Harry Ward - runs for Paignton in the win over Bovey<br>credit: Photo: Gerry Hunt

PAIGNTON 2nd XI cleared the first hurdle in the Aaron Printers Cup when they won a nail-biter against Bovey Tracey 2nd XI by eight runs.

Opener Harry Ward batted through for an unbeaten 58 on Paignton’s total of 139 for seven. A stand of 56 with Luke Medlock (26) underpinned the innings.

Bovey’s frontline bowlers were miserly enough – Jeremy Christophers (1-14) and Will Christophers (1-10) were hard to get away  - but the back-up bowling suffered.

Ash Treeby with a conventional 25, and Dan Green with a rapid 55 off 29 balls, got Bovey up to 127 for eight with an over to go from Luke Medlock (2-22).

Thirteen to win proved too many as Bovey were held to 131 for nine in reply.

Charlie Ward (3-16) led the bowling effort for Paignton. Sam Woodcock (2-20) and Tom Blundell (2-12) all chipped in.

ABBOTSKERSWELL hurtled to an eight-wicket win over Babbacombe in their first-round tie.

Babbacombe were bogged down from the start by Charlie Dowling (1-9), Alex Birt (2-5) and Nick Watkin (0-12). Skipper Rob Redding’s 35 not out off 54 balls got them up to 86 for six.

James Westlake (44) and Sam Carpenter (17) knocked off the first 55 needed, leaving Charlie Smout-Cooper (13no) and Dowling (10no) to tie up the loose ends.

SHALDON Optimists were 119-run winners at South Devon after piling up a hefty total of 201 for five.

The big stand of the innings was one of 77 for the third wicket between Christian King (44) and skipper Todd Ballman (36). Ruben Minnaar (33) and Richard Fisher (25) chipped in either side.

South Devon’s bowling was undistinguished, although Toby Goodman (1-24) and David Lear (2-29) bowled respectable spells.

South Devon were bowled out for 82 in reply. No one made more than Lear (13).

Wickets were shared between five bowlers. Brett Humphries (3-16) was the most successful.

CHELSTON & Kingskerswell were involved in the chase of the round at Torquay, where the home side made 164 for five.

Lucas Grierson hit an unbeaten 105 for Chelston & Kingskeswell, who won with four balls to spare.