This weekend brought a familiar dose of British weather, with rain disrupting play across several fixtures. Despite the conditions, there was still plenty of action and some standout performances across the league. Here’s how the teams got on this week.

Division One 

Plymouth travelled to Cornwood and, after winning the toss, elected to bat first in a match later affected by rain. The visitors suffered an early setback thanks to the bowling of Keira De Villiers, who removed both openers to leave Plymouth struggling at 18-2. From there, however, Lily Innes and captain Melissa Banks took control. Innes finished unbeaten on 54, while Banks produced a superb century, ending on 100* as the pair shared a rapid 165-run partnership to guide Plymouth to 183 from a reduced 22 overs.

Cornwood’s reply was quickly interrupted by heavy rain, leaving the home side with a revised target of 130 from 15 overs. Unfortunately, the weather had the final say, with Cornwood only reaching 9-1 from four overs before the match was abandoned.

Meanwhile, Exmouth hosted Paignton, with the home side winning the toss and choosing to field first. Paignton made a shaky start after losing a few early wickets, but a strong partnership between Ellie Bishop and Ellie Knight steadied the innings. Bishop remained unbeaten on 64, while Knight added 40 as Paignton recovered well to post 201.

In response, Lucy Humphreys led the way for Exmouth with a patient 53* from 90 deliveries. However, with little support around her, the chase gradually lost momentum and Exmouth eventually fell 63 runs short.

The headline fixture of the weekend saw Exeter travel to North Devon in a clash between the top two sides. North Devon won the toss and elected to field first, with Exeter producing another solid batting display. Jessica Breban top-scored with 69, supported by Freya Killilea (18), Briella Humphreys Crouch (12), and Georgia Read (26). Exeter’s lower order struggled against Olivia Kingdom, who claimed an impressive five-wicket haul to keep the visitors within reach.

North Devon’s chase began positively, led by Lauren Bowden’s 53 at the top of the order. Regina Lilii (21) and Rose Ball (18) continued the fight, but Exeter’s bowlers held their nerve. Iris Woodward claimed 3-43, while Katie Donovan produced a match-winning five-wicket haul to bowl North Devon out 20 runs short of the target.

The victory sees Exeter move clear at the top of the Division One table with a 12-point advantage, while North Devon and Paignton sit level on 42 points apiece.

Division Three 

Bradninch & Kentisbeare travelled to Chagford aiming to make it back-to-back victories and, after winning the toss, elected to field first. Chagford made a steady start through contributions from L. Finlay (26), B. Barlow-Endacott (24), and L. Hilton (11), but struggled to build lasting partnerships as wickets fell regularly throughout the innings. Eventually, the hosts were bowled out for 122, with Yvonne Jackson and Faye Ross both impressing with three wickets apiece.

In reply, Bradninch & Kentisbeare got off to the perfect start thanks to a dominant opening partnership between Emma Farley (29) and Yvonne Jackson (39). The pair added 93 before Jackson was dismissed by L. Finlay. Despite Chagford’s efforts with the ball, captain Meg Acton and D. Stein calmly guided the visitors home to secure a second consecutive win and move Bradninch & Kentisbeare to the top of the table on 36 points.

Ottery St Mary began their Division Three campaign at home to Holsworthy. After winning the toss, Ottery chose to field and quickly put the visitors under pressure with the early wickets of Jodie Gardener (0), Rebecca Evans (2), and Rebecca Sharp (1). Holsworthy recovered through Sally Ashford (20), Andrea Phillips (11), and Freya Godfrey (11), helping the side post 85 all out.

Rain interruptions meant Ottery were set a revised target of 76 from 23 overs. The hosts made light work of the chase, losing only two wickets along the way. Cath Dockley (18*) and Katy Gracie (7*) saw Ottery home comfortably to secure their first win of the season.

Reflecting on the result, captain Abbie Sullivan said: “We were delighted to get a game in, despite the weather trying to stop us playing many times! Really proud to get our first win in Div 3 & a good competitive game, we thoroughly enjoyed playing Holsworthy!”