North Devon v Paignton

Sunday, September 6 – 12.30pm | North Devon Cricket Club

North Devon and Paignton may be out of the title race, but there is still plenty at stake when they meet in the final round – with second place still mathematically within reach for both sides.

Paignton head into Sunday third on 129 points, four ahead of North Devon on 125. With Exeter and Plymouth facing each other in a winner-takes-all title decider at the County Ground, there remains an opportunity for one of these sides to climb higher with a strong return from their final game.

For North Devon, a top-two finish would continue an impressive recent record in the competition. They have finished runners-up in each of the last two seasons and remain in contention to make it three successive second-placed finishes.

Their most recent victory included a landmark moment for Kate Williams (pictured), who struck an unbeaten 100 against Cornwood – her first DWCL century after 15 years of trying – as North Devon piled up 280 for five.

Paignton have also won six of their nine games and a runners-up finish would represent their highest league placing in recent years.

They will, however, be without Ellie Bishop for the trip north owing to the start of the football season. Bishop has been a key figure throughout the summer, leading Paignton’s batting with 382 runs, while also taking 13 wickets.

Her absence is made all the more significant by what happened when the sides met earlier in the season at Queen’s Park. Paignton won that game by four wickets, with Bishop making an unbeaten 72 to guide the chase.

Paignton will also be looking to opening bowler Katie Harman (pictured) to make an impact with the ball. Harman is currently their leading wicket-taker this season with 14 and will be hoping to add to that tally – provided she has fully recovered from what was apparently a very long Bank Holiday weekend of socialising.

Reflecting on Paignton’s season, Hollie Perkin said:

“It was great to get to the penultimate game of the season and still have a chance of winning the title. Unfortunately we came up a little bit short against Exeter, but we’re hoping to round off what has been a really positive season on a high against North Devon. They’re a side we always enjoy playing and it should be another good game.”

With just four points separating the teams and second place still possible for both, there is a bit more riding on this than simply seeing out the season.

North Devon can match their runners-up finish from each of the last two seasons, while Paignton have the chance to secure their highest league placing in recent years.

 

Chris Sleep Reporting