DEVON CRICKET LEAGUE 2025 - ROUND 18
1ST XI
The 1st XI were due to host champions elect, Hathereigh CC 1st XI, still needing a point to banish the threat of relegation and Hatherleigh needing just 5 for the title. With the weather having hit West Devon, “they think it’s all over”, well it was T&K safe and Hatherleigh up as champions – congratulations to Hatherleigh. It has to be noted some T&K players had started to drink before the match was officially called off. So for next season we lose Hatherleigh CC 1st XI, Tavistock CC 1st XI, Plympton CC 1st XI and Barton CC 1st XI. In their place are Heathcoat CC 1st XI (hopefully with their new pavilion), North Devon CC 1st XI, Budleigh Salterton CC 1st XI (with their new pavilion now fully functioning) and Ivybridge CC 1st XI.
2ND XI
The 2nd XI were to travel to take on Plymouth CC 2nd XI who were already promoted – the call to abort their journey west soon came. Next season they will lose Hatherleigh 2nd XI, Plymouth CC 2nd XI, Kenn CC 1st XI and Babbacombe CC 1st XI. In their place are Paignton CC 2nd Xi, Plymstock CC 2nd XI, Abbotskerswell CC 2nd XI and Tavistock CC 2nd XI.
3RD XI
The 3rd XI played host to North Molton CC 1st XI with both sides desperate to for differing reasons. Remarkably after taking an early team. Although the match only lasted 9 overs, it was mission accomplished for North Molton CC 1st XI – up as champions by just 1 points – congratulations to North Molton. Which division the 3rd XI will be playing in next season is currently unclear with the 4th XI already in H Division Central.
4TH XI
The 4th XI set sail to take on Teignmouth and Shaldon 3rd XI but no play was possible. So congratulations to Ollie Smith who proved the doom mongers with the 4th XI surviving the season after a few close shaves! Onwards and upwards as they say.
Player of the Day
Insufficient play.
Spectator Watch
Well he didn’t get to see any play but mention must be made of Nick Rogers the Chair of both the DCL and Hatherleigh CC, who made the trip down to the Rec on the “Booze Bus” – hope Sleepy had sufficient umpires for all the DCL fixtures! Its first stop on its way back apparently was the Devon Dumpling. A certain Mr Rogers couldn’t though remember when Hatherleigh CC 1st XI first got promoted to the top division of the DCL – Evo knew even without googling it!