The Division Three promotion race could take another significant twist on Sunday as the top two both face important home fixtures, while Bradninch & Kentisbeare look to bounce back from their first defeat in several weeks.

League leaders Bovey Tracey continue to set the pace and will be looking to preserve their unbeaten record when they welcome Holsworthy.

Bovey have been the standout side in the division throughout the season, dropping just seven points as they have established themselves at the summit of the table. Last weekend they overcame Bradninch despite being without several key players, underlining the strength in depth that has been a hallmark of their campaign.

Captain Libby Hooper once again led from the front, producing a rapid half-century before making an impact with the ball to guide her side to victory. Her all-round performances have been central to Bovey’s impressive season and she will be hoping to inspire another success on home soil.

Holsworthy, meanwhile, remain in search of their first league victory but continue to show encouraging signs of progress with every outing.

Captain Hannah Steadman said:

“We’re looking forward to our first game away to Bovey Tracey. Each game we see a new improvement in our players, so it’ll be exciting to see how Sunday goes.”

While Bovey Tracey will deservedly start as favourites, Holsworthy will be hoping their continued development can translate into a performance capable of challenging the league leaders.

Just a few miles away, Ottery St Mary will be aiming to keep the pressure on Bovey when they host East Devon rivals Exmouth.

The league newcomers have enjoyed an outstanding debut campaign and currently occupy second place in the table. Another victory would ensure they remain firmly within touching distance of the leaders heading into the final weeks of the season.

Ottery have exceeded expectations in their first year at this level, combining youthful enthusiasm with consistent performances to establish themselves as genuine promotion contenders.

Exmouth, however, arrive full of confidence after recording a T20 victory earlier this week. They also ran Ottery close in the reverse fixture and will believe they have every chance of claiming a valuable result.

Exmouth team manager Jo Watson said:

“We had a close game with Ottery last time. The girls are full of confidence after their T20 win earlier in the week and are looking forward to the afternoon.”

With local bragging rights also at stake, another closely contested East Devon derby looks to be in store.

Elsewhere, Bradninch & Kentisbeare will be eager to return to winning ways when they welcome Chagford to Kensham Park.

The hosts were comfortable winners when the sides met earlier in the season and, despite seeing their winning run ended by Bovey Tracey last weekend, there was plenty to encourage captain Megan Acton.

“We’ve had a good season so far. No disgrace in losing last week – Bovey are a good side. There were lots of positives to take into this week and we had a really enjoyable game against Chagford last time around, so we’re hoping for the same. My girls can’t wait to get back on the field at Kensham Park.”

Bradninch’s bowlers will have one clear target in mind: overseas batter Lily Findlay. Findlay is the only Chagford player to have surpassed 100 league runs this season and has been the cornerstone of their batting line-up. An early breakthrough against the overseas star would hand the hosts a significant advantage.

Chagford, meanwhile, will be determined to produce an improved performance after losing the reverse fixture and will be looking to spring an upset against one of Division Three’s form teams.

With the promotion race intensifying, local bragging rights on the line and every point becoming increasingly valuable, Sunday’s trio of Division Three fixtures promises another fascinating afternoon of women’s cricket.

Divison 3 Fixtures 13:30 start

Bovey Tracey vs Holsworthy 

Ottery St Mary vs Exmouth 2's 

Bradninch & Kentisbere vs Chagford