The washout of a cricketing weekend provides a perfect opportunity to reflect on the Tolchards Devon Cricket League season so far and look forward to six more weeks of intense competition.
Sandford have a commanding lead of 25 points in the Premier Division, with reigning champions Bradninch & Kentisbeare heading a chasing pack that also includes Cornwood, Sidmouth and Heathcoat.
At the wrong end of the table, it has been a difficult year for North Devon, who have picked up only two wins in their bi-centennial season. Plympton occupy the second relegation spot but are only five points behind Paignton. Bovey Tracey and Exmouth could also be sucked into the survival scrap, which means all ten clubs have plenty still to play for.
Sandford at home to B&K on August 5 could be a decisive fixture in the title race, while North Devon’s trip to Bovey Tracey on the same day is potentially their last chance to begin the climb away from the bottom.
Exeter have lost only once in the A Division and probably need just three more victories to secure promotion to the top flight. Torquay have been almost as impressive in second place but their 14-point lead over third-placed Hatherleigh means there is still work to do. Kilmington, after a great start to the campaign, still have hope in fourth.
The A Division survival fight has Clyst St George three points behind Budleigh Salterton at the bottom. However, Tavistock and Abbotskerswell are both very catchable. Budleigh host Clyst on Saturday and a must-win game for both teams.
Bridestowe hold a seven-point lead over Bideford / Littleham / Westward Ho! in the B Division, with Plymstock a further 11 points behind. Seaton, sadly, are enduring another tough campaign following their relegation last term and will need to pick up wins fast if they are to catch Ipplepen and Sandford 2nds.
C Division East looks like a straight shoot-out between Braunton and Teignmouth & Shaldon for the title. Ottery St Mary are 19 points back in third and will need a minor miracle to gatecrash the promotion spots. Two from Shobrooke Park, Exmouth 2nds and North Devon 2nds are likely to go down.
Stoke Gabriel are well clear in C Division West, with Ivybridge and Brixham fighting for the next promotion place. Dartington & Totnes and Babbacombe look a little cut adrift at the bottom.
Exeter 2nds have an 11-point lead over Budleigh Salterton 2nds in D Division East but Upottery are only two points further back. Budleigh host Upottery on August 19 and a potential promotion decider. Feniton are almost gone at the bottom, having won just once in 12 games.
Unbeaten Paignton 2nds have complete control of D Division West, with South Devon and Plymstock 2nds battling it out for second place. Kenn and Ivybridge 2nds occupy the bottom two places.
Sidbury and Sidmouth 3rds both look in serious trouble in E Division East but, incredibly, the top five teams are separated by just eight points. Ottery St Mary 2nds have a slender lead at the top but B&K 2nds, Honiton, Braunton 2nds and Woodbury & Newton St Cyres all still have a chance of winning the league.
Plymouth Civil Service and Roborough CC virtually have the job done at the top of E Division West and Cullompton 2nds are enjoying a similar position of control in F Division East. Stokeinteignhead and Paignton 3rds are on course for promotion from F Division West.
Newton Tracey have suffered only one loss at the top of G Division East but the battle for second still involves Whimple 2nds, Seaton 2nds, Filleigh and Cheriton Fitzpaine. Stoke Gabriel 2nds and Brixham 2nds share a healthy lead in G Division West.
Sandford 3rds are a dominant 33 points clear of Devon Medics & Cranbrook in H Division East. Ivybridge 3rds have been the top side in H Division West for much of the campaign, while Topsham St James 2nds and Exwick 2nds are battling it out for glory in H Division Central.
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