By OLLIE SMITH

CORNWOOD are the hosts for Sunday’s Tiflex Devon T20 Finals Day as Heathcoat, Paignton, Exeter, and Tavistock look to win the competition.

Tavistock have gained a reputation as this year’s big hitters; their lowest score of the competition was 187 against Plymouth in round one.

James White has been their main man when it comes to the shorter format. His scores read 43 from 17, 51 from 24, and 139 from 60 in the three matches played. He is comfortably the tournament’s top scorer with 233 runs. 

Tavistock also boast the joint leading wicket takers, too. Left-arm spinners Elliot Hamilton and Tom Clarke both have seven scalps. 

Sean Cleave knows where his side’s strength, and as the Premier Division’s new boys, who they’ve overcome too,.

“We haven’t had the easiest route to finals day, coming through three fully established top division sides, but throughout this competition we’ve played with complete freedom,” said Cleave.

“Batting first, we’ve posted some big totals and put some real pressure on the chasing teams.

“It’s out first appearance at finals day, and that’s something the lads should be proud of. We’ll embrace the occasion, enjoy the day, and back ourselves to play the style of cricket that has got us this far.”

In comparison, Paignton have only played one match in this year’s competition. A forfeiture from Sidmouth meant they played back-to-back champions Exmouth in the quarter-final.

A blistering century from Luke Medlock from just 42 balls set the Queen’s Park outfit up for a total of 232 for seven. Five wickets from Charlie Ward led his side to a 45-run win. 

Harry Ward is wary of the challenge opponents Tavistock bring.

“We’ve got Tavistock in the semi-final, and they’re a good, competitive outfit, so we’re expecting another tough game,” said Ward.

“Our chances probably depend on how much ‘juice’ gets consumed on Saturday night!”

Heathcoat go into finals day having only played one game; they were beneficiaries of a bye in round one and a Plympton forfeiture in round two.

Their quarter-final clash against Cullompton could have seen them stumble; however, 57 from Joe Parkinson and three wickets for Jamie Drew saw them win by 44 runs.

Captain Drew is excited for the challenge the day brings. “We’re looking forward to being at finals day, it’s the first time for a few years for us.”

Heathcoat’s opponents are Premier Division leaders, Exeter. Drew knows their opposition is the type of team his side wants to be playing.

“It will be good to face a Premier side, hopefully it can set the standard of where we would like to get back to,” said Drew.

“I think it’s fair to say we are probably the underdogs going into it, but we have some good young players who love a good T20; anyone can beat anyone in the shorter format.”

Exeter’s route to the semi-final has seen them beat two A Division sides after receiving a bye in round one.

A comfortable nine-wicket win over Bridestowe & Belstone led them to a quarter-final clash with Ivybridge. The outcome looks like it was one-way traffic, however the City Side did wobble to 55 for two before Devon duo Seb Linnitt (19no) and Sam Read (47no) put the afterburners on and secured an eight-wicket win.

Exeter’s strength has been in their bowling; they’ve not allowed their opponents to reach a total above seven an over. South African Cam Fraser has been a helping hand with this, he’s taken five for 18 across eight overs in two matches.

Finals Day schedule:

Exeter vs Heathcoat (Oak Park, 11am)

Paignton vs Tavistock (Delamore Park, 11am)

Final (Oak Park, 2pm)