Exeter v Plymouth

Sunday, September 6 – 1pm | The County Ground

It all comes down to this.

After an entire summer of cricket, Exeter and Plymouth arrive at the final afternoon separated by a single point – and with the Division One title on the line when they meet at the County Ground.

Exeter hold the narrowest of advantages on 142 points, with reigning champions Plymouth immediately behind on 141.

Sunday’s meeting is a winner-takes-all game, with the Division One title going to whoever comes out on top at the County Ground.

Exeter will be without two of their leading batters. Georgia Read, who has scored 352 league runs this season, is away on holiday, while Elle Golsworthy, who has amassed 513, is unavailable because of the National Schools Championship.

Jess Breban will captain the league leaders for the title decider, with Grace Golsworthy taking the gloves. Golsworthy also heads into the game in good form, having struck 92 against Paignton two weeks ago, an innings which helped Exeter to a crucial victory and ultimately set up this winner-takes-all clash.

There is still plenty of experience for Exeter to call upon. Devon opening bowler Katie Donovan has 11 league wickets at an average of just 7.55, including a five-wicket haul, while a number of county age-group players are also included in the side.

Leading Exeter’s wicket-taking charts, though, is Briella Humphreys Crouch. Her 18 wickets make her the leading bowler across Division One heading into the final weekend.

There is also a notable return for Rosalie Fairbairn, who is set to make her first league appearance since June 2025, when she featured in the Exeter side that beat Plymouth. The former England international was part of England’s 2005 Ashes-winning side and will be hoping for the same outcome on Sunday.

Plymouth arrive with a strong side for the title decider, led by captain Missy Banks, who tops the Division One batting standings with 645 runs, including three centuries, and has also taken 16 wickets.

There is plenty of batting around her too. Darcey Boote and Claire Varcoe-Hughes have both registered centuries this season, while Cornwall county player Iona Pennington is also included in a top four completed by Banks.

Devon bowler Maggie Haffenden gives Plymouth another experienced option with the new ball alongside Banks, while Sophie Brandom and Piper Haffenden provide the spin threat. Brandom has 15 league wickets this season, with Piper Haffenden taking 11.

What happened the last time they met?

There was very little between the sides when they met earlier in the season, with Plymouth edging a high-scoring contest.

Exeter made 214 for six from their 40 overs, recovering from 47 for three thanks largely to Imogen Daldorph’s 77 and Megan Hayward’s 55. Katie Donovan added a brisk 33 towards the end of the innings.

Banks and Maggie Haffenden took two wickets apiece for Plymouth.

Plymouth then reached 215 for five in 36 overs to complete the chase. Banks was again at the heart of things, finishing unbeaten on 80, while Claire Varcoe made 43 and Iona Pennington 29.

Frances Dennehy was Exeter’s leading wicket-taker with two for 36, but Plymouth got home with five wickets in hand.

It means the reigning champions head to the County Ground having already beaten Exeter once this season – but this time the prize is much bigger.

Banks also arrives in outstanding form after producing one of the performances of the Division One season in Plymouth’s recent victory over Exmouth, finishing unbeaten on 150 to keep their title challenge alive.

Banks said:

“We’re just delighted to be in a position where we still have a chance going into the final game of the season.

“We know how tough it will be away at Exeter, but we’ll go there with confidence, we’ve got a strong team available and we’ll give it our best shot.

“Whatever happens on Sunday, I’m immensely proud of this team and the way we’ve competed throughout the season.”

One point separates the sides, the reigning champions face the current league leaders, and after nine rounds the Division One title will be decided head-to-head at the County Ground.

The game will be live streamed via Exeter Cricket Club’s YouTube channel.

 

Chris Sleep Reporting