North Devon leading the pack in A Division cricket

Dryer conditions usually see run tallies increase and spectators at The Rec in Torquay saw 683 scored in the A Division clash between Torquay and Kingskerswell and North Devon.

Invited to bat, North Devon quickly set their stall out for what was to come. Somerset Academy’s Blaise Baker disappearing for 22 in the first over!

Steady scoring throughout saw North Devon run up a formidable 365-6, centuries from Jack Moore and Jack Whittaker.

Torquay and Kingskerswell’s batting strength comes in the top four and all made runs. Nathan Roux hitting his second ton of the season (110), but the middle and lower orders could not continue the early promise and the innings ended on 318-9.

The victory gives North Devon a seven-point lead at the top of the division.

The 2023 Blights Motors League Cup in the North Devon Cricket League was finally concluded, as the league game between Belstone and Bideford doubled up as the cup final, with Belstone emerging as victors by 4 wickets.

Batting first, visitors Bideford amassed a total of 160 for 9. The Fords, James & Jack, got the innings off to a decent start, with an opening stand of 57, Jack went on to top score with 57 Once he was dismissed, the rest of the Bideford side struggled against some tight Belstone bowling. 

Alex Fillingham and Shaquan Glasgow, both took three wickets for the Foxes. A couple of early wickets would have raised Bideford’s hopes, however, MOTM Shaquan Glasgow soon dashed those hopes, with a quickfire 91 off 70 balls, as Belstone won with wickets and overs in hand. Elliot Curry did his best taking three wickets for Bideford

Heathcoat travelled to Nomansland and came out comfortable six-wicket winners. The hosts batted first and were dismissed for 137. H Cracknell top scored with 54, no other batter scored more than 20.

Tom Cowle, Will Edwards, and Luke Thomas all took a couple of wickets for Heathcoat. The visitors knocked off the runs inside 20 overs, Lewis Hough 55 no, and Jesse-James Albanie 42 broke the back of the chase.

There was a high-scoring affair at Instow, as North Devon beat Westleigh by 90 runs to go top of the League. North Devon scored 315 for 8 in their 40 overs led by skipper James Tyson with 147, he got help all through the card.

Jack Moore had fun at the end, hitting four of his final five balls for six. Dick Pearson, James Starkey and James Morris all took two wickets for Westleigh. The Poole boys, Tom 96 and James 46, led the chase, once they were out, only Pearson 30 and extras reached double figures as the visitors were dismissed for 225. Archie Popham 4 for 53 did most of the damage and got back-up from Noah Duerden with 3 for 51.

Sheyansh Ghosh hit his second unbeaten century of the weekend and his third in a row, as Hatherleigh beat Holsworthy by six wickets to maintain their unbeaten record.

Hosts Holsworthy batted first and scored 192 for 7. Liam Brend top scored with 50. Ghosh and Luke Westacott both took a couple for Hatherleigh. Ghosh led the chase with 103 not out, and found support from Adam Quick 53, as Hatherlegh cruised to victory with six overs to spare.

At Ilfracombe, visitors Barnstaple & Pilton won by 47 runs. There were runs through the card for B&P, Dom Chugg top scored with 46, as they reached 181 for 7. Sam Chowdhury, Tom Ward, and Forhad Miah all took a couple of wickets for 'Combe. Adam Bambridge top scored for Ilfracombe as they were dismissed for 134. Chris Brigden and Drew Fewings both took three wickets for B&P.

Braunton played Victoria Park at Westward Ho! and won by 30 runs. Braunton batted first and scored an all-out total of 141. Andrew Norman top scored with 46, while Joe Mullens chipped in with 33 not out.  Six bowlers took wickets for the Park. Norman and Mullens then starred with the ball, as they both took three wickets to help dismiss the hosts for 111. Over at Newton Tracey, Lynton won by two wickets.