The Title Race

The race was on for the Divisions One, Two and Three titles. However, the great British summer struck again, as rain swept across the county, making those much-needed wins even harder to come by.

Division One

With Plymouth and North Devon level on points, the title race would come down to bonus batting and bowling points if both sides secured a win.

Plymouth hosted Taunton Deane for their final game of the season. After winning the toss, Plymouth chose to bowl. Taunton Dean struggled to find momentum throughout their innings from the get-go, with Megan Clark top scoring with 14 runs, until eventually they found themselves all bowled out for 45 runs off 15 overs. Maggie Haffenden, Piper Haffenden, and Sophie Brandom all claimed three wickets to their name. Plymouth’s chase got off to a shaky start as Iona Pennington fell first ball to Amy Farr, but Beth Hall (16*) and Jemima Johnson (20*) steadied the innings, guiding their side to victory inside 8 overs.

It was an all important game for North Devon, who hosted Cornwood. The away side won the toss and chose to bat first. The visitors got off to a rocky start, finding themselves 17 for 4 off just 6 overs. Before the seventh over could be bowled, the rain swept in, causing a delay in play. In the end, the game was abandoned, with the weather taking control of the game.

All other Division One games that were due to play were cancelled due to weather.

This leaves Plymouth clear at the top of the table and Division One Champions!

Division Two

Hatherleigh took on Exeter for a rearranged fixture on the 24th of August. Hatherleigh won the toss, choosing to field first, Exeter took the crease. Iris Woodward was the star of the show, scoring an impressive 63* to help her side reach 153 runs for 8 at the end of their innings. Hatherleigh lost two early wickets, but batters Olivia Cooper (37), Jess Rose (39*), and Kirsty Hambley (36*) stayed put to see their side to victory. This saw Hatherleigh sit top of the table, with all games played.

Exmouth’s clash with Plympton shook up the Division Two table. Put into bat, Exmouth battled to 97-9 with Sasha Gerrick (20) and E Escott (13) chipping in, while Plympton’s Evie Pitman and Bella Greenwood claimed three wickets apiece. Defending a low total, Exmouth’s bowlers rose to the challenge. Nadine Gillespie produced a brilliant five-wicket haul, supported by Jasmyne Watson with 4 wickets, and a sharp run out from Beth Holmes and Sasha Gerrick, as Plympton were dismissed for 44 inside 15 overs.

Exmouth sit at the top of the table, for now, but with Plympton due to take on Bovey Tracey still to come, it’s all to play for the Division Two title.

Division Three

Holsworthy was dry enough to host Chagford. Winning the toss, Chagford elected to bat first. Grace Lewis (33) and Maisie Barr (21) led the batting charge, ending their innings on 115 runs for 6 off their 30 overs. Layla Godfrey starred with the ball, taking three wickets in the bowling attack. In return, the home side got off to a rocky start, losing early wickets. Terina Ellacott (11) and Andrea Philips (25) were able to stick around and add some runs to the total, but in the end it wasn’t enough, as they ended up 73 all out.

Rain stopped play for Exmouth vs Clyst St George, with the game cancelled before a ball could be bowled.

Despite the lack of cricket, this meant that Clyst St George had defended their lead at the top of the table, becoming the champions of Division Three.

This weekend, Plympton vs Bovey Tracey play the decider for the Division Two title. Can Plympton claim the points they need?