Rain stops play in Devon Cricket League

As sure as night follows day, there was always going to be a rain-disrupted Tolchards Devon Cricket League day before too long. The first Saturday in June was it.

The forecasted thundery showers came later than predicted but arrive they did and deposited enough to stop most games from starting or terminating early nearly all that did. Just four games in total across the county played to a finish.

In the Premier Division, high-flying Paignton were only able to witness the Instow cloudbursts, but there was good news later in the day.

The only Premier game to see play was at Mount Wise between Plymouth and Bradninch and Kentisbeare. As the weather cleared up in West Devon, the match was reduced to a twenty over contest, which Plymouth won. The visitors all out for 80 chasing 144 to win.

With Paignton’s eight points for the abandonment at North Devon, and Bradninch only claiming four, the teams flip-flopped at the top of the table. Paignton now lead by three points and, in doing so, are the last remaining unbeaten team. The timing could not be better as the two face-off at Queen’s Park on Saturday.

Despite menacing dark clouds all around, Torbay’s famous micro-climate briefly outperformed the rest of Devon. In the A Division, for example, Torquay and Kingskerswell started on time at The Rec.

Kilmington were invited to bat and were 46-1 off 10.4 overs before the first downpour. An early tea break was taken, but further heavy showers eventually claimed yet another abandonment. Torquay and KK visit Plympton in week seven.

Double frustration for Barton who had overseas signing Tinashe Kamunhukamwe, from Zimbabwe, ready for his delayed debut at Bridestowe and Belstone. No play possible there, but at least he got a spectacular first view of some of Devon’s best countryside landscapes on the journey.

The 29-year-old opening batter will now be unveiled against Bovey Tracey at Cricketfield Road on Saturday. Bovey also keen to regain some momentum after their cancellation at home to league leaders Tavistock.

In the B Division, Stoke Gabriel started at Aish, but the game only lasted 4.4 overs with visitors Bovey Tracey 2nds on 23 without loss as the robust showers arrived.

Week seven sees Stoke go to second place Budleigh Salterton, as Abbotskerswell host leaders Plymstock and Ipplepen visit Clyst St. George. Clyst lost the only game to complete in the division, going down by six wickets at unbeaten Plymstock, who have now opened up a healthy 27-point advantage at the top.

There was one local result in C Division West. Patience through the rain delays at Queen’s Park paid dividends for Paignton 2nds with a much-needed eight-wicket win over Plymstock 2nds.

The visitors posted 105-6 from a reduced 25 overs. Mark Gilmour returned figures of 4-19. Paignton never looked in trouble as the clouds finally lifted, winning inside 15 overs. Steve George batting through for 56 not out.

Brixham and Kingsbridge only saw 4.5 overs of action at a breezy North Boundary Road. The away side were 20-0 when the heaviest showers set in and they never came back on. All other games in C Division West did not start.

Saturday sees unbeaten Ashburton play host to Teignmouth and Shaldon. Brixham travel down to winless Plymstock 2nds. Ipplepen 2nds are home to South Devon and Chudleigh play Paignton 2nds at Kate Brook.

No play was possible in D Division West in week six. Week seven sees bottom club Babbacombe visit Hatherleigh 2nds. Torquay and KK 2nds take on Plymouth CS and Roborough at The Rec. And Barton 2nds travel up to Kenn.

The E Division West is headed by undefeated Stokeinteignhead. They are involved in a top versus bottom clash at Foxhole against winless Totnes and Dartington.

Finally, there will be cricketing action again at picturesque Cockington Court on Saturday where St. Marychurch Old Boys play Babbacombe 3rds in H Division Central.