By OLLIE SMITH

BABBACOMBE’S 1st XI have started the 2026 season as the team to beat. They have five wins from five and are already 26 points clear at the top of the E Division West. In recent years, the club have yo-yoed between the C and D Divisions; their drop to the sixth tier of Devon was the first time since 2013 that they’ve made an appearance at this level.

Stoke Gabriel 2nd XI were the latest victims of a rampant Babbacombe, who have only failed to bowl out a side once in five completed games. Captain Rob Redding isn’t getting too carried away.

“Although the 1st XI are top of the league, we just need to carry on like we have been, approaching every game with the right attitude, playing as a team, and controlling the aspects that we can control,” said Redding.

“Not getting overconfident and complacent will be key, as we all know it’s a long season and there are some good teams within the league.”

The 1st XI isn’t the only side at Walls Hill who have started strongly: he 2nd XI are fourth in the F Division West, and the 3rd XI have joined the 1st XI in leading their respective divisions.

Redding believes this isn’t a fluke, and a major contributor to the club is down to the masterplan set by new cricket manager, Marcus Thompson.

“The start of our season has been great for the 1st XI, but also the 2nd and 3rd XI,” said Redding.

“Their respective captains and vice-captains are really doing a great job. We had some great recruitment over the winter, which has really helped with the strong start.

“Our players have bought into what the new playing management group, led by Marcus Thompson, our new cricket manager, is trying to do.

“Marcus, along with the rest of the leadership group, has put together a three-year plan so we can ensure the club is moving in the right direction and create a successful and sustainable playing future.”

Stability has been the one thing lacking for Babbacombe, especially in recent years, as they have not spent more than two years in the same division since the league’s reorganisation. This has seen them rise as high as the B Division in 2018. More success came in 2024 when they triumphed against Ipplepen in the Twenty20 Brockman Cup competition.

Redding has been the man at the helm since the Covid crisis, overseeing the cup win and the changes in division. He says he is still enjoying the ride that comes with 1st XI captaincy.

“Being captain of Babbacombe has had its ups and downs playing-wise, with a few relegations, promotions, and a Brockman cup win also,” said Redding. “But I do love being captain at a club I’ve been at since the age of nine.

“Fingers crossed for a successful season for Babbacombe as a club and, more importantly, an enjoyable one for all our players and club members.”