Holsworthy CC won their first-ever DWCL hardball match.

This week saw Holsworthy, Bovey Tracey, and Exmouth 1st XI kicking off their hardball season in style. With low-score chases, standout batting performances, and wickets tumbling throughout, the games didn’t disappoint.

Kicking off with the only game played in Division One this weekend, Paignton travelled to Taunton Deane looking to secure their first win of the season. Winning the toss, Paignton opted to bat first. Despite Taunton's tight bowling, Ellie Bishop's impressive 93 runs saw Paignton ending the first innings on 178 for 7. In response, Taunton Deane fought hard with contributions from Niamh Wait (32) and Tirion Swart (30), but fell 24 runs short, handing Paignton a well-earned first victory.

Over in Division Three, Holsworthy launched their hardball season into action. The side faced Exmouth 2nd XI at home, winning the toss and elected to bat first. Holsworthy set a solid score of 128 for nine, with Exmouth's Debbie Chilcott taking 3 wickets. Despite a good effort from Exmouth's batters, the side finished on 114 runs, giving Holsworthy their first-ever hardball win in the Tolchards Devon Women's Cricket League.

Holsworthy commented on their win online, saying: "A fantastic start for our first ever ladies XI in their first league game of the season. Some excellent cricket displayed from both teams and despite some challenging injuries early in the game, our ladies pushed through, defending a 9-run win in the end."

After a convincing win last week, Chagford found themselves all out for 32 against Clyst St George in just 14 overs. Chagford struggled to get going, with only one batter reaching double figures and Mia Jones dismissing four of Chagford’s side. Clyst St George knocked off the runs in seven overs to bring themselves top of the table!

Finally, in Division Two, Bovey Tracey took on Exmouth 1st Xl to get their season underway. Bovey Tracey lost the toss and were put into bat first. Bovey scored 99 all out, with Holly Evans top scorer with 22 runs. Even with some early wickets for Bovey, Exmouth knocked off the total in 14 overs, gaining their first win of the season. Plympton looked to make it two for two, welcoming Exeter 2nd Xl to their ground. The home side were put into bat first, scoring an impressive 231 runs off the 35 overs. M Turner retired after scoring a quick half century off 32 balls, with the rest of the team contributing runs. The Exeter side struggled to get going during their chase, losing wickets early on, but eventually getting bowled out of 99, with E Rowell claiming four of the wickets.

Next week the 35-over league takes a break as the Super 8s campaign starts for the 2025 season.