It was a sunny, cool morning at Exmouth CC for the culmination of the Devon Women’s Softball League, rearranged from the weekend before due to rain.

After 32 teams had competed across six leagues, the division winners were meeting for the day to play off for the title of League Champions, held by Exmouth for the last two years.

Division Winners

North	West	Central East	East	South	Central
Holsworthy	Cornwood Delamore	Clyst St George	Exmouth East	Abbotskerswell	Exmouth Central

Unfortunately, Cornwood were unable to raise a team for the rearranged date for the Finals Day. Congratulations to them on their successful season!

After an unsuccessful search for a replacement, Finals Day was a showdown for the five remaining teams. Given the choice, the teams stuck to the original order with Cornwood removed.

The schedule looked as such

Pitch One	Pitch Two
Exmouth East vs Exmouth Central
Exmouth Central vs Abbotskerswell	Clyst St George vs Holsworthy
Exmouth East vs Abbotskerswell

With the dew cleared from the ground and Exmouth teams keen to go, the qualifying rounds were up and running.

Exmouth Central beat Exmouth East by 21 runs
Exmouth Central beat Abbotskerwell by 10 runs	Holsworthy beat Clyst St George by 23 runs
Abbotskerswell beat Exmouth East by 1 run

Once all the qualifying rounds were complete, the teams were presented with their division-winning certificates. Thanks were given to Exmouth for hosting, the groundskeeper and the club official involved in the day.

Playoff: 3rd/4th Clyst St George vs Abbotskerswell

Clyst St George and Abbotskerswell were set against each other in the 3rd/4th play-off. The qualifying games had all been so close and we were hoping that the same could be said for the finals. Winning the toss and choosing to bat, Clyst St George put on a total of 118 to chase, Ali West scoring a quick 30 off 17 balls.

With four wickets taken, Abbotskerswell were feeling confident. Steadily scoring and building the total, left Abbots needing 9 runs off the last over for the win. Ali West took the ball for the last over, keeping Abbots to 7 runs and just one run short of the bronze medal! What a game!

Final: Exmouth Central vs Holsworthy

With the reigning champions Exmouth through to the final against first-time finalists Holsworthy, there was all to play for. Winning the toss, Holsworthy chose to bowl. Holsworthy got off to a great start with regular wickets and tight fielding. Exmouth built a strong total, but lost 8 wickets and finished on 90.

Playing a sensible batting game, Holsworthy took advantage of the loose balls to score and run quick singles during the innings. With several overs to go, it looked like Holsworthy were in control and with screams of delight as the last ball was bowled, Holsworthy won the game by 30 runs and took the title of Devon Softball League Champions.

Congratulations to all the teams for having such a successful season. The Devon Cricket Foundation and the Devon Women’s Cricket League wish all teams a restful few months and look forward to seeing your teams in the indoor league.

If you would like to enter the DWSL or start a women’s softball section at your club, please contact Ann-Marie Presswell.