Division Three Preview: Promotion race heats up as unbeaten Bovey face Bradninch test
There is a full programme of fixtures in Division Three this weekend, with the standout clash seeing reigning champions Bradninch & Kentisbeare host unbeaten league leaders Bovey Tracey. Elsewhere, Chagford welcome Ottery St Mary, while Exmouth Seconds entertain Holsworthy in another intriguing encounter.
Bradninch & Kentisbeare v Bovey Tracey
Champions look to halt unbeaten leaders
Bradninch & Kentisbeare moved up to second place last weekend after being awarded 20 points following Chagford’s concession. They will be eager to gain revenge on Bovey Tracey, who recorded a comfortable victory when the sides met just three weeks ago. However, the visitors have been the benchmark side in Division Three this season, remaining unbeaten and looking every inch promotion contenders as they aim to extend their lead at the top.
Bovey Tracey head into the contest with a perfect record, having won all six of their league fixtures this season. However, it was far from straightforward last weekend as they were pushed all the way by bottom-of-the-table Holsworthy, eventually scraping home by just two wickets. Evie Lockett’s composed 32 provided the backbone of the chase before Lily Colwill struck the winning runs to preserve Bovey Tracey’s unbeaten start to the campaign.
Looking ahead to this weekend’s fixture, Bradninch & Kentisbeare captain Megan Acton said:
“It was my birthday last weekend and, although we didn’t actually play, it was still nice to get the 20 points as part of the celebrations!
“Looking ahead to Bovey Tracey, we know they’re probably the best side in the league and we’ll have to be at our very best to beat them. However, I have maximum faith in my girls, and we’ve got a very strong side out. Hopefully we can upset the apple cart, put some pressure on them in the promotion race and make it a really good game.”
Bovey Tracey team manager Jim McCauley said:
“It’s fantastic to still be unbeaten at this stage of the season, and hopefully we can take another step towards promotion on Sunday at Bradninch & Kentisbeare.
“However, we certainly won’t be complacent. We know Bradninch are a very good side and we’ll have to go out there and play our best cricket, just as we have all season. If we can do that, hopefully we’ll still be sitting at the top of the table come the end of the day.”
Chagford v Ottery St Mary
Moorlanders seek response against impressive newcomers
Chagford welcome league newcomers Ottery St Mary on Sunday, with the hosts looking to bounce back after being forced to concede last weekend’s fixture due to a lack of player availability. The Moorland side will be determined to get their season back on track with a positive result against an Ottery team enjoying an impressive debut campaign.
Sunday’s contest will also be a landmark occasion, as it will be the first-ever league meeting between the two clubs, adding an extra layer of intrigue to what promises to be an entertaining encounter.
Ottery St Mary have acquitted themselves superbly in their debut season, winning four of their six league matches to establish themselves as genuine promotion contenders. They will be looking to return to winning ways after last weekend’s defeat at Exmouth Seconds. Captain Abbie Sullivan led by example in that match with a brisk half-century and will once again be hoping to inspire her side from the front as they look to bounce back immediately.
Exmouth Seconds v Holsworthy
Visitors eye first win after encouraging display
In the third Division Three fixture of the weekend, Holsworthy make the long trip to the Maer to take on Exmouth Seconds. Although still searching for their first league win of the season, Holsworthy travel to the East Devon coast full of confidence after pushing league leaders Bovey Tracey all the way before narrowly losing by just two wickets last weekend.
Exmouth Seconds come into the game having toppled Ottery St Mary in last weekend’s East Devon derby. The victory featured a superb 125-run partnership between Amelie Watson and Eloise Escott, while Holly Strode starred with the ball, claiming three wickets with the new ball. Exmouth will be looking to carry that momentum into Sunday’s fixture as they continue to push up the Division Three table.
Holsworthy team manager Hannah Steadman said:
“As I said last week, we’re seeing week-on-week improvement from our side, and we showed that by pushing Bovey Tracey all the way last weekend. We’re aiming to build on that performance against Exmouth this week and hopefully come away with a positive result.
“There’s also a bit of sibling rivalry in the squad at the moment, with Layla and Freya Godfrey both tied on nine wickets for the season. It’ll be interesting to see which one can edge ahead this weekend!”
Exmouth team manager Jo Watson said:
“There’s a fantastic atmosphere around the club after last Sunday’s victory. We’re looking forward to being back on home turf this weekend, and we’re looking forward to a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon welcoming Holsworthy.”
With both sides full of confidence for different reasons, Sunday’s clash promises to be an entertaining contest. Exmouth will be aiming to build on last week’s derby success, while Holsworthy will be hoping their recent improvements can finally be rewarded with a first league victory of the season
