Tolchards DWCL 2025 Round Up | Week 4

After two weeks, the 35-over league has returned. Now seven weeks into the Tolchards Devon Women's Cricket League season, with every point crucial, the race to the top of the table is heating up. Who can claim the top spot?

Division One

In a second and third position clash, Exeter hosted Plymouth, both looking to add another win and bolster their title hopes. The hosts won the toss, and put themselves into bat first. Captain Georgia Read led by example with 46 runs, until falling to Claire Varcoe's bowling. This didn't stop the runs from flowing, with four batters scoring over 20 runs, ending the innings with a final score of 190 runs from their 35 overs. Plymouth started the chase well, led by Beth Hall (28) and Claire Varcoe (27), but Imogen Daldorph secured the points for Exeter, taking an outstanding seven wickets in just five overs. However, despite the 19 points for Exeter, they sit third in the table below Plymouth with a game in hand.

Top of the table, North Devon, continued their win streak, beating Paignton by 68 runs. Hosts, North Devon, won the toss and elected to bat first. Regina Lilii (47) and Kate Williams (35) laid down the groundwork for the side, helped by a final push from Rebecca Savory (26*), they ended the innings with 197 runs. Despite some runs from Ellie Bishop (28) and JoJo Baylis (38), Paignton struggled to get going throughout their innings, falling 68 runs short at the end.

Division Two

Just the one game in Division Two this week, and it saw Hatherleigh host Bovey Tracey, looking for a win to take them top of the table. Bovey won the toss and chose to bat first. Impressive bowling from Olivia Cooper, who took four wickets for 17 runs in five overs left Bovey Tracey all out after 25.5 overs, scoring 123 runs. Hatherleigh began the chase well with an opening partnership of 112, before Chloe Dennis (63) was dismissed by Monica Gair. Captain Chloe Rose (37*) and Mia Spears (1*) chased down the remaining runs in the 27th over, gaining the victory.

"Another solid team performance from the girls, with wickets across the bowlers and a great 4-fer from Olivia. It was fab to see Chloe Dennis score another 50 after her first half century last league game! Hopefully we’ll continue our run of form against Exeter 2s in a couple of weeks!" commented captain Chloe Rose on the game.

Division Three

In Division Three, Chagford hosted Bradninch & Kentisbeare. The hosts won the toss and elected to field. Batting the full 30 overs, Bradninch set a total of 83 runs, restricted by the tight bowling of Chagford led by Maisie Barr and Grace Lewis, who combined to get a total of five wickets in their 14 overs. Despite some early wickets from Jess Phillips and Colette Bamber, an impressive 41 not out by Lily Sargent, Chagford were able to complete their run chase and secure the win.

Elsewhere, Clyst St George looked to strengthen their position at the top of the table as they welcomed Exmouth. After losing the toss Exmouth batted first, scoring 115 runs with contributions throughout the order, most notably from Tily Brenton (19) and Amelie Watson (19). After early wickets leaving Exmouth 22-3, Daisy Bishop scored a vital 47* to chase down the target set by Exmouth, cementing Clyst St George’s lead at the top of Division Three.

The 35-over league continues next week.