SPORT: Axminster to meet old foes in Devon cricket mini-leagues

With divisions having been finalised and a full programme of fixtures put in place for the cut-down version of the Tolchards Devon Cricket League season, Axminster Cricket Club will be competing against some old foes.

Axminster will be playing in the E East 3 division against Honiton, Ottery St Mary 2nds and Uplyme & Lyme Regis.

One hundred and 32 teams have been arranged into 30 divisions of four teams each and two divisions of six teams. Sides in four-team divisions will play each other home and away in a six-match programme running up to August 29.

Nick Rogers, the league chairman, said the six-team divisions were necessary to meet the needs of teams at lower levels and on the outer edges of the county.

He said "It made sense to group clubs in the north of the county in the lower divisions together to avoid too much travelling for games," said Rogers.

"In the South there were enough clubs lower-down divisions to have a six-club group with minimal travelling.

"We seeded teams based on last season's final positions and used those as a guide to where they should play this season. As well as ability there was also an element of geographical proximity in the make-up of the divisions.

"We were able to take into consideration requests from teams who wanted to play lower than their seeding because of issues getting a side out.

"We have complied where we felt it necessary, but have warned clubs not to stick half a dozen first teamers into a second team and artificially strengthening it.

"Although there is no registration this season we don't want players turning out for more than one club either."

Only 17 teams declined the chance to play in the cut-down competition – and two former members asked if they could be included. The league hopes to make prize-money available to both finalists. Game lengths are 45 overs in tiers one and two, 40 overs in tiers three, four and five and 35 overs from level six down.

On Sunday, Axminster met Broadwindsor in a 30-over friendly.

Broadwindsor batted first for 134-9 with T. Pattemore top scoring on 69 off 71 balls before being run-out off a dropped catch. His innings included seven fours and two sixes.

B. Conway was Axminster's best bowler with figures of 3 for 12 off just three overs closely followed by Goodhew who took 2 for 17 off four overs.

In reply Axminster finished on 133 for 6 with A. Guppy top scoring on 29 with good knocks also from J. Toates (27 not out, trying to win the game at the end with one four and two sixes), R. Squire (25) and Conway (21).

Skipper Paul Miller commented after the game: "It was a good game of cricket for the first run-out of the season with all the lads either batting or bowling."

Kilington CC will be competing in East E1 alongside Ottery Set Mary 1sts, Sidmouth 2nds and Upottery 1sts.

Chardstock CC will be in East 2 with Clyst Hydon, Kentisbeare and Samford Peverill and Tiverton.