Division One
THE top flight ‘match of the day' at Bideford went very much the way of leaders North Devon who left with a 121 run and a ringing endorsement as to their Title credentials from Bideford Secretary Paul Argyle, who said: “That's the title for them for my money, on the day they completely dominated all aspects of the game from first ball to last, we were very much second best and should they go on and claim the crown then they will be worthy champions in my book”.
Not for the first time this season Stuart Rhodes ‘made hay whilst the sun shone', as he plundered a magnificent 172, and innings only ended when he attempted a 173rd run only to be run out following a wonderful throw to the stumps from the deep by Dan Bowser. Warren Miller (29) and Dan Pickard (20) were the only other batsmen into double figures such was the Rhodes dominance. Alec Hodges and Luke Kerr both claimed two wickets for Bideford who were then bowled out for 155 with only number seven bat Keith Bettis providing any real resistance with 33 as Matt Westaway grabbed a ‘fivefer from nine superb overs that saw him return figures of 5-24 including the prize ‘scalp' of Sam Hughes. The Instow men are now two games and two wins short of taking the title they last won in 2001, Newton Tracey still have a ‘say' – however, in what are just five weeks left of the campaign Tracey have five games still to play and five wins would see the Title go to them.
There was no action at Filleigh owing to North Molton being unable to raise an XI – one of four Clubs, who chose not to fulfill a fixture on Matchday 18 of the season. This was all the more disappointing as North Molton are the reigning Champions of the North Devon League.
Division Two
HIGH drama – of the unwanted kind – at Keynsham Park where Bradninch where hosting a Mid Devon ‘derby' against Shobrooke Park. During the first innings two visiting players collided in the field, one was knocked unconscious and an ambulance had to be called and the other, whilst not needing hospital treatment suffered a nasty knee injury and was unable to take any further part in the game. Bradninch were batting when Nigel Hoskins and Ben McFarlane collided, the latter was, for a time, out cold, and an ambulance had to be called to take him the Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital. The game went the way of the 100% leaders Bradninch who posted a total of 236-5, Gary Chappell being out one short of a century, Ross Acton hit an unbeaten 42 and Dan Hardy made 37, Pete Rose claimed a couple of wickets for Shobrooke who had to bat with nine men and they were bowled out for 167, Pete Turner top scoring with 64.
Victoria Park might have surrendered their unbeaten record last week but they bounced back in some style seven days later putting Barnstaple & Pilton II to the sword dishing out a 244 run defeat to the visiting side. Batting first Park plundered a total of 322 and then bowled out Barum for just 78. Mark Bettis hit a superb 106 whilst both Paul Tuson and Adam Oliver registered scores of 43, Parks innings closed on 322 and then Mike Cashmore's right arm seamers claimed 6-30 as Barum were shot out for 78.
Heathcoat were another side to be bowled out for a sub hundred total. Hosts Westleigh scored 21 with James Ford leading the way with 84, James Tythcott chipped in with 76, three wickets for both Sean Dick and Justin Williams but then Heathcoat were bowled out for 67, Richard Pearson claiming a magnificent seven wicket haul, ending with figures of 7-14 in nine overs.
Division Three
FILLEIGH II were another side to boast a centurion on the day as they won at Filleigh thanks to17 year old Jas Kalsi's unbeaten 102, Kalsi and Martin Bailey (47) added 121 for the 7th wicket in a total of 285-7.
Hatherleigh beat visiting Sandford II by three wickets in a thrilling game. The visitors scored 235-9 led by Pete Whitby with 81 and Chris Theedom (33), Rob Fishleigh took 3-53 and Richard Tidball 3-40 for the home side who replied with 237-7, Gareth Tidball hitting an unbeaten 109 and Daisy Barnes, a half centurion last time out, again amongst the runs with 33, Richard Tidball also chipped in with 22.
North Devon II beat Holsworthy by 16 runs at Instow.
Division Four
BLACK Torrington couldn't raise an XI for their game at Bratton Fleming II but there was action at Lynton & Lynmouth II where Shebbear were the visitors.
Shebbear ended any relegation worries with a 20 run win at Lynton & Lynmouth. Andy Bryan hit an unbeaten 84 in his sides 195-7, two wickets for Hugh Stockhill who then top scored with an unbeaten 37, Tristan Jones hit 30 but the home side could only close on 175-7.
Division Five
TWO of the bottom three met at Braunton and it was Kelseymen who came out on top beating Barnstaple & Pilton III by nine wickets.
Bill Sobey cracked an impressive 120 in Newton Tracey II's 298 that was answered by visitors North Devon III with 148.
Division Six
THE Sunday game at Ilfracombe II where Bradninch II were the visitors never saw a ball bolwed in anger as Bradninch II cried off, unable to raise a side.
Leaders and 100% Weare Giffard are just two games and two wins from claiming the Division Six crown in their first season of League cricket. Lee Huxtable once again led the way with a typical 89, Michael Heddon (82) and 16 year old James Tillier who hit a maiden half century for the Club, also chipped in as the innings closed on a whopping 340-8, Nomansland had a centurion of their own, Chris Coles hit his first ever century with 108 but that was exactly 50% of the sides total as they closed on 216, Ian Drury claiming 3-8 from eight overs.
There was one Saturday game in Division Six, that at Ilfracombe II where North Molton took the points after a scoring 118 and then bowling out the hosts for 57, the home side could only play with nine men for much of the match as two of their number were called away to duty at the local Fire Station !