Sandford and Bradninch & Kentisbeare leading the way in Devon Cricket

With the halfway-point already looming in the Tolchards Devon Cricket League, both Sandford and Bradninch and Kentisbeare won again to remain first and second respectively in the Premier Division.

Bovey Tracey’s miserable season continued with a 75-run home defeat to Sidmouth. Chasing 153 to win, they were all out for 77 inside 30 overs.

North Devon are looking strong at the top of the A Division after a commanding 7-wicket win over Hatherleigh. Torquay and Kingskerswell are back up to fourth following a similarly controlling 9-wicket win at Tavistock.

Abbotskerswell remain bottom of the table after loss number seven at the hands of Plymouth at Two Mile Oak. The home side’s 188-9 was again too little. Mohammad Siddiqui’s 101 set-up Plymouth’s comfortable 5-wicket, completed inside 30 overs.

Torquay are back at The Rec to play Kilmington (6th) this week, as Abbots travel to Hatherleigh (7th).

The game of the day in the B Division was in rural Aish and went the way of Barton, who regained top spot after a 4-wicket win at Stoke Gabriel. Barton had Stoke at 96-7, before they recovered to a more respectable 154-9, thanks to 35 from the experienced Mike Smith.

Barton underwent their usual jitters in reply, but stuck on well to reach their target inside 29 overs. Tarisai Musakanda top scored with 61 not out in a line-up that included former Abbotskerswell captain Nick Watkin, who made the move back to his roots shortly before Saturday’s game.

Teignmouth and Shaldon have gladly turned the corner and notched their third straight win, a 33-run success at Chudleigh, despite only posting a total of 147 all out. Chudleigh, however, soon showed why they are at the foot of the table, opening bowlers Ruben Minnaar (2-18) and Jawad Shirzad (3-21) having them in early trouble at 19-4, from which they only recovered to 114 all out.

Ipplepen’s long trip to Bideford, Littleham and Westward Ho! ended in a 93-run loss. The home side set a robust looking 292 to win, Ewan Wiliams blasting a 62-ball 102, with 9 sixes and 7 fours. Being 42-4 hindered the reply and 198 all out was all Ipplepen could accrue on the day.