Exmouth vs Plymouth 23 August

Missy Banks hit a superb unbeaten 150 as Plymouth brushed aside Exmouth to set up a winner-takes-all title clash with Exeter on the final day of the Tolchards Devon Women’s League Division One season.

Plymouth’s 191-run win leaves them just one point behind leaders Exeter going into the final round on September 6, when the top two meet at the County Ground.

Exeter have 142 points and Plymouth 141, so the equation is simple — whoever wins will be crowned Division One champions.

At the other end of the table, Exmouth remain fifth on 60 points, 17 clear of bottom side Cornwood. The two meet at the Maer on the final day, with Exmouth needing only a handful of points to make absolutely sure of staying up.

Banks leads Plymouth recovery

Plymouth could hardly have made a worse start, losing Molly Kerry and Darcey Boote inside the opening eight deliveries to slip to 1-2.

Captain Banks (pictured)  joined Claire Varcoe and the pair rebuilt the innings with a crucial third-wicket stand of 123. Varcoe made 39 from 56 balls with five fours, while Banks settled in and gradually took

Their partnership carried Plymouth to 124 before Varcoe was caught by Sasha Gerrick off Jasmyne Watson in the 21st over.

Banks batted through the rest of the innings and kept Plymouth moving. Iona Pennington made 14 before Lucy Hulbert added some late momentum with 22 from 19 balls, including four boundaries.

Banks remained there until the end, finishing on a magnificent 150 not out from 118 balls, with 20 fours, as Plymouth reached 310 for seven from their 40 overs.

Watson was Exmouth’s most successful bowler with three for 63, while Bethany Holmes took two for 41.

Humphreys leads Exmouth resistance

 

Faced with 311 to win, Exmouth lost their first wicket with the score on 17 when Sasha Gerrick was lbw to Sophie Brandom for 12.

Holly Evans followed at 28 before Lucy Humphreys (pictured)  and Watson tried to steady the innings.

Humphreys provided Exmouth’s main resistance, making 40 from 84 balls with six fours, but once she was caught by Piper Haffenden off Varcoe with the score on 87, Plymouth were firmly in control.

Exmouth reached 101 for four before losing two wickets without adding a run, with Haffenden dismissing Eloise Escott and Varcoe removing Laila Escott.

The lower order could not recover and Exmouth were bowled out for 119 in 33.1 overs.

Varcoe completed an excellent all-round game with three for 15 from eight overs, including three maidens. Haffenden took three for 33, while Brandom returned two for 19 from eight overs, also with three maidens.
 

Title on the line at Exeter

The result sets up a huge final day, with Exeter leading Plymouth by a single point and Paignton and North Devon now out of the title race.

Missy Banks said: “We’ve given ourselves an incredible opportunity going into the final game, but we know exactly how tough the challenge will be against an excellent Exeter side.

“To have such a young squad — with only two players over the age of 19 — competing for back-to-back titles in such a competitive league says everything about the character, commitment and togetherness of this group.

“It’s also a credit to the strength of the league that four teams were still in the title race until the penultimate round.

“We’ll go there with confidence from our recent performances, enjoy the occasion, give absolutely everything for each other, and hopefully come away with the result we’ve worked so hard all season to earn.”

For Exmouth, the final day brings a different kind of challenge. They face Cornwood knowing only a handful of points are needed to secure their Division One place for next season.

Jasmyne Watson said: “Although we are disappointed with the result, we are looking forward to putting in a good performance against Cornwood.

“We have a great young team and we are keen to stay in Division One to progress our game and abilities through the exposure of playing against well-established teams higher in the table.”

For Plymouth, everything now comes down to one game and a chance to defend their title.

Chris Sleep Reporting