Cornwood face crucial North Devon trip as survival fight tightens

North Devon v Cornwood

12.30pm – North Devon Cricket Club

What happened the last time the sides met

North Devon came away from Oak Park with a 72-run victory when the sides met earlier in the season.

Rose Ball led their batting effort with 79 as North Devon reached 212 for six from their 40 overs. Megan Snape chipped in with 32 and Lauren Bowden finished unbeaten on 42.

Cornwood did have their moments with the ball. Erica Upton took 2-34, while Imogen Garland and Charlotte Shutt also picked up wickets.

In reply, Cornwood were bowled out for 140. Captain Helly Simpson battled her way to 39, but Regina Lilii returned 3-11 and Megan Zieleniewicz 3-10 to make sure North Devon never lost control of the game.

This weekend’s game

North Devon have enjoyed plenty of individual success this season and Lilii has been right at the heart of it.

She goes into the weekend with 492 league runs – third in the Division One standings – as well as 13 wickets. Bowden has made 228 runs and Ball 207, while Snape has contributed 236 but will be unavailable for Sunday’s game.

North Devon will still have plenty of quality to call upon, with county age-group player Issy Ollis set to feature alongside Annie Townsend, who has Minor Counties experience with Berkshire.

Cornwood welcome back Keeley Willcock and Frankie Lee, who both missed the last game against Exmouth while enjoying a weekend at Boardmasters.

Keira De Villiers has been one of Cornwood’s main threats with the ball this season, taking 10 wickets with best figures of 3-25.

Cornwood captain Helly Simpson says the aim is simple – put as much pressure on Exmouth as possible before the final weekend.

“We’re heading up to North Devon with the aim of winning and putting as much pressure on Exmouth as possible.

“Worst-case scenario, we need to come away with plenty of bonus points so that our destiny is still in our own hands going into the final game of the season against Exmouth.”

What is at stake

Cornwood begin the weekend 18 points behind Exmouth, so every point matters now.

A win in North Devon would give them the best possible chance of closing the gap, particularly with Exmouth facing title-chasing Plymouth at The Maer.

Even if Cornwood cannot get the result they want, collecting as many bonus points as possible could still prove vital and help ensure that the final-day meeting with Exmouth remains decisive.

North Devon, meanwhile, still have a mathematical route to the title, although they need a big finish themselves and plenty to fall their way elsewhere.