A season of change as the Devon Cricket League comes to a close

If a wanderer came calling on English cricket after an absence of twenty years, they would need time to readjust and comprehend the changes they see before them.

If he/she landed in Devon after such a sabbatical, the acclimatisation process would be quicker but nonetheless thought provoking and on occasion head-scratching.

The 2025 Tolchards Devon Cricket League saw coloured playing kits and pink match balls introduced to the Premier and A Divisions, having been voted in over the winter.

As I commented in May, the inception was inevitable given its universal adoption across the county’s cup and T20 fixtures and how the national and international game has developed. It did raise eyebrows initially and took time to accept, especially with the traditionalists amongst us.

But, accepted it has been, despite many telling me they prefer the traditional panorama of whites and a red ball.

Well-respected Sandford captain Jackson Thompson, who voted in favour, summed it up best to me, saying the showcase of Devon cricket should be seen to be moving with the times, mirror the modern game and give the growing audience what it wants or expects. And on that, I agree.

Whether the B Division and below follows suit in 2026 and beyond remains to be seen. But there is a strong feeling of inevitability about it.

The quality and bowler-friendliness of the balls is still being debated with opinion equally divided.

Some kits were easier on the eye than others. Dark blue and burgundy were popular. Green offerings, as in Bovey Tracey, provided variety. Personally, I liked the lighter blue of North Devon and Paignton’s red. Which brings us to the highlight of the season, Paignton’s evolution into a Premier Division force once again.

Most of Paignton 1st XI’s young squad have been playing together for many years and the two previous seasons of Premier experience, narrowly avoiding relegation, have markedly paid off.

The growth and new-found maturity were clear to see in attitude, game management and results alongside impressive individual successes.

In Ayabulela Gqamane, who led the league with 54 wickets, sixteen more than his closest rival, Paignton possessed a constant threat with the ball as well experience and a touch of class on and off the field.

Having your overseas signing deliver and shine is what clubs want and most expect. A stellar season from them can mean the difference between success and disappointment.

Luke Medlock deservedly received the Devon call-up during an exceptional season of 709 league runs. Opener Medlock could adopt the patient role but was more effective, and entertaining, engineering a high tempo scoring rate.

He will only improve further, as should the team under Harry Ward, who deserves enormous credit for his leadership and some crucial middle-order anchor innings during their eleven wins as runners-up to champions Bradninch and Kentisbeare.

Regrettably, there wasn’t much to celebrate for most of our South Devon clubs. Torquay and Kingskerswell need to strengthen and improve overall consistency if they are to return to the Premier Division.

A long tail and lack of any depth in the seam bowling department hindered them, as it did last year.

Bovey Tracey look a safer bet at this stage, especially with promising youngsters Harry Mount, Jake Pascoe and Albie Bradley set for greater improvement. They all caught the eye this summer, gaining valuable league runs and experience at the top of the batting order.

Barton will regroup and go again in the B Division with their usual optimism, as will Ipplepen and Abbotskerswell, who have both dropped to the C Division.

Stoke Gabriel also lacked consistency but are still an A Division side in the making. The club celebrated their 50th anniversary this year, still very young in comparison to the majority of Devon clubs.

It was fitting and deserving that they won the county-wide Corinthian Cup after going so close in previous years and the 2nd XI won the F Division West championship.

Other South Devon title winners included Ashburton in C Division West. Abbotskerswell 2nds in E Division West and Barton 3rds, who won H Division Central in their first season.

As far as the traditional evening cup competitions went, Ipplepen won the Brockman Cup and Bovey Tracey 2nds retained the Aaron Printers Cup.

Availability of players and teams unable to put out consistent line-ups week on week was still a huge issue across all clubs and divisions and will continue to be a worry and affect results. But a huge positive is how local clubs are thriving at junior level.

ECB All Stars and Dynamos, alongside other in-house coaching programmes, are bringing considerable numbers of boys and girls, and enthusiastic parents, to clubs on summer evenings.

The girls and women’s game has continued to grow, and standards improve. This is clearly reflected in the success of the Devon women’s team and the gradual increase in number of females playing in league games on Saturdays.

Which brings me to a final testimonial to the people, alongside the players, who devote countless hours of time, energy and passionate commitment. The coaches, umpires, scorers, grounds people and army of other dedicated volunteers. Without whom, none of the above is possible.

If that wanderer decides to walk away, they will undoubtedly have their opinions on how grassroots cricket looks in 2025, albeit still with the odd head-scratch. But should be reassured it is in safe hands until they come this way again.

When the upcoming Winter gives way to Spring once more, it will be time for Devon cricket. Winter well everyone and cherish your happiest cricketing memories of summer 2025.