There were warnings of rain in places for week three of the Tolchards Devon Cricket League. As it turned out, certain areas of the county fared better than others. The Plymouth area was probably the unluckiest, with most games interrupted and several abandoned thanks to heavy downpours.
Torbay seemingly escaped the severest rain, allowing for a baffling end to a gripping run-chase at Queens Park, where defending Premier Division champions Sandford beat Paignton by two wickets.
Rain delayed the latter stages of the Paignton innings, which halted at an encouraging 167-8 from 40 overs, captain Noah Wright top scoring with a determined 39.
Harry Ward retired not out after being struck on the helmet by pacy Exeter University student, and Northants contracted, Raphael Weatherall. More of a precaution than an injury.
Set 173 to win from 40 overs, Sandford got it down to needing eight runs from four overs when, at 7.25pm, umpires Pitman and Clark invited the teams to shake hands and the game was over. Bewildered spectators were soon informed that Paignton had not bowled their overs in enough time and had incurred an instant 24-run penalty. Game to Sandford.
Sandford had Jack Ford’s skilfully patient 75 not out to thank for the win which keeps them top. More reflection for Paignton on what might have been.
Bovey Tracey’s 119 all out was not enough at Heathcoat. The home side patiently chased down their revised total of 95 to win for the loss of two wickets.
Week four sees Paignton travel to Exeter and Bovey host Exmouth.
In the A Division, Torquay and Kingskerswell had a winning opportunity snatched away by the West Devon cloudbursts. They bowled Plymstock out for 122, Aaron Hearn taking 3-14, but did not get back on to start their reply.
Abbotskerswell slipped to a third straight loss as Bridestowe reached their revised target (110) with 10 overs to spare, for the loss of five wickets.
Torquay and Kingskerswell play in-form Thorverton at The Rec on Saturday. Abbots are at Tavistock.
The B Division also had its share of adjusted targets. Bovey Tracey 2nds inflicting a first defeat on Barton by six wickets, with five balls to spare.
Ipplepen could not seize the final wicket they needed to beat Cullompton and slip to two losses from three games.
Top of the league after three early wins are Stoke Gabriel. They beat Teignmouth and Shaldon by nine wickets in another stop/start affair at Hazeldown Oval. Jack Tolley took 3-11 in Teigns’ 96-6, from a truncated 20 overs. Michael Meech (55) and Justin Pringle (61) guided Stoke safely home with three overs to spare.
This Saturday, Stoke Gabriel host Bideford, Littleham and Westward Ho! Barton are at home to Teignmouth and Shaldon and Ipplepen travel to Budleigh Salterton.
In C Division West, Brixham have serious batting worries after recording their third straight total under 100. Ashburton posted 236-7 at North Boundary Road, which proved more than enough given current form, Brixham mustering only 81 in reply.
South Devon were on the wrong end of a 96-run defeat at Kingsbridge. Paignton 2nds’ game at Yelverton lasted only 35 overs. Opener Brenton Pedley hit 92 in Paignton’s 195-6 before the rain proved too much.
South Devon take on Brixham in Newton Abbot on Saturday, with Paignton 2nds at home to Sandford 2nds and top of the league Ashburton are at home to Cornwood 2nds.
In D Division West, Tim Goodwin was the toast of Walls Hill as Babbacombe made it three wins from three in beating Hatherleigh 2nds by 102 runs. Goodwin scored 84 before taking 4-8 to help bowl out the visitors for 76.
Dartington and Totnes lost at home to Abbotskerswell 2nds by 124 runs. Babbacombe are at Abbotskerswell 2nds next, when Darts visit Plymstock 2nds.
H Division Central saw wins for Cockington based St. Marychurch Old Boys and Kingskerswell based Torquay and Kingskerswell 3rds.
Overseas player Justin Pringle stunned the Stoke Gabriel with an extraordinary innings that helped his new club to a dominant 153-run victory at Plymouth 2nds in the Corinthian Cup on Sunday.
Pringle boshed his way to a brutal 128 runs from 48 balls, including an immense 17 sixes. His innings also included the Holy Grail of batting, six sixes scored in just one over.
Michael Meech (51 no) and Abhishek Anand (48) also played their role in the Stoke total of 251/2. Plymouth, in reply, were bowled out for 98. Bowling attacks across Devon be warned: Justin Pringle has arrived!