from the boundary
News from Legendary statistician, Nicholas Evanson
NEWS FROM AUSTRALIA
The club can confirm that Josh Thompson has safely arrived in Australia to continue his cricket education with a winter playing for Oak Park St Francis Cricket Club in Melbourne. Josh’s first preseason match will be next weekend over the border in New South Wales - more details as Evo gets them. The league season for Josh commences the first weekend of October.
Go Well Josh
calling all music lovers - evo needs your help!
Evo as part of his EDI work with Hollacombe CRC wants to make the indoor “net” sessions he has started to run even more inclusive especially for those who might not like cricket or are unable to particiate but like music. The compilation CD he is putting together is 60% complete but it missing a few vital tracks:
Soul Limbo by Booker T. & the M.G.'s [BBC Cricket]
Mambo No 5 by The Mambo Kings [Channel 4 Cricket]
Sweet Caroline by Neil Diamond
Kumbaya My Lord [any version]
BBC Wimbledon Theme
Swing Low, Sweet Chariot
The last three on the list might not be so obvious but Evo does have his reasons – just trust him!
So if anyone can help Evo either by lending him CDs or helping him to download directly onto his laptop he will greatly appreciate it and can be contacted nevanson@hotmail.com. Evo has a month to complete the CD.
let’s support national sporting heritage day 2025 - tuesday 30 september
https://bournemouth-ac-uk.zoom.us/j/83803591956?pwd=tM5BtY3IMxzekca9IQznJv6Amnrop4.1
With the re-introduction of W&G cricket at The Rec this year, why not listen to this zoom call between 5pm and 6pm on Tuesday 30 September? The report being discussed is:
25 Years of the Scotland Women’s Cricket Team
TWO NEW SIGNINGS ALREADY IN THE PIPELINE
The club’s Registration Liaison Officer can confirm the first two transfer requests for players wanting to join the club have been submitted to the DCL within the last 30 minutes. More news when the transfers have been completed.
evo now known as “THE cricket man”
Winter nets have already started well at Hollacombe Community Resource Centre.
Evo has just started a monthly session to keep the momentum going over the winter. Already his has a hard core of clients wanting to hit a ball (well plus some staff) and one client now refers to him as “The Cricket Man.” For Evo it is all about the clients laughing and smiling. Evo already has a cunning plan to turn future sessions into a T20 atmosphere to make them even more inclusive.
GOT YOUR TICKETS YET!
https://www.tkcricket.co.uk/events-1
PRESENTATION NIGHT - FRIDAY 10 OCTOBER 2025
GOOD LUCK JOSH THOMPSON
Just prior to flying out to Australia to continue his cricket education, Josh Thompson, will be representing Devon U18s in the semi-final of the Vitality U18 County T20 Cup against Norfolk at Kibworth CC. The winners will either face Berkshire or Cheshire.
The match can be followed via the following link:
CALLING PROSPECTIVE UMPIRES – LADIES AS WELL!
The Devon Association of Cricket Officials are running the following two entry level courses:
https://www.devoncricket.co.uk/ecb-umpiring-course
https://www.devoncricket.co.uk/ecb-umpiring-course
FEMALES ONLY
The club are willing to pay for anyone who is interested with the proviso they commit to umpiring or the club – something which Evo has mentioned in his weekly blog over the last season.
THINGS CAN ONLY GET BETTER
Sadly, there is no good news from Headingley on Sonny Baker’s England ODI debut – possibly as a result of the Sky commentator’s curse on players this season - not doing well after being interviewed pre-match. That saying Mike Atherton was very complementary about how well Sonny interviewed.
Prior to play, Sonny was presented with his England cap by fellow Manchester Original and King’s College Taunton old boy Josh Buttler.
South Africa won the toss and asked England to have a bat and there was the Great Collapse to 131 all out in just 24.3 overs having been 102 for 4 after 17.2 overs. Sonny was last out for a Golden Duck bowled by Keshav Maharaj.
