from the boundary
News from Legendary statistician, Nicholas Evanson
the work at hollacombe crc needs to continue - please help
Evo is desperate for the work to continue but with his own future so up in the air at the moment is appealing to anyone who is willing to give up one Wednesday morning a month to be a sub and / or assist. The criteria are:
1) A DBS although you would never be unsupervised.
2) You can spend up to 90 mins on your hands and knees feeding the clients balls to hit
3) Be able to have a laugh / joke and deal with competitive clients (well and some of the staff)
To put it in some context how well thought of Evo is at the centre. He was given a “goodie bag” this week and had a big hug from the Manager no less.
If anyone can help please contact Evo:
more western (morning) news
The club are pleased to acknowledge Devon’s success in the NCCA Championship Final - beating Buckinghamshire CCC by 122 runs. The mastermind of the triumph behind the scenes, their first in the competition since 2011, being a certain Tim Western. After having threatened to retire from county duty last winter, the only survivor from the 2011 side was Matt Thompson formerly of this parish.
bobby western off to australia
The club are pleased to announce the youngest member of the Western dynasty, Bobby, is off to Australia this winter to continue his cricket education with Sorrento Duncraig CC in Western Australia.
The club was only formed in 1999 (dad Tim had already won two DCL titles by then) and immediately found success at their original ground at Robin Reserve which is now their second ground. They are now based at Seacrest Park and this season now have XIs in five grades Iin the NSCCA competition,
https://www.playhq.com/cricket-australia/org/north-suburban-community-cricket-association/9307a990
Sorrento is a northern coastal suburb of Perth the state capital of WA.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sorrento,_Western_Australia
Good Luck Bobby
sonny in squad to face sri lanka
The domestic international season is far from over for our very own Sonny Baker - Sonny is in the England squad for both the ODIs and T20s against Sri Lanka this month.
Good Luck Sonny
tkcc mentioned in the cricketer magazine
The club is mentioned on the Letters Page of this month’s magazine on page 81 under “Seaside Delights.”
For those who want to read Evo’s original unedited version:
SOMERSET BY THE SEA
The Seaside Special article in last month’s edition has a special significance for Somerset CCC. Whilst they have used grounds which virtually all have been within the boundaries of the county at some stage (or very near). They used a ground during the first half of the 1970s which was truly out of county and also by the sea, Torquay Recreation Ground (“The Rec”), now the home of Torquay and Kingskerswell CC, hosted an annual John Player League match for then between 1969 and 1975. Roy Virgin clearly liked the ground, scoring a century for Somerset v Surrey (in 1971) and a fifty for Northamptonshire v Somerset (in 1975). Actually, for part of the time of these matches, Peter Anderson who went onto to be the CEO of Somerset CCC was stationed with the police in Torquay and was turning out for Torquay CC as it was then.
The Rec itself certainly for the foreseeable future will be in the history books as the last ground in Devon to host a first-class match – Minor Counties v South Africa in 1994.
As a foot note Somerset County Cricket Club was actually formed at another Devon seaside resort – Sidmouth in1875
late news
Better late then never, Evo could clearly no with another set of eyes to help him with the website (hint hint), the committee are pleased to inform members, that the club’s very own Sonny Baker was appointed an Ambassador for Chance to Shine just before his test match debut.
Chance to Shine is an independent cricket charity with the aim of inspiring young people through cricket, For, more details about the charities work go to:
DEVON CRICKET LEAGUE 2026 - ROUND 18
1ST XI
The 1st XI set off to take on the already doomed Thorverton CC 1st XI not knowing whether Instow’s micro-climate would snatch the A Division away from them and hand it to North Devon CC 1st XI.
Whilst some of the players had their “Last Breakfast” for 2026, which was rather more successful than the one at Budleigh Salterton as Breakfast Co-Ordinator, Ed Smout-Cooper, actually got his, this time, it wasn’t looking very hopeful.
It soon became obvious it was going to be a case of who blinked first – whether North Devon CC would call off first thus handing the title to TKCC. Neither blinked and at just before 4pm, the match started with TKCC having won the toss and not unsurprisingly asked Thorverton to have a bat in a match reduced to 25 overs per side.
Evo could remember a 7-ball match at the Rec against Plymouth CC 1st XI back in 2008 but never a 4-ball match. Well, it was a distinct possibility as just 4 balls into Kazi Szymanski’s first over the rain returned. (Szymanski actually made his debut for Torquay CC 1st XI in a friendly against the same opposition back at the start of the Glory Year of 2015.) After a short break though the players returned – TKCC being far keener to get the covers on and off – only 1additional over per side was lost. Thorverton were soon in trouble at 20 for 3 thanks to Szymanski (2 for 12). With the exception of their overseas, Shaun Yelverton with 26, and Bobby Heard with 20, things didn’t improve for Thorverton and they were all out for 87 in just 19.3 overs with Harry Baxendale taking 3 for 9.
