Paignton scrape home to beat Sidmouth in Queens Park nail-biter
Paignton make it home after Queens Park scare
In the fourth week of the Tolchards Devon Cricket League, summer finally made its presence felt.
Paignton gave supporters a scare at Queen’s Park, but eventually secured their second Premier Division win of the season. Ayabulela Gqamane grabbed three early wickets against Sidmouth., backed by equally spirited bowling from Charlie Ward.
Rory Medlock ‘s 3-24 tightened the grip on Sidmouth’s underwhelming batting line-up as they stumbled to a less than competitive 115 all out in 35 overs, Gqamane returned match figures of 6-37.
Sidmouth made a spirited fight of defending their meagre total and had Paignton worried at 40-4. At 95-8, a successful run-chase was in serious doubt. But Charlie Ward (33 not out) held his nerve. Two successive boundaries to end the 33rd over saw Paignton home. They visit winless Hatherleigh in week five.
In the A Division, Torquay and Kingskerswell felt they should have scored more than 233-9 from their 50 overs at home to Bridestowe and Belstone. Ben Pomare landed his first Torquay ‘ton’ (106) and there were valuable contributions from Ed Smout-Cooper (43) and Jimmy Clifford (26).
On 76-4 anmd with danger man Shaquan Glasgow out, the Bridestowe pack folded quickly. Begy claiming 3-26, Harry Baxendale 2-21 and Harry Passenger 2-29 as Bridestowe gradually sank to 121 all out from 38 overs. Torquay and KK go to Ivybridge next.
Bovey Tracey lost by one wicket at Knightshayes. 173 almost proved enough, as Heathcoat scraped home for the loss of nine wickets with 13 balls to spare. There were three more wickets for promising youngster Albie Bradley. Week five sees Bovey at Cullompton.
In the B Division, Stoke Gabriel’s long trip to Westward Ho! saw Jack Tolley take 4-44 as the North Devon side posted 228-9. But Stoke’s batting misfired and could only muster 148 all out in reply.
Barton secured consecutive victories. Stu Bowker claimed 3-34 before Thomas Cox (5-17) wrapped up the tail and Ashburton succumbed to 154 all out from 41.3 overs. Cox is believed to be one of the youngest, if not the youngest, player to grab a Devon League first team five wicket haul for Barton. He is just 15
Muhammed Basit’ 87 set up a comfortable seven-wicket win, secured inside 27 overs. Fin Last contributed another useful 35. This Saturday sees Barton at Seaton. Stoke Gabriel are home to Plymstock and Ashburton host Clyst St. George.
Brixham’s 2026 squad includes several ex-Paignton players, so their win over Paignton 2nds in C Division West was especially satisfying. Set 207 to win, Brixham had star batter Mohammed Shaikh to thank again. His 77 not out steered them to victory, by four wickets, in the 44th over.
Ipplepen ran up 389-9 from their 40 overs at home to South Devon. Overseas signing Jamie Ingram top-scored with 124, with captain Sam Wakeham next best with 75.
Warrick Green (3-40) and Joe Parker (3-11) were the pick of the bowlers as the visitors ran out of steam at 124 all out.
Elsewhere in C Division West, Abbotskerswell were 128 all out at Cornwood 2nds. Cornwood got there but with the loss of eight wickets with only seven balls to spare. Jay Hussain taking 3-24 for Abbots.
This Saturday, Abbotskerswell welcome South Devon, Ipplepen are home to Cornwood 2nds. Paignton 2nds play Hatherleigh 2nds at Queen’s Park and Brixham are at Mount Wise to face Plymouth 2nds.
Todd Balman’s unbeaten 109 guided Teignmouth and Shaldon to a well-timed win at Exeter 2nds in C Division East. They passed Exeter’s total of 232-8 in the final over with eight down. Next they face Ottery St Mary.
Undefeated Babbacombe are leading E Division West after game four. An opening stand of 79 between Rob Redding (31) and Chris Mabbutt (27) set Babbacombe up well for their 208-8. Henry Stubbs returned figures of 4-15 and Adrian Lipton 3-23 as Plympton 2nds were all out for 137 inside 34 overs. Babbacombe travel to Bridestowe and Belstone 2nds next.
Stokeinteignhead will be looking to put a crushing home defeat behind them when they visit Cornwood 3rds. Stoke, chasing Lewdown's target of 173, were dismissed for just 36, in less than 14 overs, with Nick Smith achieving remarkable bowling figures of 8-20.