North Devon entering must-win territory in Tolchards Devon Cricket League

North Devon CC are sadly staring relegation in the face after another disappointing defeat in the Premier Division of the Tolchards Devon Cricket League.

Welcoming mid-table Exeter CC on Saturday, North Devon badly needed to secure their second win of the campaign to keep up some pressure on the two sides immediately above them in the table, Sidmouth and Heathcoat.

Josh Atkinson and Freddie Tucker provided some early hope by removing two of the opening three batsmen, and when Exeter’s Sam Mycock was trapped leg before on 43, the Norths were in a steady position at 101/3.

Unfortunately, the visitors then took control with a terrific 134-run partnership between Clint McCabe (70) and Sam Read (107 no). James Tyson eventually broke through for Norths and also claimed another late wicket but the Exeter total of 287/5 always looked tough to catch.

Jay Rothery blasted a rapid 52 at the top of the order and number three Dan Bowser (25) was looking good before he was run out. Captain Tyson also displayed some resilience with a swift 40 but North Devon then collapsed, losing their last seven wickets for just 39 runs.

This weekend is a trip to second-from-bottom Sidmouth and surely a must-win game for North Devon. Bradninch & Kentisbeare have opened up an 18-point lead at the top after second-placed Paignton slipped to defeat against Exmouth.

In the A Division, Hatherleigh are sitting nicely in third, just five points behind Thorverton, although Tavistock do have a healthy lead at the top.

Hatherleigh made a weekend trip to Cullompton and set about the home attack with some powerful batting from the top order. Ryan Quick (25), Robert Cockwill (55), Shreyansh Ghosh (69) and Ryan Davies (35) guided Hatherleigh to 178/4, while a swift 44 from Emmerson Wood took their total to 267/7.

Ruben Forrester removed Cullompton opener Dinesh Raheja for just five and Paul Heard then ripped through the next three batsmen with some incisive bowling. Cullompton simply could not cope with Heard, who finished with tremendous figures of 6/27 from his ten overs, sealing a 125-run triumph. Hatherleigh host Kilmington on Saturday.

Read more on cricket in North Devon

An explosive bowling display from Bideford / Littleham / Westward Ho! gave them a dominant eight-wicket victory over Plymstock in the B Division. Josh King led the march by removing the top four and Lukanyo Metu dismantled the tail, taking three wickets for the concession of just two runs.

Plymstock were all out for 87 and, despite an early wobble, the North Devon outfit comfortably reached the target inside 17 overs, thanks to unbeaten knocks from Jack Ford (31) and Metu (34). Bideford / Littleham / Westward Ho! travel to Clyst St George on Saturday.

Braunton picked up an important win at struggling Abbotskerswell to keep themselves just above the relegation zone. Richard Harmer struck a patient 68 for the Abbots and he was supported by Ed Cooper (64), but Braunton’s bowling was generally tight, with Dan Brierley and Luan Matthews De Menezes picking up three wickets each.

Chasing 227 for victory, Braunton stuttered in the early stages and were in trouble on 93/5, but they were rescued by 103-run partnership between Steve Aston (47) and Jon Baglow (47 no), eventually reaching their target for the loss of six wickets.

Barnstaple & Pilton CC lost ground on the leaders in D Division East after a frustrating eight-run defeat at struggling Ottery St Mary 2nds. It is a big game this weekend, as B&P host Sidmouth 2nds, the side one place above them in the table.

All six games in the Blights Motors North Devon Cricket League fell foul of the weather. The two T20 games this week were also a wash-out, which confirms the four teams that will take part in Finals Day, being played this Sunday, July 27 at Westward Ho! 

First Semi-Final 10.30am Start: Bideford v Barnstaple & Pilton. Second Semi-Final 1.30pm: North Devon v Hatherleigh. Final scheduled 4.30pm start.