Back Bigger Than Ever: Women’s League Roars into Action

Chagford CC at their first-ever hardball league match at Exmouth CC.

Just like that, the cricket season has begun. With the sun shining down on Devon, the league roared into action, with six games across the three divisions kicking off the women's season. With half-centuries scored, many wickets taken, and teas eaten, it has been an eventful weekend.

The 2025 season saw three new teams enter the league - Holsworthy CC, Exmouth 2nds CC, and Chagford CC. Along with the new additions, Clyst St George CC and Bradninch & Kentisbeare CC make up the new Division Three, with 16 teams competing in the Tolchards Devon Women's Cricket League overall.

History was made on Sunday as Exmouth 2nd XI hosted Chagford in their first-ever league hardball match. Chagford elected to bowl first and managed to restrict the home side to 140 for 4 from their 30 overs, with Olivia Smith standing out with an unbeaten 56*. In reply, Chagford chased down the target in just 20.5 overs, with Lily Sargent leading the charge, finishing on 92* and sealing the win in style with a six. Despite the convincing eight-wicket victory, Chagford begin the season in second place, just behind Clyst St George, who top the table after a seven-wicket win over Bradninch & Kentisbeare.

Both newly relegated to Division Two, Hatherleigh and Plympton were eager to kick off the season with a win. Plympton set a competitive run chase of 180 for the Hatherleigh Ladies, despite a solid contribution of 34 from skipper Chloe Rose, the chase lost momentum, with Hatherleigh finishing on 119 for 5. Reflecting on the match, Rose remained upbeat: "There were a lot of positives to take from the game, it was great to see some of our younger players make key contributions."

Reigning 2024 Division One champions Exeter began their title defence with a clash against Paignton, eager to make a strong start to the new season. With both sides missing key players due to Devon Women commitments, it was all to play for. Paignton set up for a score of 62 for 8, with Naomi Hancock top scoring with 20. Despite two early wickets for Paignton's Sophie Sparks, Exeter chased down the total in 9.1 overs, Jessica Breban scoring a four to seal the win.

Nevertheless, this win only saw Exeter sit third in the table, with Plymouth and North Devon sharing the top spot after impressive victories over the weekend. Claire Varcoe-Hughes led the charge for Plymouth with a standout all-round performance, scoring an unbeaten 33* and taking 3 for 6 to help secure a commanding eight-wicket win over Cornwood. Meanwhile, across the border, North Devon clinched a solid win against Taunton Deane, bowling them out for 117 before chasing down the target in 28.1 overs. Rose Ball thrilled the spectators with an impressive 31 runs, including four boundaries and a six, guiding her side comfortably across the finish line.

Bovey Tracey, Exmouth 1st XI, and Holsworthy are set to begin their league campaigns on 4 May; can they make an early statement in the competition? "I think it’s wonderful to see such growth across this area of Women’s cricket and brilliant to see new teams emerging into hardball. Some outstanding first week performances already and the summer is just beginning!" comments Kate Le Maux, Devon’s social media manager and Exwick’s hardball captain, on the first week back.

With everything on the line this season, the cricket action promises to be unmissable. The Super 8s Trophy kicks off in just a few weeks, and with new teams entering the fray, it’s set to shake things up for an exciting and action-packed season ahead!