HATHERLEIGH captain Rob Cockwill was entitled to feel a glow of satisfaction on behalf of his side for securing Premier Division cricket again next season.

Staying up can be harder than getting up in the first place – as North Devon found out the hard way last season.

Cockwill’s aim was to finish the season outside the relegation places, which the team achieved by a four-point margin.

There were some difficult times – four weeks in the bottom two in the first half of the season, two more visits after the turn – and some tough results to take. Losses to Exeter (159 runs), Exmouth (134) and Sidmouth (114) were low points.

Three wins on the trot in August – Bradninch & Kentisbeare, Sandford and finally Exmouth – effectively guaranteed Hatherleigh’s Premier status.

Said Cockwill: “Returning to the Premier Division was always going to be a significant challenge, especially losing Charlie Nielson and Ryan Davies, a couple of valuable players that helped get us promoted.

“Our aim was always survival and going into the last game with that in our own hands it a great achievement.

“We should be really proud a town the size of Hatherleigh has a Premier cricket team.”

Hatherleigh were due to play Cornwood on the last day of the season, but rain prevented it taking place. Eight points for a cancellation guaranteed Hatherleigh’s continuance. Plymouth and Sidmouth went down.

Shrey Ghosh passed 600 league runs for the season in the win over Exmouth and topped the stats by a distance from Jasper Presswell (359).

“It goes without saying Shrey has been outstanding for us with bat and ball,” said Cockwill.

“Hopefully, Shrey will be back in the 2028 season, as he is having next year off to get married and settle in to living in the UK.”

Bowling was a collaborative effort- no bowler took 20 wicket or more. The Presswell twins – Jasper (19) and Charlie (18) – were out in front of Emerson Wood (14), Ghosh (12) and Sean Letheren (11).

Cockwill said having variety in the attack was a benefit.

“I have been lucky enough to have a lot of bowling options,” said Cockwill.

“As a group they have been brilliant for me and made my job a lot easier, all chipping in with key wickets along the way.”

Cockwill had one last word of praise for keeper-batter Niall Leahy, who took over the dual role previously occupied by Davies.

“With big boots to fill, Niall Leahy really stood up,” said Cockwill.

Elsewhere, there was no action on the final day of the season for C West relegation duo Hatherleigh 2nd XI and South Devon on the Holsworthy Road ground.

Meanwhile, Chagford got half a game in against Plymstock 2nd XI before rain stopped play.

Fraser Cowen hit 88 for Plymstock 2nd XI against the champions in the only D Division West game to start on the final day of the Tolchards DCL season.

After Jason Williams had been and gone for 36, Cowen and Alex Thomas put on 74 for the fifth wicket.

Ted Gossett picked-up Thomas on his way to a three-wicket return for Chagford.

Cowen was the last man out when rain stopped play 28 overs in with Plymstock on 197 for seven.

There was no play in the games between Torquay & Kingskerswell and Tavistock 2nd XI, or Yelverton against Plympton 2nd XI.