Paignton end three-match losing streak with win over North Devon | 'A fantastic partnership between Ollie Woodcock and Aya Gqamana saw us home' – Harry Ward

PAIGNTON rediscovered their winning touch after three straight Premier defeats with a six-wicket victory over A Division-bound North Devon.

Twenty points from the previous 60 on offer ended what were already fairly slim hopes of catching long-time leaders Bradninch & Kentisbeare in the title race.

Although the North Devon dressing room has been resigned to the drop since shortly after the halfway stage of the season, the arithmetic has not added up until now.

North Devon are 39 points away from safety with 60 to play for. If Heathcoat win in the Sandhills this Saturday, it will be over and out.

Paignton did not do a lot wrong against North Devon, although some ropey fielding was blamed on the side effects of a golf day.

North Devon were bowled out for 221 at Queen’s Park by a combination of  Aya Gqamana (2-39), Charlie Ward (2-40), Steve George (2-31) and Luke Medlock (2-35). Wicketless Rory Medlock (0-26) was cheapest of them all.

Dan Bowser (67) and Roshan Lakmal (55) shared a third-wicket stand of 139 for North Devon. Other than 45 extras and 21 from James Tyson, there was not much from the rest. The last five wickets tumbled for just 18 runs.

“Rory and Steven were class with the ball,” said Paignton captain Harry Ward.

“We bowled superbly, though our fielding didn’t quite match the standard and was probably our worst of the year.”

Paignton went off in hot pursuit with openers Noah Wright (28) and Luke Medlock (42) putting on 71 in 12 overs. Medlock was particularly severe on anything short, in particular from Jack Popham, whose bowling had to be retrieved from the neighbouring railway station more than once.

Only Lakmal (2-18) and Jack More (2-42) at times seemed able to slow the Paignton charge.

Gqamana made 58 in a stand of 72 with Ollie Woodcock that rendered the outcome a formality.

Woodcock went on to reach 60 not out and settled the issue by belting Tyson for four and six to win it.

“Noah and Luke set the tone early and were brilliant in the chase,” said Ward. “And a fantastic partnership between Ollie and Aya was saw us home.”