In reply TKCC though got off to a disastrous start losing Josh Thompson trapped LBW first ball. However, Ed Smout Cooper anchored the innings with a run a ball 28 not out and Jimmy Clifford scored 38 to get TKCC insight of victory. It mattered little though as just 4.3 overs news reached the players that North Devon had fallen foul of the weather thus meaning one word “CHAMPIONS”. Whilst TKCC lost 3 wickets in the chase which was completed in just 14.2 overs it enabled the perfect final ending – captain, !Harrison” Passenger, hit the winning runs.
So, after 7 very long years, TKCC will be back in the Premier League I 2027 longside 6 other clubs from 2019 – how the landscape of DCL cricket changes. The top 4 from the A Division in 2019 are now / still Premier League clubs.
Thorverton CC 1st XI 87 all out (19.3 overs)
S Yelverton 26
B Heard 20
H Baxendale 3-9
Torquay and Kingskerswell CC 1st XI 90 for 3 (14.2 overs)
J Clifford 38
E Smout Cooper 28 not out
Torquay and Kingskerswell CC 1st XI (19 pts) beat Thorverton CC 1st XI (2 pts) by 7 Wickets
2ND XI
The 2nd XI was hoping to host Tavistock CC 2nd XI in the hope of securing the 6 points they needed for promotion to the giddy heights of C Division West – just one division below the celling for 2nd XIs. Well, the typical Bank Holiday weather put pay to any play but 8 points for the cancellation meant only one word “PROMOTION.” To think the old Torquay CC 2nd XI in 2023 was languishing mid table in E Division West having had to concede a match – how things have improved.
3RD XI
The 3rd XI was hoping to make the short trip to take on Stokeinteignhead CC 2nd XI but fell foul of the weather so picked up 8 points to finish a creditable 4th in G Division Central having played some matches short-handed.
4TH XI
The 4th XI was hoping to host Babbacombe CC 3rd XI but fell foul of the weather so picked up 8 points to avoid finishing bottom of H Division West despite the handicap of having to concede 2 matches – an improvement on 2025.
Player of the Day
Well, it has to go to the entire 1st XI for mission accomplished in very difficult weather.
Spectator Watch
Very little to report but Ben Passenger hop skipped and jumped, a test for his repaired knee, from his new abode – we can only assume his better half saw sense and didn’t venture out!
Evo’s 1st XI Player of the Season
After much deliberation and discussions with the Grandee of Camp Kelmere, especially for his performances during the second half of the season it goes to James Tyler.
Evo’s 1st XI Spectator of the Season
Well this year the award is shared between Morgan and Susie who are now both fully integrated as “honorary members” of Camp Kelmere.
Evo will keep the Website as live as possible this Winter, circumstances permitting but god willing will be doing Weekly Reports again in 2027.
WESTERN CALLED UP FOR AFRICA CUP
The club are pleased to announce that it’s very own, Tim Western, has been by England O50s to play in the Africa Cup in Zimbabwe in October. Details on how to follow the competition as we have them.
Congratulations Tim and Good Luck
sonny baker called up by england
As a result of the unfortunate incident in Derby there is a silver lining. The club are pleased to announce that Sonny Baker has been called into the England squad for the 2nd Test Match against Pakistan at the Home of Cricket which starts on Thursday.
Good Luck Sonny
HELP JAMES TYLER RAISE MONEY FOR MIND
After Evo’s efforts back in January another member of the 1st XI, all rounder James Tyler, is running the Cardiff Half Marathon on 4th October in aid of MIND, The. link to his fund- raising page is:
For more details about MIND and its vital work:
And for those interested in the actual race go to:
https://www.cardiffhalfmarathon.co.uk/
Good Luck JT
and
Please Give Generously
surprise visitor - the last skipper to win the premier league
Welcome Back to The Rec Yauy
DEVON CRICKET LEAGUE 2026 - ROUND 17
1ST XI
The 1st XI played host to Cullompton CC 1st XI.
Cullompton won the toss and asked TKCC to have a bat and soon had the title contenders in trouble at 50 for 4. A well-respected member of the Wednesday Afternoon Work Party had earlier in the week he would miss Mr Bish Bosh Out’s innings – sadly his prediction was right. The person who shall stay nameless did though rescue the ball from the hedge – the only 6 Mr BBO hit. The hero with the bat, and redemption from the despair of final day in 2009, was Josh Hunt, who hit 81 supported by James Tyler with 43, Hunt had the satisfaction of hitting the run to secure the all-vital 3rd point to secure promotion. However, he ran out of partners in his bid for a century thanks mainly to Sidhaarth Arulvendan who took 6 for 19 including a hat trick – all three bowled. TKCC were all out for 185 in 45.4 overs.
In their reply, Cullompton were soon in deep trouble at 9 for 3 after 8.4 overs – Kazi Szymanski with 3 for 10 was unplayable. Szymanski was giving Evo some nervous moments as if he had gone onto to take a five wickets in the innings he would have wanted to grab the ball, but Evo had already promised Arulvendan the ball from the first innings so couldn’t afford to lose two from his spares collection as another one had been lost in the vicinity of the Duck Pound. The Parr brothers repaired some of the damage with Jason scoring 34 and Brendan scoring 20. Not satisfied with his performance with the ball, Sidhaarth Arulvendan hit 26 before being the last batter out. Cullompton were all out for 130 in 41.2 overs.