When South Africa went out to bat, Sonny had the honour of bowling the first over but Aiden Markram took a liking to his bowling and was soon removed from the attack but not before the Sky cameras had zoomed in on Ian and Jackie. Having originally bowled up the hill, he had the courage to comeback for a second spell coming down the hill made by Bob Willis in 1981 namely the Kirkstall Road End. Alas Sonny’s 7 overs went for 76.
Hopefully Sonny will have better luck at the Home of Cricket on Thursday (if selected).
sonny for england!
Simply incredible news:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/articles/c2dj96x331xo
CONGRATULATIONS FROM EVERYONE AT TORQUAY AND KINGSKERSWELL CC
THE WINTER MONTHS
Evo as the club’s new rep for Opening Up Cricket would like to highlight the work they do regarding Mental Health. The link to their website is:
As part their new initiative to have a rep in every club they are encouraging members of the clubs to visit another website and do some e-learning as they see appropriate. The link is:
https://www.zerosuicidealliance.com/training
In the light of the events last night, for which Evo wholeheartedly apologies if he offended anyone whilst also sincerely thanking those who picked the pieces up (they know who they are). Just simply in counselling speak, “his cup reached the point it overflowed,” so he would both professionally and personally encourage all members to visit the website highlighting particularly the following course:
https://www.zerosuicidealliance.com/social-isolation-training
As Evo went onto say, “sadly as the winter months approach especially for those members who live alone it is generally out of sight out of mind which is common issue with so many clubs so needs addressing across the whole of cricket.”
DEVON CRICKET LEAGUE 2025 - ROUND 18
1ST XI
The 1st XI were due to host champions elect, Hathereigh CC 1st XI, still needing a point to banish the threat of relegation and Hatherleigh needing just 5 for the title. With the weather having hit West Devon, “they think it’s all over”, well it was T&K safe and Hatherleigh up as champions – congratulations to Hatherleigh. It has to be noted some T&K players had started to drink before the match was officially called off. So for next season we lose Hatherleigh CC 1st XI, Tavistock CC 1st XI, Plympton CC 1st XI and Barton CC 1st XI. In their place are Heathcoat CC 1st XI (hopefully with their new pavilion), North Devon CC 1st XI, Budleigh Salterton CC 1st XI (with their new pavilion now fully functioning) and Ivybridge CC 1st XI.
2ND XI
The 2nd XI were to travel to take on Plymouth CC 2nd XI who were already promoted – the call to abort their journey west soon came. Next season they will lose Hatherleigh 2nd XI, Plymouth CC 2nd XI, Kenn CC 1st XI and Babbacombe CC 1st XI. In their place are Paignton CC 2nd Xi, Plymstock CC 2nd XI, Abbotskerswell CC 2nd XI and Tavistock CC 2nd XI.
3RD XI
The 3rd XI played host to North Molton CC 1st XI with both sides desperate to for differing reasons. Remarkably after taking an early team. Although the match only lasted 9 overs, it was mission accomplished for North Molton CC 1st XI – up as champions by just 1 points – congratulations to North Molton. Which division the 3rd XI will be playing in next season is currently unclear with the 4th XI already in H Division Central.
4TH XI
The 4th XI set sail to take on Teignmouth and Shaldon 3rd XI but no play was possible. So congratulations to Ollie Smith who proved the doom mongers with the 4th XI surviving the season after a few close shaves! Onwards and upwards as they say.
Player of the Day
Insufficient play.
Spectator Watch
Well he didn’t get to see any play but mention must be made of Nick Rogers the Chair of both the DCL and Hatherleigh CC, who made the trip down to the Rec on the “Booze Bus” – hope Sleepy had sufficient umpires for all the DCL fixtures! Its first stop on its way back apparently was the Devon Dumpling. A certain Mr Rogers couldn’t though remember when Hatherleigh CC 1st XI first got promoted to the top division of the DCL – Evo knew even without googling it!
passenger back in devon squad
Harry Passenger has been recalled to the Devon CCC squad for their final 3 day Divisional Match against Oxfordshire CCC starting on Sunday at Sidmouth CC - so no Chilli and Lager on Saturday night (plus early to bed)! It will almost certainly also be the last chance to see Matthew William Thompson formerly of this parish turning out for Devon CCC in Devon.
