North Devon secures Premier Division return with crucial win

North Devon ended any doubts about their destination at the end of the season with a three-wicket win away to Hatherleigh.

In the confused situation at the top of the Devon Cricket League A Division table, North Devon were not totally clear on what they had to do to be sure of promotion.

Chasers Torquay & Kingskerswell or Bridestowe would not be allowed to gain promotion if they finished first or second. Complying with ECB regulations for would-be Premier Division clubs were the stumbling block.

To further muddy the waters, Torquay & Kingskerswell hinted they might appeal against the ECB ruling, which could delay sorting out who goes where next season.

With the penultimate round of fixtures out of the way, none of the teams behind North Devon can catch them now, which means it’s all systems go for promotion back to the Premier Division.

Jack Moore, North Devon’s first-season captain, said he hopes promotion will usher in a new era at Instow after several summers in the doldrums.

"A club of our size should be playing Premier cricket; however, it’s important to remember the age of the squad," said Moore.

"To see youngsters finding different ways to score runs and take wickets on a variety of grounds has been really good to see. Someone different every week has stood up and contributed.

"With the young players we have, I see no reason why this can’t be the start of a really successful period for the club, especially with the added experience of players such as Jack Popham and Richard Screech."

Moore described Hatherleigh as "a tough place to go" in his pre-match comments… and the scores on the doors proved him spot on.

Hatherleigh were all out for 114 in the 38th over, which North Devon passed despite a middle-order collapse from 78 for two to 88 for seven!

Hatherleigh were obliged to Charlie Nielson (23) for getting them past a hundred as they were 76 for seven when he went in. He was the last man out.

There were more extras (31) than any Hatherleigh batsman put in the book. Moore (3-27) and Roshan Lakmal (4-18) did most of the demolition work on Hatherleigh’s batting. Will Popham (2-19) had two in two balls at the end.

North Devon were trotting along nicely to win number 12 of the season with Dan Bowser (28) and Reuben Windlay (31) largely on top of the bowling.

Nielson (3-34) and Shrey Ghosh (3-13) bowled Hatherleigh back into the game, but they failed to prise out Moore.

The North Devon captain batted through for an unbeaten 30 to steer the side to victory.

North Devon wrap up the Tolchards DCL season at home to Thorverton this Saturday. Hatherleigh make the long trip to relegated Abbotskerswell on the final day.