Three T20 fixtures take centre stage in the Tolchards Devon Women’s Cricket League on Sunday, with semi-final ambitions on the line in the T20 Plate and history set to be made in the 8-a-Side competition.
T20 Plate Group B: Whimple v Exmouth 2nd XI
Unbeaten Whimple will look to take a huge step towards the T20 Plate semi-finals when they host Exmouth 2nd XI on Sunday morning.
The action gets under way at 11am, with Whimple knowing victory would all but ensure their place in the last four.
Whimple have enjoyed an impressive campaign so far, recording a comprehensive victory over Clyst St George before securing a five-wicket win away at Exmouth a few weeks ago.
At the heart of their success has been the devastating opening partnership of Kirsty Trude and Michelle Madge. The pair have led the charge at the top of the order, setting the tone with their attacking batting and giving Whimple the perfect platform to take control of games.
Exmouth, however, arrive full of confidence following an impressive performance last time out. Sarah Antonio produced a remarkable spell of four wickets for just five runs before a clinical run chase saw contributions throughout the batting order.
Their hopes of reaching the semi-finals may be slim, but they remain alive. Exmouth know they will need a comprehensive victory on Sunday to keep their qualification chances alive and throw Group B wide open.
With Whimple looking to maintain their unbeaten record and move within touching distance of the semi-finals, and Exmouth fighting to keep their T20 campaign alive, there is plenty at stake on Sunday morning.
T20 Plate Group A: Hatherleigh v Cornwood
Unbeaten Hatherleigh will look to continue their remarkable start to the season when they welcome Cornwood in Group A on Sunday.
Hatherleigh are yet to lose a game in either league or cup cricket this season and will be hoping for more of the same as they continue their push for success on multiple fronts.
The two sides have already met in this competition, with Hatherleigh running out 35-run winners in the return fixture at Oak Park. They will be aiming to complete the double over Cornwood and maintain their perfect record.
Cornwood, meanwhile, have one victory to their name in the competition after getting the better of Plymouth, before coming off second best against Hatherleigh in the last round.
Their young side continues to develop with every game and will be embracing the challenge of taking on an unbeaten Hatherleigh team.
With Hatherleigh looking to keep their outstanding run going and Cornwood’s youngsters eager to test themselves against one of the form sides in Devon women’s cricket, Sunday’s contest promises to be another intriguing T20 encounter.
8-a-Side Group A: Sidmouth v Seaton
History will be made at The Fortfield on Sunday morning as Sidmouth host Seaton in the third game of Group A in the DWCL 8-a-Side competition.
The action gets under way at 10am, with Seaton making their league debut after joining the competition for the first time this season.
The league newcomers will be hoping to make an instant impact as they make the short journey to Sidmouth for what promises to be a great morning of cricket between two East Devon sides.
Sidmouth, meanwhile, will be looking to bounce back following a tough defeat away at Budleigh Salterton in their opening fixture. They have continued to perform well in friendly matches since then and will be hoping to take that form into Sunday’s contest.
Ava Hansell will be hoping to lead her side to victory on a special Super Sunday at The Fortfield, with Sidmouth playing the club’s first-ever home women’s hardball match.
The cricket will be followed by a luncheon before attention turns to the afternoon and, Sidmouth will hope, the chance to watch England lift the T20 World Cup.
With a league debut for Seaton and a historic first home hardball fixture for Sidmouth, Sunday’s East Devon clash promises to be a memorable occasion at The Fortfield.