AUTISM AWARENESS TRAINING FOR MEMBERS
Evo over the winter is planning to facilitate Autism Awareness Training for club members. As yet it is undecided whether it will be via Teams or face to face, but Evo knows two organisations that are willing to assist. If it is face to face, Evo has also already found two other sports clubs willing to share the sessions and therefore the use of their facilities for free. There will be more news on the training from Evo as plans are firmed up. Finally, as Simon Rice said, “it would be good to help those of us who have not fully understood Autism to be educated.”
TONIGHT - EVO ON RIVIERA fm
Tonight and maybe next Wednesday as well, Evo will be highlighting the club’s EDI work on Riviera FM (107.9 FM) having been interviewed by David Hammond last Friday. The show is between 6pm and 8pm and the link is:
https://riviera.fm/shows/south-devon-sports-scene/
Depending on what makes the final cut there may well just be a major announcement!
torbay tornado!
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p0lz18mg?fbclid=IwY2xjawMa2QpleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETBEWFlIcFdEN1BYS2Fwdjl4AR7H2OCvoSixx_6_p00CU0etsHdI0EZUya1kO8lx81ol_lhv2EZ3NIh0lZ3LdA_aem_bxZ3YazZ7OazHStp8VRXfg
DEVON CRICKET LEAGUE 2025 - ROUND 17
1ST XI
The 1st XI set off to take on Thoverton CC 1st XI with safety insight, ironically the old Torquay 1st XI opened their pre-season campaign in the never to be forgotten 2015 season against Thoverton!
Prior to the match the Head of the Fine’s Committee, so not the usual suspect, had to heavily fine himself for forgetting his kit – the Thoverton players jokingly said they were going to fine him as well!
Not for the first time this T&K lost the toss and were inserted by Thoverton.
With Josh Thompson falling cheaply (scoring less runs then his dad, Marcus, did for Babbacombe CC 1st XI against the 2nd XI), T&Ks innings was rather sedate. Nathan Roux in his final innings for the club this season scored 40 off 82 balls. Next highest scorer was extras with 30 as T&K were all out for 161 in 47 overs. The best of the Thoverton bowlers was Dan Robbins, a naval officer who sunk 4 of the T&K batters for 43 runs, including T&Ks “anchor” Tim Western in the first over after drinks. Robbins later was also on a hat trick removing Chris Kelmere and Bobby Western, Mustavi Emdad survived the next two balls before coming another wicket of Robbins.
In reply Harry “dodgy burger” Baxendale (3 for 40) put early pressure on Thoverton as with help from the other “Spinning Harry” reduced them to 55 for 3 – combining to remove Dan Robbins for 32. When Harry Passenger got Shane Yelverton out for 33, T &K were just one wicket away from absolute safety. However, George Daldorph fresh from his Devon Lions appearance had other ideas finishing on 46 not out in just 31 balls. Thoverton achieving the win in just 28 overs with 5 wickets in hand and ironically at exactly the same time as T&K had beaten Plympton CC 1st the previous week, to guarantee their highst ever placing in the DCL.
Evo was not best pleased after the match when he received extremely negative criticism / comments from the umpires about the body language (and worse) of the T&K fielders – something which needs to be addressed as a priority.
So the final weekend of the season sees the 1st XI host champions elect Hatherleigh CC 1st XI needing just 1 point to make absolute certain of their A Division status for 2026 with Hatherleigh needing just 5 to achieve their goal of promotion.
Torquay and Kingskerswell CC 1st XI 161 all out (47 overs)
N Roux 40
Extras 30
D Robbins 4-43
Thoverton CC 1st Xi 164 for 5 (28 overs)
G Daldorph 46 not out
D Robbins 32
H Baxendale 3-40
Thoverton CC 1st XI (18 pts) beat Torquay and Kingskerswell CC 1st XI (5 pts) by 5 wickets
2ND XI
The 2nd XI played host to Babbacombe CC 1st XI with a serious lack of involvement from the Western family – just Dan donning his whites for Babbacombe. On a serious note this raises not for the first time this season a club of this “standing” not providing an umpire, especially for a home match! This needs to be seriously addressed over the winter.
