Despite finishing at the foot of the Division Three table, there were plenty of positives for Chagford to take from what was always likely to be something of a rebuilding season.

Having finished runners-up in Division Three last year, Chagford went into 2026 without their top three run-scorers and top three wicket-takers from the previous campaign, all of whom had moved on.

That inevitably left a sizeable gap to fill, but it also gave a number of the club’s junior players far greater exposure to senior cricket. That experience should stand them in good stead as Chagford continue to develop a young squad capable of challenging for more victories in 2027.

The Moorland side still recorded two wins during the campaign, beating Exmouth 2s by 71 runs and Holsworthy by 25 runs.

 

Chagford’s overseas player Lily Finlay led the way with the bat, scoring 248 runs from nine innings.

Her season included one half-century, with a best of 68 coming against Exmouth 2s.

That innings formed part of Chagford’s biggest partnership of the season as Finlay and fellow opener Millie Goodhand put on 106 for the first wicket on 9 August. Their efforts helped Chagford to a 71-run victory and provided one of the most memorable moments of the campaign.

Goodhand finished second in the club’s run-scoring charts with 116 runs, while Brianna Barlow-Endicott was third with 83.

 

Brianna Barlow-Endicott and Finlay shared the honours with the ball, both finishing the season with 11 wickets, while Sienna Sclater-Black was close behind with eight.

Barlow-Endicott produced one of Chagford’s feature bowling performances of the season in the 25-run victory over Holsworthy, returning excellent figures of four for 11.

She was not only a regular wicket-taker but also exceptionally difficult to score from, conceding at an economy rate of just three runs an over across the season.

Results may not have matched the heights of the previous year, but the wider picture remains encouraging. With so many established performers having moved on, 2026 gave Chagford’s younger players valuable senior experience and the chance to take on greater responsibility.

That exposure can only help as the club looks ahead to 2027 and aims to turn a promising young group into a side capable of challenging for victory on a more regular basis.