Wet weekend spoils the cricket schedule

Given the uncertainty of the British summer, it is still something of a rarity to have a complete washout in the Tolchards Devon Cricket League.

But Saturday’s morning rain, turning heavier by lunchtime, saw cancellations start to appear as quickly as the raindrops were bouncing off the covers across the county’s playing fields.

Conditions improved by late afternoon, but the damage had already been done, meaning a Saturday off for all local clubs. Eight points each for a cancellation, league standings remaining as they were at the end of week eleven.

With six Saturdays left, Bradninch and Kentisbeare lead the Premier Division by nine points from Sandford, with Exmouth a further 26 points behind them. Inconsistent Paignton are eighth, 19 points clear of the drop zone, which is occupied by Bovey Tracey (94 points) and Plympton (73). Bovey host Paignton on the final day of the season.

North Devon (173) still head the A Division by three points from Bridestowe. Plymouth are third (168), four points ahead of Torquay and KK.

The rain spared Abbotskerswell a difficult trip to Bridestowe, but they still have so much to do, being 32 points adrift of Plymstock at the bottom. A win over Tavistock (8th) at Two Mile Oak is vital to spark any hope of a miraculous escape.

The B Division’s fascinating title race look set to go all the way to the end of August. Barton (193) lead from Stoke Gabriel (188) and Cullompton (183).