T&K won the toss and elected for field.
Babbacombe got off to a good start, 77 for 1, with Marcus Thompson, dad of, scoring 30 and Rob Redding scoring 33. However it soon became the Rossin show for T&K with dad Matt taking 4 for 35 and son Seb taking 2 for 18. Matt claiming the wicket of a certain Daniel Western for 21 as well as an undertaker in the form of Seb Loram also for 21. Babbacombe were all out for 144 in 40.2 overs.
In reply, T&K made short work of the run chase, achieving it in just 24.3 overs for the loss of just 3 wickets. Tobias Delahunty top scored with 66 not out. Delahunty was joined at the end by super veteran, Mike Pugh, who during his nomadic years played for Babbacombe – Pugh was 16 not out. No Babbacombe bowler took more than 1 wicket.
The 2nd XI finish with a trip next weekend away to promotion elect, Plymouth CC 2nd XI, with a 3rd place finish still possible.
Babbacombe CC 1st XI 144 all out (40. 2 overs)
R Redding 33
M Thompson 30
M Rossin 4-35
Torquay and Kingskerswell CC 2nd XI 147 for 3 (24.3 overs)
T Delahunty 66 not out
Torquay and Kingskerswell CC 2nd XI (20 pts) beat Babbacombe CC 1st XI (4 pts) by 7 wickets
3RD XI
The 3rd XI travelled to Cheriton Fitzpaine CC 1st XI in “The Winner Takes It All” match with an immigrant from Cornwall helping out in the form of the chair’s brother – what will Nigel Farage say!
T&K won the toss and elected to field.
The Cheriton Fitzpaine innings was built around 56 by their wicketkeeper Jeremy Tricks and 42 not out by Jacob Cole. However, not for the first time this season, “Mr Extras” scored 39 including a criminal 33 wides – bowlers in the nets please! Cheriton Fitzpaine finished on 229 for 7 in their 40 overs with the wickets being shared around by the T&K bowlers, 2 each for Leigh Scarf (including a caught and bowled not forgetting a catch in the field as well) and Mark Wilson
The T&K reply got off to a steady start with Steve Waters scoring 42 and Andy Redpath scoring 30. However, apart from David Pearson at the end with 22 not out, “Mr Extras” with 26 was the only other real contributory and T&K finished on 152 for 9 in their 40 overs thus losing the crunch match by 77 runs. The best of the Cheriton Fitzpaine bowlers was Andrew Dale with 3 for 30.
The scenario for the last weekend of the season now is the 3rd XI must play host to the potential champions, North Molton CC 1st XI, and win, while hoping North Devon CC 3rd XI beat Cheriton Fitzpaine CC 1st XI. Let’s hope in the Spirit of Cricket both matches are online.
Cheriton Fitzpaine CC 1st XI 229 for 7 (40 overs)
J Tricks 56
J Cole 42 not out
Extras 39
M Wilson 2-38
L Scarff 2-46
Torquay and Kingskerswell CC 3rd XI 152 for 9 (40 overs)
S Waters 42
A Redpath 30
A Dale 3-30
Cheriton Fitzpaine CC 1st XI (19 pts) beat Torquay and Kingskerswell CC 3rd XI (6 pts) by 77 runs
4TH XI
The 4th XI had an enforced day off, not through a lack of players but a lack of a ground to host Stokeinteignhead CC 2nd XI. Unfortunately despite having given the visitors notice they were unable to agree to playing, the match on Sunday, so, 8 points each.
Last up for the 4th XI in their first season in the DCL is a trip along the coast to take on Teignmouth and Shaldon CC 3rd XI.
Player of the Day
It has to be Matt Rossin.
Spectator Watch
