North Devon shock leaders in surprise result of the Devon cricket season

It probably won’t be enough to save them from relegation but North Devon CC can still take huge satisfaction from arguably the biggest shock of the Tolchards Devon Cricket League season.

Welcoming league leaders Bradninch & Kentisbeare, North Devon were given little chance of adding to just the one victory secured so far in the summer of 2025, but nobody told the home bowling attack.

Batting first, Jay Rothery (41) lost his first two partners cheaply, but Roshan Lakmal then came to the crease and compiled a magnificent unbeaten 112 to take his team to a strong total of 230/6. Reuben Windley (26) and Jack Popham (20) also chipped in with late runs.

While the target was decent enough, B&K still expected to chase it down and steady contributions from the top three had the strong favourites well set on 53/2.

Step forward Lakmal and James Tyson, who proceeded to rip through the visitors’ batting order, as B&K were skittled out for just 118. Tyson finished with figures of 5/42 and Lakmal 4/24.

A special day for North Devon CC, who will need to do it all again at high-flying Paignton on Saturday.

Division 1 of the Blights Motors North Devon Cricket League saw the only game played, as Nomansland hosted Westleigh, and it was the visitors who won by 51 runs in a game reduced to 30 overs per side, writes Pat McEndoo.

Home skipper Elliot Cole won the toss and chose to field, but came up against the in-form Kyle Faber, as Westleigh racked up 188 for 4. 

Braunton’s overseas player, who plays for Westleigh in the NDL, scored his second century of the weekend. His 112 came off 90 balls and included 16 fours and 2 sixes. He helped put on 86 with fellow opener Will Speed (28), and 70 for the second wicket with Andrew Mckenzie-Shapland, who contributed 13. Selwyn Fisher hit a run-a-ball 14 at the end of the innings and Harry Cracknell took 2 for 45 for the home side

Westleigh’s opening bowlers Richard Pearson, who took 3 for 12, and James Starkey (1 for 18) reduced Nomansland to 12 for 4. William White (36) and Jacob Cole (17) staged a mini recovery that was halted when Will Speed dismissed White.

James Morris and Tom Poole then both took a couple of wickets to help wrap up Nomansland’s innings for an all-out total of 137, despite late resistance by Elliot Cole (24) and 14 not out from Luke Morphet.

Exford conceded their 2nd division match at Victoria Park

Next Sundays fixtures: Bideford v Hatherleigh; Bridestowe & Belstone v Heathcoat; North Devon v Westleigh; B&P v Victoria Park; Lynton & Lynmouth v Newton Tracey.