This week marked a turning point in the 35-over league, with the table beginning to take clearer shape. The front-runners are starting to stretch their lead, while teams at the bottom are digging deep in search of crucial wins. Here's how the action unfolded across the league.

Division One

Paignton welcomed Plymouth to their ground. Plymouth won the toss and elected to bat first. Despite early breakthroughs from Abbie Lockett and Sophie Sparks, who claimed three quick wickets, Melissa Banks held firm to ensure Plymouth had runs on the board. Her spectacular innings of 94*, saw the side end on a competitive score of 173 for 6. In reply, Lauren Perkin started the chase well, scoring 24 runs, however, Paignton struggled to build momentum for the rest of the game, ending 67 runs short. Captain Melissa Banks couldn’t stay out of the game, taking three catches and one runout, setting an example to her team.

North Devon travelled to Cornwood aiming to maintain their position at the top of the table. Sent in to bat first, North Devon capitalised on the opportunity. Solid contributions from Megan Snape (35), Issie Ollis (30), Kate Williams (28), and a standout 68 from Rose Ball powered them to a strong total of 200 runs. Cornwood responded with determination. Skipper Gemma Lancaster led from the front with a battling 53, supported by Kat Frost (30) and Laura Bale (20), but despite their chase, the hosts fell 38 runs short. The win ensures North Devon remain firmly at the top as the season heats up.

Travelling away, Exeter took on Taunton Deane. Put in to bat first, Exeter piled on an imposing 217 from their 35 overs. Captain Jess Breban led the way with a superb 80, supported by strong contributions from Grace Golsworthy (32), Imogen Daldorph (32), and Erin Vukusic (29). Despite the high score, Taunton's bowlers kept their discipline, Isabelle Reed the standout with an impressive four-wicket haul. In response, Taunton Deane showed promise with Gemma Quirk (39) and Lois Thornton (45) anchoring the innings, but they ultimately fell 44 runs short. The defeat marked their fourth of the league campaign.

Division Two

Plympton continued their unbeaten run this weekend, securing a third consecutive victory with a dominant win over Exeter 2nds to move to the top of the Division Two table. The side travelled to Exeter and after winning the toss, put the home side into bat. Despite a resilient 25 from Frances Dennehy, Exeter struggled to build momentum and were bowled out for just 69 in 23 overs. Leading the charge with the ball was Evie Hampton, who claimed an impressive 4-wicket haul. Plympton made light work of the chase, with opening batter Darcey Boote leading from the front with an unbeaten 56*, supported by Cait O’Keefe (11*), as the visitors cruised to victory in just 9.2 overs.

Division Three

Exmouth welcomed Bradninch and Kentisbeare for their league game. Bradninch won the toss and put themselves into bat first. The visitors piled on a formidable 201 for 2, with standout innings from Caitlin Rodgers (71*) and Meg Acton (67), who combined for 24 boundaries in a dominant partnership. Exmouth’s top three, Katelyn Clark (16), Rachel Dance (22), and Anna Higgins (58), started the chase well, until falling for the bowling for Jackson, Phillips, and Elliott. Despite a promising start, Exmouth fell 59 runs short, handing Bradninch their second league victory of the season.

Clyst St George added another win to their tally, defeating Holsworthy to climb to the top of the table with four victories. Travelling away, Clyst were put into bat first by the hosts and made the most of the opportunity. A commanding 67* from A Hayes, backed by contributions across the batting order, saw them post a competitive 164 for 4 in their 30 overs. In reply, Holsworthy showed some resistance with E Clarke (20), F Godfrey (12), and G Briscoe (9*), but the Clyst bowling attack proved too strong. Holsworthy were eventually bowled out for 83 runs, giving Clyst a convincing win and valuable points in the race to top the division.

The 35-over league continues next week.