In the end Evo was able to do the right thing in the Spirit of Cricket regarding the match ball – he actually sacrificed the better used ball which was like a dagger through his own heart.
So, eleven years to day since one of the finest hours of the Yau Era at Bovey Tracey CC, it the words of a famous former resident of Galmpton, “they think it’s all over it is now,” TKCC are back where they belong in the Premier. For Evo, one of only two survivors of the day, it is of special significance as for those who don’t already know he is battling Cancer but being so committed to the club was, if necessary, going to delay any Saturday impacting treatment until “his boys” got over the line. Whether he will still be with us next season, we can only hope he decides to fight the disease.
With mission accomplished, could Bovey Tracey CC 1st do TKCC a favour against North Devon CC 1st XI – the players were glued to You Tube. The result was just what the doctor ordered, with Seb Ansley scoring 113 not out batting at no 7 and Ollie Clifford Bourne so often the scourge of TKCC with a vital 2 not out – a won wicket defeat for North Devon CC 1st XI.
The final weekend of the season sees the 1st XI travel to take on already relegated Thorverton CC 1st XI still basically needing a win to claim the title. North Devon CC 1st XI are playing host to Heathcoat CC 1st XI. Will the DCL have the trophy in a helicopter and Nick Rogers parachute down to present it.
Torquay and Kingskerswell CC 1st XI 185 all out (45.4 overs)
J Hunt 81
J Tyler 43
S Arulvendan 6-19
Cullompton CC 1st XI 130 all out (41.2 overs)
J Parr 34
K Szymanski 3-10
Torquay and Kingskerswell CC 1st XI (18 pts) beat Cullompton CC 1st XI (7 pts) by 55 Runs
2ND XI
The made the short trip to take on Abbotskerswell CC 2nd XI and were back rather early.
TKCC won the toss and asked Abbotskerswell CC 2nd XI to have a bat and they stumbled to 72 all out in 33.4 overs. The best of the Abbotskerswell batters was Erik Gregersen formerly of this parish with 18. The chief tormentor of the Abbotskerswell batters was Tobias Delahunty with 5 for 13, ably supported by Dan Western with 3 for 8.
In reply the TKCC batters didn’t waste anytime knocking the runs off in just 11.2 overs despite the early loss of Dan Western. Dad, Tim with 38 not out and skipper Ryan Hanauer with 28 not out saw TKCC home without further loss.
Next weekend the 2nd XI play host to Tavistock CC 2nd XI knowing all they need are 6 points for promotion. Yelverton Bohemians CC 1st XI who can still catch them play host to Plymouth Civil Service and Roborough CC 1st XI.
Abbotskerswell CC 2nd XI 72 all out (33.4 overs)
E Gregersen 18
T Delahunty 5-13
D Western 3-8
Torquay and Kingskerswell CC 2nd XI 74 for 1 (11.4 overs)
T Western 38 not out
R Hanauer 28 not out
Torquay and Kingskerswell CC 2nd XI (20 pts) beat Abbotskerswell CC 2nd XI (1 pts) by 9 Wickets
3RD XI
The 3rd XI played host to Upottery 3rd XI.
TKCC won the toss and asked Upottery to have a bat.
With the exception of Joey Blight with 29 it was left to Upottery’s lower middle order of Paul Strawbridge with 48 and William Machin with 37 to amass the bulk of their 194 for 9 in their 40 overs well with the help of Mr Extras. The best TKCC bowler was Paul Harding wit 3 for 28.
At 25 for 3 it wasn’t looking promising for TKCC. However, Preshit Pawar had other ideas with a literally smashing 116 not out off just 55 balls which included 10 4s and 12 6s. As a result, TKCC reached their target on just 23.5 overs. Lewis Rich was the best of the Upottery bowlers with 3 for 28.
The final weekend of the season with a creditable 4th place in their sights, the 3rd XI travel the short distance to take on Stokeinteignhead CC 2nd XI. Meanwhile, Kenn CC 2nd XI who are just a point ahead play host to Honiton CC 2nd XI.
Upottery CC 3rd XI 194 for 9 (40 overs)
P Strawbridge 48
W Machin 37
P Harding 3-28
Torquay and Kingskerswell CC 3rd XI 198 for 4 (23.5 overs)
P Pawar 116 not out
L Rich 3-28
Torquay and Kingskerswell CC 3rd XI (19 pts) beat Upottery CC 3rd XI (6 pts) by 6 Wickets
4TH XI
With the exception of Andy Redpath who headed out on loan to help Get The Game On the 4th XI had a weekend off.
Next weekend they play host to Babbacombe CC 3rd XI.
Player of the Day
Sadly there is no place for sentiment so it has to go to Preshit Pawar,
Spectator Watch
The closing stages of the match was watched by David Post, the oldest surviving Club Professional of Torquay CC.
David is on the right.
BREAKING NEWS – A REPORT FOR REUTERS!
Reuters are reporting, TKCC 1ST XI are, back in the DCL Premier League. More news on this story as we have it!