Chris Sleep Reporting. 
 

NEWLY CROWNED CHAMPIONS BID FOR AN UNBEATEN SEASON: 

Bovey Tracey can head into Sunday’s home game with Exmouth 2nd XI knowing the hard work is already done.

Eight wins from eight have been enough to wrap up the Tolchards Devon Women’s League Division Three title with two matches still to play, and Bovey will now have the chance to enjoy their first home game since being confirmed as champions.

There is still plenty to sort out behind them. Ottery St Mary and Bradninch & Kentisbeare meet in a game which could go a long way towards deciding second place, while Holsworthy and Chagford renew a contest which produced a low-scoring battle first time around.

Bovey Tracey v Exmouth 2nd XI

Recreation Ground | Sunday 23 August | 1.30pm

Bovey’s record speaks for itself: eight games, eight wins and 146 points.

A big part of that success has been the form of Olive McCauley, who has been outstanding with the bat. She leads the Division Three run-scoring with 343 runs from six innings at an average of 85.75.

Her highest score of 121 not out was also a special personal landmark, as it was her first century in open adult cricket.

McCauley has had plenty of support. Amelie Webber has made 221 runs at 36.83, including an unbeaten 80, while Emily Martin has scored 160 runs at 53.33, with a best of 95 not out.

That kind of depth has been one of Bovey’s biggest strengths all summer.

There is still something for them to chase, too. With the title secured, the next target is an unbeaten league season.

Exmouth arrive at the Recreation Ground fifth in the table on 65 points from seven matches, just three behind Holsworthy, and with more games left than most of the sides around them.

Holly Strode has been one of their main threats with the ball, taking 10 wickets at an average of 9.90, with best figures of 3 for 3.

She and the rest of the Exmouth attack now face the toughest batting line-up in the division, while Bovey will be keen to make sure the celebrations are not spoiled on home soil.

What happened last time?

This is the first league meeting between the two sides this season, with the return fixture due to be played at Exmouth on 13 September.

For Bovey, Sunday is therefore less about looking back and more about continuing what has already been a superb campaign.

Bradninch & Kentisbeare v Ottery St Mary

Kensham Park | Sunday 23 August | 1.00pm

If the title race is over, the battle for second certainly is not.

Ottery St Mary go into the weekend second on 105 points from eight matches, seven ahead of Bradninch & Kentisbeare, who have 98 from nine.

The key difference is that this is Bradninch’s final league game, while Ottery still have Chagford to play in September.

That makes Sunday a big one for both sides.

Bradninch have had a number of strong individual seasons, none more so than Yvonne Jackson. She has scored 207 runs at an average of 51.75 and also leads the Division Three bowling with 15 wickets at 12.00, including best figures of 6 for 15.

Emma Farley has made 176 runs, including a century, Fi Moran has scored 169 at 42.25, and Meg Acton has added 162.

Ottery have their own all-rounder in fine form in Abbie Sullivan, who has scored 140 runs and taken 13 wickets at an average of just 7.77.

Lily Harlond has taken another 10 wickets and Alice Gregory nine, so Ottery are not short of options with the ball either.

What happened last time?

There was hardly anything between the two teams when they met earlier in the season.

Ottery made 102 for nine from their 30 overs, before Bradninch & Kentisbeare finished on 97 for six, leaving Ottery winners by just five runs.

It was one of the tightest games in the division this season and there is every chance the return could be just as close.

A Bradninch win would give them the best possible chance of finishing second, while Ottery know another victory would leave them in a very strong position to secure the runners-up spot.

Chagford v Holsworthy

Chagford Cricket Club | Sunday 23 August | 1.30pm

Chagford and Holsworthy meet again with both sides looking to finish the season strongly.

Holsworthy sit fourth on 68 points from eight games, three ahead of Exmouth 2nd XI.

Chagford are sixth after 31 penalty points were deducted during the season, although that position does not tell the full story of some of their performances on the field.

Lily Finlay has been one of the best batters in the division, scoring 237 runs at an average of 33.86, with a highest score of 68.

She has also taken nine wickets, with best figures of 4 for 15, while Brianna Barlow-Endacott has picked up eight wickets at an average of 11.50.

Holsworthy also have plenty of wicket-taking threat. Freya Godfrey has taken 12 wickets, while Layla Godfrey has 11 at an average of 8.91.

What happened last time?

The first meeting was a real bowlers’ game.

Chagford were bowled out for 95, with Finlay making 32. Jodie Gardener was the pick of the Holsworthy attack with 4 for 13.

Chagford then turned the game around with the ball.

Brianna Barlow-Endacott took 4 for 11 as Holsworthy were dismissed for 70, giving Chagford a 25-run win.

That result will give the home side plenty of confidence going into Sunday, while Holsworthy will be keen to turn the tables and strengthen their hold on fourth place.

Plenty still to play for

Bovey Tracey may already have the title in the bag, but there is still enough at stake to make Sunday an interesting afternoon across Division Three.

For Bovey, the aim is now to keep a perfect season going. For Ottery and Bradninch, second place remains very much up for grabs, while Holsworthy and Exmouth still have their own battle further down the table.

The champions have been crowned, but there is still some cricket left to settle the rest.