Promotion and relegation stories from the Devon Cricket League

The sun continued to shine on the Tolchards Devon Cricket League in week fifteen, as it mostly has across a very pleasant summer.

In the Premier Division, Paignton got back to winning ways at Queen’s Park but are still relying on costly slip-ups from the two teams above them if they are going to pull off a first championship in twenty years.

Bottom of the table North Devon proved difficult opponents, setting Paignton 222 to win. But Luke Medlock (42) got the reply rolling and Ayabulela Gqamane chipped in with 58 to provide the perfect foundation for Ollie Woodcock to kick-on and guide them home.

Woodcock (60 not out) smashed a boundary four, then six at the end of the 42nd over to seal the proficient victory.

Bradninch and Kentisbeare captain Gary Chappell scored another century in their high-scoring win over Plymouth and Exmouth brushed aside Cornwood by four wickets in a low-scoring affair.

With three games remaining, Bradninch lead Exmouth by 18 points with Paignton a further 11 back in third.

This Saturday sees Paignton at Bradninch with Exmouth visiting Exeter (4th).

In the A Division, Bovey Tracey’s slender promotion hopes were damaged with a seven-wicket defeat at leaders Tavistock. 165 all out was too few for Tavi’s strong batting line-up. The home side maintained their 15-point lead over Hatherleigh at the top with victory in the 40th over. Bovey (5th), now 38-points off a promotion place.

Torquay and Kingskerswell are not safe from relegation following a four-wicket loss at Kilmington.

Nathan Roux spectacularly carried his bat for an undefeated 136 (including 13 fours and 5 sixes) in their 241-6. But Kilmington is not an easy place to defend. Torquay and KK’s bowlers could not sufficiently impede a well-timed reply and Kilmington were safely home with three overs to spare for the loss of six wickets.

Torquay and KK (8th) are 18-points clear of Plympton (9th). The two meet at The Rec on Saturday.

Barton’s thirteenth loss of an unfortunate season effectively sealed their relegation. 172 all out was never enough to halt Bridestowe and Belstone, who chased the total down in the 37th over for the loss of four wickets. Barton are at Bovey Tracey this weekend.

In the B Division, Ipplepen orchestrated a vital win at Ivybridge but still cannot climb out of a relegation place. Ross Kennard claimed 4-12 as Ivybridge were dismissed for 140. A few wobbles along the way, but Ipplepen got home in the 43rd over for a two-wicket win.

Stoke Gabriel fell back down to earth, after their Corinthian Cup triumph and midweek friendly against Torquay United, with a 127-run loss at Bovey Tracey 2nds. Abbotskerswell expectedly lost at home to leaders Budleigh Salterton. The five-wicket defeat all but relegates them for the second successive season, but it is a close call on who will join them.

Braunton and Stoke Gabriel are joint 6th with 182 points, followed by Bovey 2nds (181) and Ipplepen (176). Week 16 sees Ipplepen host Clyst St. George (4th) as Stoke Gabriel welcome leaders Budleigh Salterton to Hoyle Lane. Abbotskerswell playing for pride at Plymstock (2nd).

C Division West is a gripping two-way fight for one promotion place. Cornwood 2nds lead Ashburton by four points after they easily beat South Devon by six wickets. Ashburton beating Chudleigh, in similar fashion, by 129 runs.

Teignmouth and Shaldon are running out of time to close the gap but notched the division’s highest total of the season in their 89-run win at Ipplepen 2nds. Teigns’ 367-7 included a maiden league century for Harrison Linnitt, brother of Exeter CC and Somerset Academy’s Seb.

His 127 was matched by Seamus McKenna (101 not out) in an afternoon of big scores at Moor Road. Full credit to Ipplepen for amassing a gallant 278-9 in reply.

Kingsbridge and Brixham experienced a rare tie with the scores level on 242 after 45 overs each at The Butts. Paignton 2nds lost by four wickets at relegated Plymstock 2nds, leaving them 12-points from safety in 9th. They play Chudleigh (8th) in a crucial match at Queen’s Park on Saturday. The losers will be favourites to join Plymstock in the D Division.

Saturday also sees Teignmouth and Shaldon (3rd) take on Ashburton (2nd). Cornwood 2nds host Kingsbridge (4th). Brixham (6th) are home to Plymstock 2nds and South Devon (7th) play Ipplepen 2nds (5th).

Babbacombe took another step towards D Division West survival with a spirited eight-wicket home win. Brian Gomes (6-14) and Henry Stubbs (4-58) combined to bowl Chagford out for 113. Daniel Western smashed 80 not out, including 17 fours, as Babbacombe won inside 20 overs.

Barton 2nds replace them at the foot of the table following their 21-run loss at Hatherleigh 2nds. Babbacombe play Hatherleigh (2nd) at Walls Hill on Saturday as Barton host Kenn (7th).