Devon Cricket League lift-off on Saturday

The Tolchards Devon Cricket League gets underway on Saturday and all the ingredients are in place for another thrilling season out in the middle.

The Premier League title race was enthralling in 2022, with Bradninch emerging from the pack to win a brilliant championship. Bradninch CC has merged with Kentisbeare Cricket Club and will begin their defence of the crown with a visit from Bovey Tracey.

Exmouth CC are back in the top flight and start their campaign with a trip to Heathcoat, while North Devon CC at home to Sidmouth CC should be another titanic tussle. Plympton host Cornwood and Sandford welcome Paignton in the final two Premier Division matches.

There are some belting opening day matches throughout the divisions, with Kilmington v Exeter and Budleigh Salterton at home to Abbotskerswell a couple of mouthwatering fixtures in the A Division.

The picturesque ground of Bideford/Littleham/Westward Ho! will see Ipplepen as the first visitors in the B Division, while Seaton travel to Barton and will be hoping to hit the ground running after such a tough campaign last year.

Exmouth 2nds host North Devon 2nds in C Division East and there is a terrific local derby at Sidmouth 2nds, as they take on Ottery St Mary. Braunton versus Shobrooke Park should be another top game.

In D Division East, Barnstaple & Pilton have a tricky game at Exeter 2nds, Budleigh Salterton 2nds travel to Heathcoat 3rds, Topsham St James welcome Whimple, Upottery are away to Thorverton 2nds and Feniton journey to Clyst Hydon.

The local derby theme continues in E Division East, with Sidbury hosting Sidmouth 3rds. Braunton 2nds have a long trip to Ottery St Mary 2nds and Honiton open at home to Chardstock.

Axminster Town are at home to Bideford/Littleham/Westward Ho! 2nds in F Division East, with Kilmongton 2nds travelling to Culmstock and Upottery 2nds v Cullompton 2nds another intriguing tie.

In G Division East, Feniton 2nds v Filleigh could be a stand-out match, while Honiton 2nds travel to Whimple 2nds and Seaton 2nds are at home to Newton Tracey. The top match in H Division East could be Exmouth 3rds with Axminster Town 2nds.

Good luck to all teams in the Devon Cricket League, it is going to be another special season.