North Devon complete hat-trick of T20 trophies

It was finals day of the North Devon T20 at Westleigh on Sunday, where Bideford, Braunton, Barnstaple and North Devon were the protagonists.

The day started at 10.30 as North Devon batted first against an under-strength Braunton and racked up an impressive 222 for 4. Jack Moore, James Tyson, and Jack Popham all scored 30+, but it was Reuben Windley who took the plaudits by scoring 92 not out, off 34 balls. Having been dropped on two by James Lake on the boundary, he then proceeded to clear it 12 times!

The highlight for Braunton came when Current Devon over-50s captain Steve Moore had future Devon Captain and son Jack Moore stumped by Sam Bithell, all three of whom were teammates for B&P when your correspondent was Director of Cricket there.

Braunton struggled against North Devon's bowlers, Jack Popham took 3 for 18, and there was a couple each for Will Popham, and James Tyson. It was left to veteran Jon Baglow with 29 not out to take the score past 100. Jack Moore returned the compliment by trapping dad and last man Steve lbw as Braunton were all out for 106, suffering a 116-run defeat.

The second semi- final saw Bideford take on Barnstaple and Pilton, and it was Bideford who won easily by 153 runs. Jack Ford (83) and Oliver Hannam (87) set the tone with an opening partnership of 153. They both hit 10 fours and 6 sixes. Alex Hannam kept the momentum going by hitting a rapid 43, as Bideford racked up a massive 246 for 3.

B&P skipper Lee Cole tried eight bowlers and was probably wishing mystery spinner Tony Gilbert was playing rather than spectating, Freddie Norton took two of the three wickets to fall. In contrast, Bideford skipper Jack Ford used six bowlers, all of whom took at least one wicket, as a demoralised B&P were dismissed for 93 in 17 overs.

The final saw Bideford win the toss and choosing to bat, Jack Ford (68) and Oli Hannam (37) put on 100 in nine overs, however once they were dismissed, North Devon fought back to restrict their opponents to 193 for 7. James Ford rolled back the years with a 15-ball 25, Marcus Bulled chipped in with 21, as Bideford set a challenging total of 193 for 7, Fred King, and James Tyson both took a couple for the Instow outfit.

Jay Rothery (39) and Fred King (31) set about the chase with gusto, putting on 50 in just 20 balls, and effectively broke the back of the chase. James Tyson got 26, before Jack Moore 56 not out and Rueben Windley 36 not out saw North Devon reach their target of 194 for the loss of 3 wickets with 20 balls in hand.

North Devon skipper Jonny Green lifted the trophy for the third consecutive time, and his team will already be considered favourites for next year’s competition.

Special mention goes to Graham Moore, and Alec Pickersgill who officiated all day, as well as Gary Hudson who scored each game

Belstone moved up to second place in Division 1 of the Blights Motors North Devon League, with a comprehensive 175-run victory over visitors Nomansland. 

The Foxes batted first and scored a 40-over total of 286 for 9. Ryan Dennis and Shaquan Glasgow both hit 69, the next highest was the 40 extras Nomansland conceded. Nomansland skipper Greg Cole was the stand-out bowler, taking 5 for 62.

The Witheridge outfit’s reply never really got going against the Belstone attack, as they were dismissed for 111 in 21 overs. Henry Field top scored with 25. Marcus Walters took 3 for 23 for the Foxes, and there was a couple each for Harry Bushin and Shaquan Glasgow.

Division 2 saw Hatherleigh move further forward in their quest to remain unbeaten this season after a comprehensive defeat of visitors Ilfracombe by 176 runs.

However, things started well for the visitors, as Sam Chowdhury (3 for 24) had Kirt Forgham caught off the first ball of the match, and he carried on to take the first three Hatherleigh wickets, to restrict the home side to 42 for 3.

There followed a 175 partnership between the appropriately named Fred Batt (59) and Jasper Presswell (149). Presswell hit seven sixes and 19 fours in his 80-ball stay at the crease, which helped Hatherleigh to a 40-over total of 299 for 9.

Darshan Patel led Ilfracombe’s chase with a quickfire 63 off 34 balls, however that was as good as it got for the visitors as they subsided to 123 all out. Owen Johns, Jerry O’Donoghue, Oscar Moore and Lewis Downes all took two wickets for Hatherleigh

Victoria Park travelled to Exford and won by six wickets. The home side batted first and were indebted to Vishnu Kombath’s 61, as they struggled to an all-out total of 118. All the six bowlers used by Viccy Park took wickets, Steve Oliver 3 for 33 and Dave Branch 3 for 28 stood out.

The Park knocked off the runs in 21 overs, Ben Scarrett top scored with a run-a-ball 48. Jithin Rajan took 3 for 37 for the Moorlanders.