SPORT: Seaton in elite division in new mini cricket league

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, Seaton Cricket Club has been placed in one of the strongest mini-leagues.

Seaton will be playing three of East Devon's most tough opponents in the Premier East division - Exmouth, Sidmouth and Budleigh Salterton.

Seaton 2nds will compete in E East 4 with Sampford Peverell and Tiverton 2nds, Upottery 2nds and Woodbury and Newton St Cyres 1sts.

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 Saturday, Seaton had a good run out at Uplyme and Lyme Regis. In a 40-over game, Seaton batted first, scoring 166 for 6. Joel Seward (59 not out) and skipper Ben Morgan (41) were the top scorers.

In reply, Uplyme were bowled out for 147 with Robbie Prior (5-22) and Joel Seward (3-34) sharing the spoils.