Cricket round-up: The Whimple journey in the MCC National competition has ended after they lost in the final over to Paignton at Creedy Park.

Cricket round-up: The Whimple journey in the MCC National competition has ended after they lost in the final over to Paignton at Creedy Park.

In conditions that were more like early autumn than mid-summer, the two sides served up a compelling area final. Matt Golding was the pick of the Whimple batsmen and some excellent late hitting from Matt Ploughman led the side to a close of 110.

That total was so nearly enough for, with four overs to go, Paignton were some way short, but a volley of shots in that 16th over swung the contest in their favour. They completed the job with four balls remaining to move on and represent Devon in the national rounds.

Adam Holmes bagged a brace of wickets for Whimple whose disappointed coach Chris Golding said: "It was a game that we probably came up just a shade short in. We felt that a score of 100 plus may well have been a winning score and to be fair, it so nearly was. But credit to them for they played their part in an enthralling contest and we wish them well for the remainder of their time in the competition."

That's not the end of the season for Golding and his side for they still have to play a League Cup semi-final against Kentisbeare and they remain very much in the hunt for a league and cup double. With a number of games to rearrange following their cup exploits, they remain well in contention for the league title.

The weather certainly took its toll on the youth programme last midweek with almost the entire programme washed out, and those heavy rains also left some pitches unfit for play at the weekend.

There was a game for Sidmouth under-11s who travelled to Clyst Hydon for a cup tie and went out, losing by the smallest margin possible - a single run! Harvey Sergeant (32) and Jamie Briggs (14no) were the main contributors to a Sidmouth total of 106.

The hosts answered with 107, Matt Ogley bagging a brace of wickets and there was one each for George House and Jamie Briggs. Sidmouth coach Graham Briggs said: "It was just great to be able to get the youngsters out playing cricket and what they served up was a very exciting duel."

Budleigh Salterton under-10s were winners at Countess Wear where the inexperience of the young home side showed up as Budleigh dominated from start to finish.

The hosts batted first and made 122 with Tom Cook, Neave Hater and Alex Taylor each bagging a brace of wickets, whilst Euan Hater, brother of Neave, and Max Mejzner both took a single wicket. Young Mejzner also covered himself in glory in the field, holding on to three catches, one was off his own bowling and two were taken fielding on the leg side. Budleigh romped to victory, scoring 194, led home by Alex Taylor (14), Tom Cook (13) and Alex Taylor (13).

Woodbury beat visiting Bradninch in an under-11 hard ball pairs meeting.

Batting first, the hosts hit 166 thanks to Jacob Mattin and Michael Cooper (24) and the pairing of Zac Martin and Conner Windle (21).

Bradninch replied with 149 with Rory Haddow returning the excellent figures of 3-8 and there were also wickets for Jamie Hill (1-9), Gwyn Parks (2-9), D Pewsy (1-10) and Windle (1-10).

Woodbury also won their under-10 pairs game with Topsham St James. The Tops batted first and scored 170 as Conall Deehan-Jackson claimed 3-6 and Josh Maunder took 1-11. There was also some fine fielding by the Woodbury youngsters, the highlight of which was a diving catch held by Sam Corney.

Woodbury then scored 172 to win the game, with Connall Deehan-Jackson and Sam Corney (21), Josh Maunder and William Thornton (20) and Adam Woodman and Edward White (24) getting the runs.

Upottery under-11s were not in action either, their game against Whimple being called off, not because of the weather, but because the Upottery youngsters were at Lord's taking in the fourth day's play at the 1st Test between England and South Africa.

What's more, the Upottery youngsters also got to play on the hallowed turf at Lord's as, during the lunch interval, they kept the capacity crowd entertained with a demonstration of 'kwik cricket'.

By Steve Birley

Cricket round-up