Four-horse race in North Devon Cricket League

The top of the Blights Motors North Devon Cricket League First Division changed from a two-horse to a four-horse race as a consequence of Sunday's results.

Bideford remain top of the pile, despite suffering a 42-run defeat at the hands of visitors Belstone. The Foxes batted first. Ryan Dennis led from the front with a rapid 78 and with the help of Shaquan Glasgow (19), took their score to 135 for two. Bideford’s Jim Keates then got to work, and by taking 6 for 25, reduced Belstone to an all-out total of 154.

The Bideford chase never really got going against the Belstone bowlers. Marcus Bulled (36) and Aakash Nehra (22) gave the home side some hope, however, once they were out, Bideford subsided to an all-out total of 112. Shaquan Glasgow stood out with figures of 3 for 11, Craig Penberthy, and Tallan Burns both took a couple to help the Foxes to second place in the league.

North Devon took the short trip to Westleigh, and it was Westleigh that won by 6 wickets to go third in the league.

North Devon batted first and were bundled out for 88 in 32 overs, no one scored more than the 26 extras Westleigh conceded. All the bowlers took wickets, Steffan James was particularly parsimonious, taking 3 for 9 off his 8 overs, former B&P starlet Ian Wheatley chipped in with a couple and two run outs helped.

Westeigh got the runs with ease in just under 15 overs. James Poole helped himself to 32 not out and Steffan James contributed 18. Navindu Vanderbona took a couple for the Instow outfit

In Division Two, Hatherleigh maintained their 100% record, easily defeating visitors Barnstaple & Pilton by 75 runs. Batting first, Hatherleigh scored 284 for 9. Kirt Forgham set the tone with a quickfire 97, Adam Quick got a run a ball 65, and Shreyansh Ghosh hit a rapid 49, Toby Lawrence took 3 for 42 and there was a couple each for Colin Simpson and Ruben Chugg. 

The Barum chase was led by Jamie Sutton, who anchored the innings with 78, and despite there being contributions through the card, the Barnstaple outfit were always behind the asking rate, and the innings finally petered out at 209 for 6. Adam Quick took a couple for Hatherleigh.

It was the North Coast derby at Ilfracombe, and visitors Lynton & Lynmouth won by 16 runs. Lynton batted first, and the in-form Dan Godfrey scored 133 not out, his fourth century of the season. He got support from Tristan Jones 5,7 with whom he shared a 183 partnership, as the innings closed at 260 for 4. Home skipper Graham Garner took a couple of wickets.

Ilfracombe gave it a go, Sam Chowdhury led from the front with 45, Simon Hope contributed 35 not out, but Ilfracombe ultimately fell short at 244 for 8. Mike Cornish took 3 for 66, and a couple each for Robin and Richard Holland.

Braunton entertained Victoria Park and won by 8 wickets. Victoria Park scored 218 for 7, thanks mainly to 68 from Ian Brown, he found support from Ben Scarrett 38, and Jack Ancill 23. Andy Norman and L Mathews both took a couple for Braunton. It was Norman who led his team to victory with 105. He shared an opening partnership of 184 with James Kemp, who ended up on 93 not out.

Newton Tracey 2nds travelled to Holsworthy and it was the home side that won by 30 runs. Holsworthy batted first and scored 271 for 3. Jack Greening got 136, and Herschelle Poggenpoel scored 65 not out. 

Julian Moore (52) and Dominic Robson (49) led the Newton chase, but thanks to teenager Brodie Wonnacott's 4 for 20, they were all out for 241.