Moderate Moorland success in the glorious cricketing summer of 2026

Any review of the 2026 cricket season inevitably begins with the weather. After a poor start, with week one completely washed out and week three little better, conditions transformed into a glorious summer from mid-June onwards.

Warm temperatures, and named ‘heatwaves,’ led to arid conditions with scorched yellow playing areas throughout a sun-drenched July and August. Grounds looked not too dissimilar to fifty years ago and “that summer” of 1976.

Clubs coped well, allowed to water wickets and have more drinks breaks, but run making was not significantly higher than you may think given the harder pitches and lightning quick outfields.

The B Division joined the Premier and A Divisions in embracing coloured playing kits and pink match balls. And it proved a successful season in The Tolchards Devon Cricket League for North Devon clubs with notable titles and promotions.

Starting from the very top, however, congratulations to Paignton Cricket Club, who won their first Devon Premier championship since 2005, finishing well clear of Sandford in second. Plymouth and Sidmouth were the sides dropping down to the A Division, while Tavistock finished in a respectable mid-table, just ahead of previous champions Bradninch & Kentisbeare.

Moving in the other direction are Torquay & Kingskerswell and North Devon, who fought valiantly for the title but fell just 15 points short. The considerable consolation for North Devon is a place back at the top table. Cullompton and Thorverton were relegated from this division. Bridestowe & Belston and Ivybridge finished in the bottom half but well clear of serious troubld.

In a dramatic B Division finale, Bideford clinched the title with a 33-run victory at Bovey Tracey 2nds on the final day. Tied with Stoke Gabriel ahead of that climactic weekend, Bideford needed the game on to have a chance, which did not look promising on a rare wet weekend in this glorious summer.

Stoke’s match was cancelled, so when the Bovey groundstaff confirmed there would be enough overs to constitute a game, Bideford took full advantage with a blistering bowling display to take spot. Braunton finished fifth in this division, while Bovey and Ashburton were relegated.

Ipplepen were unbeaten in a sensational domination of C Division West, finishing a humongous 67 points clear of Kingsbridge in second. Abbotskerswell, Chudleigh and Cornwood 2nds all held their own with mid-table finishes, while Hateherleigh 2nds and South Devon dropped down.

Chagford were only beaten once in their superb procession to the D Division West title, comfortably ahead of Torquay & Kingskerswell 2nds. There was a Moorland feel to the middle section of this division, including the likes of Yelverton Bohemians, Ivybridge 2nds and Tavistock 2nds. Barton 2nds and Abbotskerswell 2nds went down.

Conrwood 3rds finished just outside the top two in E Division East, while Bridestowe & Belstone 2nds were sixth. Chudleigh 2nds narrowly avoided relegation from F Division Central but a tough campaign for Bovey Tracey 3rds saw them finish bottom.

Ashburton 2nds were only beaten to the title by Plymouth 3rds in F Division West, and there were places just outside the top two for Chagford 3rds, Cornwood 4ths and Yelverton 2nds in G Division West.

The girls and women’s game has also continued to grow, and standards improve. Clearly reflected in the on-going success of the Devon women’s team and the year-on-year increase in number of females playing in league games on Saturdays.

A final tribute to the people who, alongside the players, give countless hours of time, energy and passion to the game — the umpires, scorers, coaches, ground staff and many other dedicated volunteers. Without them, none of this would be possible.

When the upcoming Winter gives way to Spring once more, it will be time for Devon cricket. Winter well everyone and forever cherish your warmest cricketing memories of the glorious summer of 2026.