NORTH Devon had to settle for runners-up spot in the Tolchards DCL A Division after their game at home with Heathcoat was rained-off.
Torquay & Kingskerswell were top of the table going into the last round of fixtures with an eight-point lead over the Instow outfit.
North Devon and Torquay & Kingskerswell already had Premier Division stashed as third-placed Heathcoat did not have enough games left to go past them.
Having been top of the shop for 13 of the previous 16 weeks, North Devon wanted the champions’ tag to go with promotion back to the Premier Division at the first attempt.
The home side’s incentive was the chance to overhaul Torquay & Kingskerswell at the top of the table and earn promotion as champions. Their rivals had to lose at relegated Thorverton for that to happen.
As Torquay & Kingskerswell won comfortably at Thorverton, they finished 15 points clear of North Devon at the top.
Jack Moore, the North Devon captain, was relatively relaxed about being pipped at the post and bullish about next season’s prospects.
“Promotion was main aim at start of season so happy to achieve it,” said Moore.
“We've not played exceptional cricket, but have found ways to win from almost any situation.
“We can take a hard-working character and attitude into the Premier Division, where the standard of cricket turns up a notch.
“I wouldn't say it if I didn't believe it, but I firmly believe we have all the credentials running through the club to be a successful Premier side.
“We have a lot of young talent coming through and if the senior heads can stick around and be available for the most part we can really build on success of this year whilst learning lessons from 2025.”
North Devon got to 158 for five in the 21st of what would have been a 25-overs-each thrash. Then it rained.
Tom Ansell made 39 and Definate Mawadzi was 31 not out when play was halted. Skipper Jamie Drew and Dan Pugsley took two wickets each for Heathcoat, who were presented with a Duckworth-Lewis target if 175 to win in 20 overs.
Heathcoat hurtled to 34 for three in 4.2 overs before umpires Phil Mallett and Mark Riddiford took the players off … never to return. Mawadzi (2-17) nipped out Dan Butler and Jeremy Bedford.
Reflecting on the season’s success stories, Moore said: “Ed Wilson and Navindu Vanderbona taking opportunities to nail-down first-team places has to be one.
“Also, seeing Jack Popham back week in week out, bowling back to his best, has been awesome to see, as has brother Tom back full time after a bad injury in 2025.”
Vanderbona made a half-century against Budleigh and was three runs short of another against Kilmington. Wilson, who had slightly less Saturday afternoon exposure, showed-up particularly well in T20 cricket. He averaged more than 40 and took 75 off 29 balls against Westleigh.
