By OLLIE SMITH

NORTH Molton only re-entered the Devon Cricket League in 2024, but two years and one month later, they find themselves sitting at the top of the F Division Central. Out of the 88 points available to them after four completed games and one cancellation, they’ve only dropped five.

Their rise has been quicker than expected; in 2024, they finished third in the H Division Central, outside of the promotion spots. Promotion was only managed due to a league restructuring. That didn’t mean they weren’t ready for the league above, they secured the G Division Central title on the final day of the season, claiming enough bonus points against Torquay & Kingskerswell 3rd XI to pip Sandford’s 3rd XI. 

You would be forgiven for thinking the F Division would be where they settle, but they have just recorded their strongest start to a season since re-joining the league. 

They also have two Premier Division winners in their ranks. Rob Ayre and Toby Lochead have three medals between them, one of Ayre’s title wins came with him at the helm, as North Devon triumphed in 2007.

It’s not just on the pitch where North Molton have been improving. Their outdoor nets are undergoing a facelift, and they have also introduced a FrogBox streaming service at their ground.

Such is the interest in cricket in the village that they have introduced a 2nd XI this season, who play friendlies against other local sides in North Devon. Recent games have seen them face off against Newton Tracey, and Barnstaple & Pilton.

Former captain James Tapp is confident the side’s aspirations do not stop at their current level, “We are currently in the F division but we want to be much higher.”

“With the facilities, and squad we are building we want to keep moving up through the leagues and see where we end up.”

Tapp was also appreciative of the support the club receive, “The club is run by a committee that has a number of sports and teams, but cricket seems to be the sport that the village gets behind and is a great day out watching on a Saturday.”

The ground improvements are all part of a plan to bring more cricket to North Molton. “Each season we are looking to improve facilities for the cricket section with the aim to bringing in a second team to the Devon league next season.”

“We have a large group of youngsters who want to play cricket, so this year we have started a second team for friendlies and mid-week games to try and give game time for everyone.”

“We have a really good squad currently with Toby Lochead playing more games this season, Matt Boundy is back from university, and Will Palmer is also returning.”

“We’ve made a really good start to the season and want to be up there at the end of the season, pushing for promotion again.”