It is time to pack away the bibs, boots and cones, and bring out the pads, bats and stumps.

As we say goodbye to football and rugby for another season, the local cricket scene is gearing up for a fascinating opening weekend on May 7.

All the great innings, bowling brilliance, thrilling catches, stumpings and drops of last year are long forgotten. Everyone begins with a clean slate and the Premier Division of the Devon Cricket League will start with some intriguing fixtures.

Sandford CC host Sidmouth on day one, Heathcoat are at home to Paignton, Plymouth travel to Cornwood, North Devon welcome Bovey Tracey and Hatherleigh take on Bradninch. It is going to be great fun once again.

Looking down the leagues, there are plenty of terrific local derbies to start the campaign and we’ve just picked out a handful.

Exeter at home to Exmouth in the A Division should be a cracker and the same for Budleigh Salterton v Kilmington. Ottery St Mary host Exeter 2nds in C Division East, while Whimple v Budleigh 2nds looks very interesting in D Division East.

Good luck to all clubs this weekend.

While the men get ready for a new campaign, Devon Women have made a great start to their season, beating Cornwall by 41 runs.

After choosing to bat first, Amelie Munday let the runs flow with a terrific 71 from 69 balls, an innings that included 10 boundaries. Becca Halliday (28) helped Devon reach 73 before losing their first wicket and Claire Varcoe kept up the momentum with an entertaining 21 from 19.

Devon posted a pleasing total of 138-2 and Cornwall were soon under pressure in the chase, as excellent work in the field by Erin Vukusic led to the run out of opener Robyn Edge.

Katie Donovan bowled with great pace for Devon and the off spin of Steph Hutchins ensured Devon were always able to keep Cornwall on the back foot, as they struggled to reach the required run rate. It was a fine performance from Devon Women, who can now look forward to Finals Day on May 8.

Sidmouth Herald: Devon Women v CornwallDevon Women v Cornwall (Image: Devon Cricket League)