Wet weather protocol strikes the scheduled programme across South Devon

Another Friday downpour wreaked havoc on the fixture list, with only three matches in the Torbay Clearance Services South Devon League surviving the latest spell of wet weather. It marked the third time in six weeks that the league was forced to activate its wet-weather protocol.

In the Premier Division, Paignton Saints produced an impressive performance to defeat East Allington United 3–0 on the 3G surface at Coach Road.

Goals from Cairo Broadway, Billy Reay and Brandon Kelly earned Saints a valuable three points, lifting them into fourth place—just three points off second. It was a frustrating afternoon for the in-form Pirates, who remain fifth but now sit level on points with Saints.

A full match report and photos are available on Dave’s World.

Signal Box Run Riot in Division Two

Division Two saw a remarkable scoreline as Upton Athletic travelled with the bare eleven to face leaders Signal Box at Manadon 3G. Reduced to ten men early through injury, the visitors struggled to stem the tide as Signal Box scored at five-minute intervals, running out 17–0 winners.

Ten different players found the net, with Callum Austin, Jordan Rickards and Finley Comerford each claiming hat-tricks. The victory puts Signal Box five points clear at the top, though nearest rivals Corries hold two games in hand. Despite remaining bottom of the table, Upton earned praise for fulfilling the fixture in miserable conditions.

Villa Hit Six in Wind-Dominated Contest

Division Four action saw Paignton Villa 3rds welcome Kingsbridge/Kellaton United to South Devon College, where fierce winds dictated much of the play. Villa adapted best and secured their third win of the campaign with a 6–2 triumph.

A brace from Stuart McCauley, a strike from Martin McHugh, and a hat-trick from Tom Bintcliffe lifted Villa above their visitors into sixth place—just five points off second with a game in hand.

Fixture Backlogs — A Growing Concern

Another blank weekend has many clubs questioning how and when postponed matches will be rescheduled. With 23 playable Saturdays remaining this season, the league has outlined the best- and worst-case scenarios across the divisions:

Premier Division

Three clubs have played only six fixtures and still have 16 to complete. Potential cup runs could add up to six more matches, though the division could absorb up to five further washouts before midweek fixtures become unavoidable. True Blues are in the healthiest position, just one match short of the halfway point.

Division One

Three sides still have 17 league games to play. Bovey Tracey and Mount Gould may face an additional seven or eight cup fixtures, making midweek games a near-certainty unless alternative pitches can be secured. Beesands Rovers sit in the most comfortable position with 13 fixtures remaining.

Division Two

This division is best placed overall, with half the teams already at or near the halfway mark. Only Watcombe 2nds face a slightly heavier schedule.

Division Three

The leading quartet have 11 or 12 games left and appear well-positioned—even with potential cup progression. Stoke Gabriel TP sit further back with 17 fixtures remaining but still have room for manoeuvre.

Division Four

Seven of the eleven teams are ahead of schedule, though Waldon 3rds—having played just four matches—face a congested run-in. With a cup run possible, they may need to utilise Windmill Hill to catch up.

As always, the schedule remains firmly in the hands of Mother Nature.

This Weekend’s Fixtures (Weather Permitting) — Saturday, December 13

Plenty of enticing match-ups await, particularly for supporters in Plymouth:

• Windmill vs Ilsington Villa (Premier) — 2:30pm at Millennium Fields Windmill aim to climb back toward the leaders, while Villa look to build momentum.
• Lakeside Athletic vs Newton Abbot ’66 (Premier) — 2:30pm Lakeside seek revenge after losing the reverse fixture.
• True Blues vs Kingsteignton Athletic (Premier) — 2:30pm at Millbay Park Despite Kingsteignton’s strong form, True Blues are capable of upsetting anyone.
• Mount Gould vs Bovey Tracey (Division One) — 2:30pm at Tothill Enclosure Arguably the pick of the day. Both sides are strong promotion contenders and this could be a preview of next season’s Premier Division.
• Ivybridge Town vs Babbacombe Corries (Division Two) — 3rd vs 2nd Corries won the reverse fixture 8–1 only a fortnight ago; the Ivies will be determined to respond.
• Kingsteignton Athletic 2nds vs Galmpton United (Division Three) at Broadpark An attractive fixture between two footballing sides, though the heavy conditions may favour the hosts.
• Chudleigh Athletic vs Teign Village (Division Four) — 1st vs 3rd at Kate Brook A fierce local derby. A Chudleigh victory could open up an 11-point cushion at the top.

Enjoy your grassroots football