North Devon vs Cornwood 

Kate Williams scored her first Devon Women’s League century as North Devon piled up 280 for five before completing a 93-run victory over Cornwood in Division One.

Williams finished exactly 100 not out from 107 balls, hitting 14 fours, on a hot afternoon which also saw North Devon use the game as an opportunity to give some of their younger players valuable exposure to Division One cricket.

For Williams, though, the day was all about finally reaching three figures.

“We batted first and got off to a good start, before Cornwood fought back with three quick wickets in two overs,” she said.

“So I found myself at the crease a little earlier than expected with a long way to go.”

 

 

Williams anchors North Devon innings

North Devon made a strong start through Lauren Bowden and Annie Townsend, who put on 75 for the first wicket inside 10 overs.

Cornwood then hit back, taking three wickets in quick succession to leave North Devon 87 for three.

Bowden made 30 from 27 balls, while Townsend struck eight fours in her 43 from 35 balls.

Williams and Regina Lillii then set about rebuilding the innings and put together the partnership which swung the game firmly back North Devon’s way.

The pair added 111 for the fourth wicket, with Lillii making 43 from 45 balls.

Williams (pictured) admitted Cornwood’s varied bowling kept her working hard.

“Their varied bowling kept us challenged and I was given a bit of a lifeline in my 30s,” she said.

“After this I never thought I’d be getting anywhere near 100 — especially when my legs were a tad sore at 50 after batting with Gee, who loves quick singles or pushing for threes.”

From there, the runs continued to build.

Lillii was eventually bowled by Keira De Villiers with the score on 198, before Williams shared a further 82 with Issie Ollis, who made 21.

By the closing overs, Williams had moved into the 90s with her first league century suddenly within reach.

“Somehow I found myself in the 90s with only a couple of overs left,” she said.

“At 98, I managed to run a single, which triggered a loud ‘ooooo’ from the crowd — just what I needed to hear!

“Thankfully, I finally found another single to bring up my first century. Little did I know it would also be the last ball I faced.”

Williams finished unbeaten on exactly 100 as North Devon closed on 280 for five.

“My first century just in time,” she joked. “Shame it only took around 15 years to get there!”

Frankie Lee was Cornwood’s most successful bowler with two for 41.

 

Simpson leads Cornwood recovery

Cornwood’s reply could hardly have started worse, with Rebecca Savory removing Gemma Lancaster and Lee in her opening over.

Williams took the first catch before North Devon captain Rose Ball held the second, and Keeley Willcock then followed for one to leave Cornwood 3 for three.

Another wicket soon followed, but Cornwood refused to fold.

De Villiers and captain Helly Simpson led the recovery, adding 55 for the fifth wicket before De Villiers was lbw to Townsend for 45 from 49 balls, having hit eight fours.

Williams was quick to credit Cornwood’s fightback.

“Cornwood didn’t give up, with some brilliant resilient batting from Helly and Kiera, who really put up a fight and challenged our bowlers,” she said.

Simpson continued that resistance and finished unbeaten on 85 from 94 balls, with 12 fours.

Cornwood eventually closed on 187 for seven from their 40 overs, leaving North Devon winners by 93 runs.

Savory finished with three for 33, while Regina Lillii returned an excellent one for three from four overs, including two maidens.

North Devon were also able to give some of their younger players time with the ball during Cornwood’s innings, offering useful experience at Division One level.

“Fortunately, we managed to secure the win,” Williams added. “All in all, a great game of cricket against a really lovely team.”

 

Final day still has plenty at stake

North Devon can no longer win the Division One title, having finished runners-up in each of the last two seasons, but second place is still within reach when they host Paignton in their final game.

For Cornwood, the equation is much more stark. They travel to Exmouth knowing they need to take the full 20 points and restrict Exmouth to no more than two if they are to retain their Division One status.

 

Chris Sleep Reporting