Chagford skipper Jake Griffiths on the way to a match-winning 70 against Seaton <br>credit: Conrad Sutcliffe - no re-use without copyright owner's consent

By OLLIE SMITH

DESPITE not taking home the Ivor Dewdney-sponsored Corinthian Cup, Chagford and Seaton both have lots to look forward to in the final four games of the Tolchards Devon Cricket League season.

Chagford were losing finalists to Plymstock, and felt fatigue caught up with them by the time the final came around.

“Overall, it was a good experience. We were just lacking three of four regular first-team players, so to win the semi-final and play as we did was great,” said captain Jake Griffiths.

“We had a long day on Saturday, and then we had 40 overs in the semi-final against Seaton, which showed when we got to the final against a strong Plymstock.

“There were a lot of tired bodies and minds out there, but fair play to Plymstock, they were ruthless and deserved winners on the day.”

Seaton captain Tom Doulton attacks the Chagford bowling Chagford have been the runaway leaders in the D Division West since the first month of the season, and Griffiths’ focus has switched to wrapping up the divisional title.

“We are now back to concentrating on winning the division,” he said. “One more 20-point win and we feel we have effectively won promotion. But we want to finish strong and stay top of the division, too.

“We look forward to hopefully playing C Division cricket next year, a level we know we can do well in having beaten two B Division teams (Seaton and Clyst St George) on the way to the final on Sunday.”

Seaton have their own promotion push to focus on, they sit in third place in the B Division, 12 points short of Bideford in second place. 

After promotion from the regional division last term, this is Seaton’s first year back in the B Division since 2023 where they were on a downward slide from the A Division.

Captain Tim Doulton does not plan on dwelling on finals day for too long, as all three Seaton sides have plenty to play for in the final month.

“Unfortunately, with our young side we just didn’t quite execute our bowling plans to the best of our ability. All in all a good experience for them however,” said Doulton.

“We have to reset quickly and shift focus back to the league now where every game is a ‘must-win’ for both our 1st and 2nd XI.

“It should prove to be an exciting end to the season.”Chagford seamer James Sharman has Seaton batsman Kai Croft in his sights