Paignton start with ECB Cup win on eve of Devon League cricket season

PAIGNTON warned-up for the Tolchards Devon County League Premier Division season ahead with a resounding six-wicket win at Perranporth in the ECB Clubs Championship.

- by CONRAD SUTCLIFFE

There were two wickets each for new signing Aya Gqamane (2-44) and Rory Medlock (2-33) as Perranporth were held to 181 for seven in a 40-over game.

Runs from Luke Medlock (59), Gqamane (47) and the returning Archie Farkins (32) steered Paignton to a victory with more than 12 overs to spare.

It was the sort of preparation new captain Harry Ward hoped for ahead of this Saturday’s Tolchards DCL Premier curtain raiser at Sidmouth.

“We had a good win at Perranporth and the lads are keen to get going,” said Ward, who has followed in the bootsteps of dad Tim and grandfather Trevor into the Paignton captaincy.

Paignton did not set the Premier Division world alight last season, which ended with them one place and 13 points clear of the drop spots.

Ward has chosen not to worry about the past, but focus on where the team and individuals in it are going.

“We have no league positional targets as such; just going to go and enjoy our cricket as 11 Paignton boys,” said Ward.

“A few of the boys have come back from a winter playing in Australia and look to have grown as cricketers. Hopefully, a few of our players have their eyes set on representative cricket this year”

Comings and goings at Queen’s Park over the winter have been few and far between. Farkins’ return after an injury-ruined 2024 has given the side a lift.

“Having a player of Archie's all-round ability back has given the boys a massive boost) said Ward “On his day he is up there with the quickest bowlers in the county.”