A season of change as the Devon Cricket League comes to a close

If a wanderer came calling on English cricket after an absence of twenty years, they would need time to readjust and comprehend the changes they see before them.

If he/she landed in Devon after such a sabbatical, the acclimatisation process would be quicker but nonetheless thought provoking and on occasion head-scratching.

The 2025 Tolchards Devon Cricket League saw coloured playing kits and pink match balls introduced to the Premier and A Divisions, having been voted in over the winter.

As I commented in May, the inception was inevitable given its universal adoption across the county’s cup and T20 fixtures and how the national and international game has developed. It did raise eyebrows initially and took time to accept, especially with the traditionalists amongst us.

But, accepted it has been, despite many telling me they prefer the traditional panorama of whites and a red ball.

Well-respected Sandford captain Jackson Thompson, who voted in favour, summed it up best to me, saying the showcase of Devon cricket should be seen to be moving with the times, mirror the modern game and give the growing audience what it wants or expects. And on that, I agree.

Whether the B Division and below follows suit in 2026 and beyond remains to be seen. But there is a strong feeling of inevitability about it.

The quality and bowler-friendliness of the balls is still being debated with opinion equally divided.

Some kits were easier on the eye than others. Dark blue and burgundy were popular. Green offerings, as in Bovey Tracey, provided variety. Personally, I liked the lighter blue of North Devon and Paignton’s red.

Bradninch & Kentisbeare are Premier Division Champions but North Devon will be playing A Division cricket next season after finishing bottom. Hatherleight and Tavistock will move up to the top flight next summer.

Bideford ended with a mid-table finish in the B Division, while Braunton just managed to avoid relegation. In the D Division East, Barnstaple & Pilton finished fourth, Braunton 2nds in sixth and North Devon 2nds eighth.

Newton Tracey fell just shy of promotion in E Division East but there was joy for Filleigh, crowned champions of F Division East, with Bideford 2nds ending in fourth. Barnstaple & Pilton 2nds also celebrated the title in H Division East, where Newton Tracey 2nds and Filleigh 2nds finished mid-table.

Availability of players and teams unable to put out consistent line-ups week on week was still a huge issue across all clubs and divisions and will continue to be a worry and affect results. But a huge positive is how local clubs are thriving at junior level.

ECB All Stars and Dynamos, alongside other in-house coaching programmes, are bringing considerable numbers of boys and girls, and enthusiastic parents, to clubs on summer evenings.

The girls and women’s game has continued to grow, and standards improve. This is clearly reflected in the success of the Devon women’s team and the gradual increase in number of females playing in league games on Saturdays.

Which brings me to a final testimonial to the people, alongside the players, who devote countless hours of time, energy and passionate commitment. The coaches, umpires, scorers, grounds people and army of other dedicated volunteers. Without whom, none of the above is possible.

If that wanderer decides to walk away, they will undoubtedly have their opinions on how grassroots cricket looks in 2025, albeit still with the odd head-scratch. But should be reassured it is in safe hands until they come this way again.

When the upcoming Winter gives way to Spring once more, it will be time for Devon cricket. Winter well everyone and cherish your happiest cricketing memories of summer 2025.

With Bridestowe & Belstones game against North Devon falling foul to the weather, and Heathcoat beating Westleigh at home by 92 runs, Heathcoat are Division 1 champions of the Blights Motors North Devon Cricket League, writes Patrick McEndoo.

Heathcoat skipper Christopher Salter, won the toss and chose to bat in a match reduced to 32 overs per side. However, he would have been concerned, as James Starkey took two quick wickets to reduce his side to 10 for 2.

Will Hall-Tomkin stood firm, and together with Matthew Boundy, put on 122 for the 3rd wicket. They both had a personal score of 70. Daniel Pugsley chipped in with 22. Jack McManus 11, and 18 extras took Heathcoat to 205 for 6.

Starkey ended up with figures of 3 for 44, and there was a wicket each for Will Speed, Ashley Moores, and the evergreen James Morris.

Tight bowling from all eight of the Heathcoat bowlers kept the Westleigh batters under constant pressure. Veteran opener Richard Pearson top scored with 38, Morris contributed 20, and there were 21 extras, as the visitors were dismissed for 113. 

Henry Cook took 3 for 15. Daniel Pugsley, Matthew Boundy, and Jack McManus all took 2 cheap wickets

Division 2 is still wide open, Newton Tracey v Braunton was abandoned, maintaining Newton’s position at the top of the division. Exford conceded their game at Holsworthy.