By OLLIE SMITH
BIDEFORD’S John Weeks racked up his 300th consecutive Devon Cricket League game on Saturday and marked the occasion by hitting the winning runs in front of a home crowd.
A mainstay on the team sheets at Westward Ho! for 17 years now, Weeks has primarily been involved in the 2nd XIs. In the post-Covid years he took on a captaincy role.
Weeks’ top score for the 2nd XI is 114, a feat he reached whilst leading the side away to North Devon’s 3rd XI in 2023. In that match he shared a 181-run opening stand with Andrew Webbe as Bideford racked up a 188-run win.
An occasional wicket-keeper, and on even rarer occasions, a bowler, Weeks’ all-round talents have been invaluable to the side. His finest moment with the ball came in the Covid-affected year, taking four for 17 away to Braunton’s 2nd XI. Weeks scarcely bowled himself when in charge of the side, however.
As for Saturday’s game, Bideford, who are attempting to keep up with long-time leaders North Molton, hosted Sandford 3rd XI.
Sandford elected to bat first, however lost both openers for first-ball ducks. A resilient 40 no from Rob Stoyle saved face, as they limped to 98 all out. Five bowlers took two wickets each, pick of the bunch was Steve Bond, whose six overs cost only 13 runs.
Glyn Baker did his best to make a game out of it, he took two for ten from his allotted overs. Removing openers Andrew Webbe (17) and veteran James Ford (10). Jack James continued the trend of taking a brace of wickets, as he took the next two wickets to fall, including Bideford captain James Greenleaf for a single run.
At 44 for four, Bieford could have considered themselves in trouble, however Weeks and Sandun Arachchige (10no) turned things round.
Almost fittingly, Weeks was the decider; his 28 not out was his side’s top score. Twenty-six extras helped them along the way. Weeks hit a single to secure the 20-point win and strengthen his side’s grip on second place in the F Division Central.
Bideford club captain, Jack Ford, heaped praise on Weeks’ contribution to the club,
“Weeksy’s feat of 300 consecutive Devon League appearances is nothing short of a magnificent milestone for himself. He is a true clubman and epitomises everything that our club is about.
“For a lot of those 300 games he was second-team captain, and I can personally talk about the brilliant job he did in that role.”
“For many years, he nurtured and brought through a lot of youngsters into senior cricket, and most are still playing first team at our club which shows his impact.”
“Here’s to 300 more!”
