) and Noah Rider (3-56) helped Ipplepen dismiss second place Plymstock for 224 at Dean Cross. But an inadequate 145 all out in reply only resulted in their eighth loss.

Abbotskerswell have experienced similar issues all season and slumped to a 97-run home defeat to Bovey Tracey 2nds. Yet another underwhelming score of 114 in pursuit of 212 to win. Rock-bottom Abbots are 21 points adrift of Ipplepen in ninth, with Braunton a further four points ahead.

Saturday sees Stoke Gabriel host Abbotskerswell, whilst Ipplepen are home to Bovey 2nds (7th).

Teignmouth and Shaldon lost ground in the exciting race for promotion from C Division West thanks to a change of fortune for South Devon at Hazeldown Oval. Mali Marshall (3-43) and Jack Allen (3-31) played a huge hand in dismissing the home side for 140 when chasing 162 to win.

Teigns remain third, 15 points behind Ashburton, who comfortably defeated Plymstock 2nds by eight wickets and a further four off leaders Cornwood 2nds, who beat Chudleigh by three wickets at Kate Brook.

Brixham ran out of overs looking for 231 to win at Ipplepen 2nds. 211-8 was the eventual reply, including 51 from Tom Hopper. Paignton 2nds beat Kingsbridge by 21 runs at Queen’s Park but still face a fight to avoid the drop. Plymstock 2nds (65 points) are all but relegated already, but the ninth spot is currently between Chudleigh (135) and Paignton (136).

Week 14 sees Teignmouth and Shaldon home to Kingsbridge (5th), Brixham (6th) host leaders Cornwood 2nds. It’s South Devon (7th) v Plymstock 2nds and Paignton 2nds (8th) v Ashburton at Queen’s Park.

Babbacombe need wins and quickly to avoid relegation from D Division West. Their ninth loss came at Ivybridge 2nds by three wickets. This week sees them in a local relegation battle with Barton 2nds, who are 20 points above them, at Cricketfield Road.