Home comforts in the Devon Cricket League

Home advantage was the general pattern over another blissfully sunny weekend in the Tolchards Devon Cricket League.

One exception to that rule came at Paignton in the Premier Division, where Cornwood clung on for an eight-run victory to take top spot after week three.

Ryan Rickard hit 55 from 92 balls, as Cornwood toiled to a mediocre total of and Paignton looked in control, thanks to a superb 69 from Divyaansh Saxena at a strike rate of 191 but the home side collapsed from 122/4 to 149 all out. Lee Baker was the main reason for their downfall, claiming a fabulous six wickets in his seven overs.

Cornwood will take that battling form into a visit from Heathcoat on Saturday and an early marker for the season, as their visitors will arrive second in the table and just one point behind.

It has been a desperate opening to the campaign for North Devon and they were swept aside once more at Heathcoat, losing by 166 runs after a disappointing batting collapse.

A middle order partnership of 73 between James Boyle (68) and Peter Randerson (45), plus a couple of handy contributions down the order, helped Heathcoat to a strong total of 260 and North Devon never looked like making a dent on that score.

Jack Popham (30 no) offered some late resistance but the Heathcoat bowlers, spearheaded by Jack Menhenott (3/15), tore through the North Devon line-up to skittle them out for a lowly 94.

North Devon have to find something in the tank for the home clash with champions Bradninch & Kentisbeare this weekend, and will welcome a side feeling a little better about themselves after picking up their first victory of the season at home to Exmouth.

B&K suffered a torrid start with the bat and looked in serious trouble on 32/4, with Pete Turnbull doing the damage for Exmouth, but the hosts clawed their way to 192 all out with Rob Pryke (46) and Sam Franks (39 no) the main contributors.

The dangerous Jason Niemand rattled off a decent 46 in reply for Exmouth but Pryke was bowling like a man inspired, ending with tremendous figures of 5/19 and the visitors were all out for 142.

Exmouth welcome Sandford to the Maer on Saturday and a big game for both clubs, as they try to build some consistency and momentum in the top flight. Sandford were involved in a thriller at home to Sidmouth, just about getting over the line for a one-wicket victory.

Bryce Parsons (56), Taylor Ingham-Hill (52) and Luke Bess (32) guided Sidmouth to a moderate total of 180 and they kept chipping away at the Sandford reply, Will Murray taking 3/27 but the home side, led by Jackson Thompson (54), stumbled over the line with one wicket to spare.

Sidmouth are at home to mid-table Plympton on Saturday. Plympton inflicted a first defeat of the season on Bovey Tracey, triumphing by 23 runs. Ben Privett struck a marvellous 114 for Plympton and Tinotenda Mutombodzi (58) in a fine total of 272/9.

Jonty Walliker snatched a couple of early wickets for Plympton, as Bovey stuttered to 43/3 and 55/4 but their innings settled with Alex Bevilaqua (57) and Seb Ansley (59). Despite a stoic recovery effort, Bovey fell short on 249/7.

The final Premier Division fixture this weekend will see Paignton travel to Bovey.

Plymouth are the early pacesetters in the A Division, as they beat Exeter by three wickets. Thorverton are chasing them hard following a dramatic one-run success at Budleigh Salterton. Kilmington occupy third spot after cruising to a six-wicket defeat of Hatherleigh, and there were also wins for Tavistock and Torquay.

Moorlanders Bridestowe have picked up an amazing 58 points from just three matches to lead the way in the B Division. Sandford 2nds were their latest victims, going down to a 113-run defeat. Brandon Horn pounded his way to an unbeaten 76 from 39 balls and Callum Mallett grabbed three wickets for a brilliant Bridestowe display.