IVYBRIDGE captain Josh Zimmerman believes the secret of his side’s success was NOT having a stand-out player.

A last-day wash-out of the second-against-third clash with Plymstock ensured the Bridge were promoted as runners-up behind Budleigh Salterton.

No individual batsman made more runs than Abraham Kopparambil (407), although there were three players queuing up behind him in the 300s: Tinashe Muchawaya, Harry Solomon and Harvey Johnson.

Zimbabwean pro Muchawaya (27wkts) did enough in the 12 games he played before going home early to top the bowling stats, but Adam Huxtable (22), Farzad Safi (16), Arthur Johnson (15) and Solomon (14) all turned in match-turning performances. Josh Coker (17) worked hard with the new ball.

Zimmerman said pride in each other’s achievements was also a huge part of the Filham Park success story.

“The team spirit and enjoyment that the group gets from each other's success is incredible,” said Zimmerman. 

“There hasn't been a stand out individual at all this year, which just shows the importance of every player who has laced-up. 

“The biggest game for us this year was the win away at Budleigh. That middle phase of the season was where the belief came from that we could kick on and get promoted, in what was an ultra-competitive division.”

Ivybridge snatched a four-run win over Budleigh, which emphasised their own promotion credentials.

Ivybridge have never played in the A Division before, so 2026 is going to be a new experience for most of the squad.

Zimmerman is confident there is development potential in the squad to become established in the next tier up.

“I keep saying we have a really young squad, but the lads are only going to get better,” said Zimmerman. “With a couple of additions, we hope to keep pushing our potential into next season.” 

Zimmerman admitted to some sympathy for long-time leaders Plymstock, who missed out completely. Ten games into the season they were 15 points clear of second-placed Budleigh and 34 ahead of Ivybridge in third.

Just two more wins in the next seven games derailed Plymstock’s attempt to return to the A Division at the first attempt.

"Plymstock will feel unlucky after the incredible first half of the season they had, but the table doesn't lie after a long season,” said Zimmerman.

"I'd expect them to be pushing for the promotion slots again next year.”

Tom Mitch, the Plymstock skipper, said missing out on the chance to catch Ivybridge was 'a frustrating way to end the season’.

Mitch added: “The day was set-up for a very good end of the season but it is what it is. 

“Our performances weren't good enough in the second half of the season – and that's the reason we came up short in the end.

“Plenty of positives throughout the year to build on moving forward.”