Paignton still on a learning curve as Bovey prove too strong

By David Hammond

The eagerly anticipated week four duel between Alex Bevilaqua and Divyaansh Saxena lasted just 32 balls – all over when Paignton’s star batter dragged Bevilaqua on for just five.

Bovey Tracey had secured the first big blow of the Premier Division game and never really looked back on another sun-soaked day.

Harry Ward’s gritty 67 was much needed as Paignton cautiously progressed from 48-4 to 157 all out in 40.2 overs.

Opener Edward Foreman (45) played the admirable anchor in reply before Bevilaqua’s clean hitting 50 made the result a formality.

Bovey were home by five wickets in the 38th over, placing them second behind early leaders Cornwood.

Lots to take away again for Paignton, whose young team are still in that upward learning curve.

Both travel in week five. Paignton to Exmouth and Bovey to Instow to play winless North Devon.

Torquay move up to second in A Division thanks mainly to Ruan Terblanche’s mightily impressive 183 not out in a total of 300-6 at Thorverton. Chris Kelmere ably assisted again with 65.

Thorverton were second best all round and only managed 139 all out in reply. Harry Baxendale (4-32) and Passenger (3-18) the standout bowlers in a very satisfying day for Torquay.

Abbotskerswell lost at home by 41 runs to league leaders Kilmington, whose modest total of 163 proved more than enough. Abbots mustered only 122 all out in reply, off 26.4 overs.

Abbots seek their first win at Clyst St George on Saturday when Torquay have another good test at Exeter.

Barton lost for the second straight Saturday in B Division. Half centuries from Steve Lewis and Cephas Zhuwao helped them to 197 all out. But Sandford 2nds meticulously chased these down with 11 balls to spare for the loss of six wickets.

Ipplepen slipped to another defeat at the hands of Bovey Tracey 2nds. They are hoping Saturday’s short trip to Chudleigh will bring a much-needed first win. Barton travel to joint leaders Bridestowe.

Stoke Gabriel roll on and stay top of C Division West, clinically chasing down 143 to beat Plymouth 2nds at Mount Wise. Isaac Worthington took 6-24, before Justin Pringle hit a 50 ball 74, with 12 fours and two sixes, to see them quickly home by seven wickets within 18 overs.

Brixham won again, by 48 runs at Kingsbridge. Craig Eaves took 4-41 as the home side were bowled out for 144 in reply to Brixham’s 192-8.

Babbacombe slipped to a third straight loss. Cornwood 2nds’ 308-8 proved too much, and they eventually fell short by 105 runs.

It was a similar tale for Dartington and Totnes at home to Ashburton. Lloyd White scored 133 in Ashburton’s 304-3. Darts managing only 162 all out in reply.

Week five sees the fascinating clash between Stoke Gabriel and Brixham at Aish as Babbacombe host Darts at Walls Hill.

Teignmouth and Shaldon continued their great start with a two-wicket home win over Uplyme and Lyme Regis, to stay top of C Division East. Next up for them is Heathcoat 2nds at home.

South Devon lost for the first time in D Division West. By two wickets at home to Plymstock 2nds. This despite 2-22 and 74 from in-form Mike Smith.

Antony Thekkepalakkal took 5-3 then added 40 runs as Chelston and Kingskerswell finally got off the mark with a one wicket win over Hatherleigh 2nds. They are at Paignton 2nds on Saturday as South Devon go to Kenn.

And after Andy Hele’s century last week, another Barton hardy veteran has been throwing back the years. Dave Cadwallader scored 51 and took 4-10 in Barton 2nds’ 88-run win over Ivybridge 2nds at Cricketfield Road. All on his first outing of the summer!

Hear more local cricket on David Hammond’s radio show, South Devon Sports Scene, every Wednesday from 6pm on Riviera FM (107.9FM)