Trio of clubs enjoy maximum start to cricket season

After two weeks of the Tolchards Devon Cricket League Premier Division, three clubs have bagged the maximum 40 points on offer.

Defending champions Bradninch & Kentisbeare once again look like a powerful force, sweeping past Sidmouth with a 131-run victory. B&K set a strong target of 255, Tim Piper top-scoring with 61, alongside some solid contributions in the middle order.

Sidmouth were then skittled out for just 124, Ross Acton taking 4-27 from his nine overs. B&K travel to mid-table Sandford this weekend.

Exmouth CC have been equally impressive, following up their comfortable opening-day win over Plymouth with a six-wicket triumph at North Devon CC. Despite a stoic 58 from skipper Jack Moore, the hosts stuttered to 191 all out and openers Louis Morison (41) and James Horler (47) set the platform for victory.

Exmouth host Paignton on Saturday and given the fine start also enjoyed by the South Devon club, it has all the ingredients for a mouthwatering encounter.

The weekend visitors to Paignton, Heathcoat, were held to a total of 185 all out. Ayabulela Gqamane and George Woodcock capturing three wickets each. In reply, Paignton recovered from 35-4 to reach their target, in the 38th over, for a four-wicket win. A vital partnership of 133 for the fifth wicket, between vastly experienced Neil Hancock (59) and Ollie Woodcock (54), proving the catalyst.

It is obviously still very early stages in the season but the winless quartet of Plymouth, Sidmouth, North Devon and Heathcoat will all be naturally keen to get up and running. Sidmouth at home to Heathcoat should answer that question for one club, while North Devon travel to Exeter and Plymouth are away to Cornwood.

Hatherleigh are the only side with maximum points in the A Division, Shreyansh Ghosh smashing a superb unbeaten century in their five-wicket success at Thorverton.

Tavistock are just a couple of points behind after they won by 51 runs at Cullompton. Rodney Mupfudza struck a fine 79 for Tavi and his efforts were backed up by a four-wicket haul for Charlie Barriball.

Bovey Tracey secured their first win, by 84 runs, at home to Bridestowe and Belstone. Slade van Staden (85) top-scored in a total of 210-9, which proved more than enough on the day. Ben Kay (3-18) initially kept the reply in check before Jake Pascoe’s 5-31 drove Bovey over the line for a comfortable win.

Barton are sitting at the bottom of the table after going down to a defeat in the local derby with Torquay and Kingskerswell CC.

Braunton are the early pace-setters in the B Division, edging past Bovey Tracey 2nds by just six runs in a tense game that saw the visitors lose their last eight wickets for 43 runs.