devon cricket league 2025 - round 11
1ST XI
The 1st XI made their shortest away trip of the season to take on local rivals Barton CC 1st XI, on a ground which was once home to Torquay CC. (Ironically many of the 1st XI live closer to Cricketield Road then The Rec.)
Prior to play there was a Minute’s Silence for DCL President, David Gambie, who had passed away the previous weekend. This was immaculately observed and the T&K followed the three line whip over wearing full playing kit.
As per usual, Hazza lost the toss but from all accounts, Steve Lewis formerly of this parish wasn’t sure what to do but eventually asked T&K to have a bat. At this juncture, it should be noted that both umpires, Don Fathers and Colin Whitehall, agreed to use Law 43 AKA “Common Sense” when it came to drinks breaks due to the heat – something which must be appalled.
T&K decided to experiment with a new opening partner for Tim Western with Chris Kelmere sadly unable to buy a run this season. Unfortunately the experiment with Josh Thompson lasted just two bowls with Western out for a duck – leaving a ball which re-arranged his stumps. When Nathan Roux was also out for a duck – chipping a catch back to bowler Matt Lipton, alarm bells were ringing. It wouldn’t be a T&K v Barton match though without an unusual occurrence – shortly after Roux’s dismissal there was a short Sun Stop Player stoppage. However, once play recommenced it was come of the hour come of the skipper, Harry Passenger scoring an undefeated 139 (his maiden league century) including 14 * 4s and 5 * 6s. He was well supported by Chris Kelmere with 64 including 6 * 4s and 3 * 6s. T&K finished on 279 for 5 in their 50 overs – more runs and batting points then in their last two matches put together! No Barton bowler took more than one wicket.
In reply, Barton soon lost Fin Last off the bowling of debutant Beau Rider with only his 5th ball after a 350 day hiatus from competitive cricket. The momentum soon started to swing Barton’s way though thanks to their overseas Tinashe Kamunhukamwe (who guested for T&K in the week), supported by Nick Watkin formerly of this parish. However, when he was on 65, what could well be the season changing moment for T&K, he was caught on the boundary by young Noah Carswell off the bowling of Chris Kelmere, Noah was as cool as a cucumber, I think not, and the catch will go down in T&K folk law. Soon afterwards, Kelmere trapped Watkin LBW for 31. It was the beginning of the end for Barton who were all out for 180 in just 42.4 overs. The wickets were shared about by the T&K bowlers. However, whilst Ethan Kulkarni only took 1 wicket, but in one of his overs, two Barton batters managed to get run out! (Forgetting your cricket trousers for the Heffle Cuckoos match might just now be forgiven.)
After the match the 1st XI made an “electric” exit from the ground – though not usually acceptable tickets for Electric Bay might well have had something to do with it!
The 1st XI return to action next weekend at The Rec against Bovey Tracey.
Torquay and Kingskerswell CC 1st XI 279 for 5 (50 overs)
H Passenger 139 not out
C Kelmere 64
Barton CC 1st XI 180 all out (42.4 overs)
T Kamunhukamwe 65
N Watkin 31
C Kelmere 2-22
H Baxendale 2-26
Torquay and Kingskerswell CC 1st XI (20 pts) beat Barton CC 1st XI (5 pts) by 99 runs
2ND XI
It was so reminiscent of the old days before the all through league – the 2nd XI were playing host to Barton CC 2nd XI under the leadership of Tom Lillywhite. A note, to Mr Lillywhite though, Evo doesn’t like to hear the match was stopped at one stage as there was no spare bowls – he gets very grumpy!
Barton won the toss and asked T&K to have a bat.
T&Ks innings was very much full of cameos with 5 batters getting into the 20s but no one getting more than 36 (Abu Bakar before he was trapped LBW by the latest member of the Calland / Parker cricketing dynasty, young Riley Calland). The second highest scorer was Extras with 27. T&K scored 172 for 9 in their 45 overs. The best of the Barton bowlers were Devanshu Singh with 3 for 13 and young Riley Calland with 3 for 34.
In reply, Barton collapsed to 93 all out in just 37.1 overs. Skipper, Adam Last formerly of this parish only contributed 14 while Shaun Needham also formerly of this parish only scored 5. The best of the Barton batters was Devanshu Singh with 19. The next best apart from Extras (19) was young Harry Shelton (another 3rd generation of a cricketing dynasty) with 16 – out scoring dad Greg! Anthony Nadar led the way for the T&K bowlers with 3 for 32.
Next weekend the 2nd XI are on their travels to the “Home of the best Cricket Teas in Devon” AKA Hatherleigh CC to take on their 2nd XI.
Torquay and Kingskerswell CC 2nd XI 172 for 9 (45 overs)
A Bakar 36
D Singh 3-13
R Calland 3-34
Barton CC 2nd XI 93 all out (37.1 overs)
D Singh 19
A Nadar 3-32
Torquay and Kingskerswell CC 2nd XI (19 pts) beat Barton CC 2nd XI (6pts) by 79 runs
3RD XI
The 3rd XI travelled to the wilds of North Devon to take on their 3rd XI at their out ground – Westleigh CC. (One player who doesn’t wish to be named is apparently still moaning about the travel involved.)
North Devon won the elected to bat.
As Sir Geoff Boycott says, “catches win matches.” Unfortunately, the first ball of the match saw Tom Carter dropped and he finished undefeated on 113 – all one will say the culprit does so much behind the scenes for the club. North Devon were 222 all out in 37.1 overs, I bet Sheps is hopping mad about that! The best of the T&K bowlers was Mark Wilson with 3 for 55.
In reply the T&K committee did their best for the team – Steve Waters (29) and Ollie Smith (27 not out). However, it wasn’t enough and the 3rd XI was all out for just 135 in 31 overs. Wes McKellar was the best of the North Devon bowlers with 3 for 19.
Next up for the 3rd XI next weekend is home match against Paignton 4th XI.
North Devon CC 3rd XI 222 all out (37.1 overs)
T Carter 113 not out
M Wilson 3-55
Torquay CC 3rd XI 135 all our (31 overs)
S Waters 29
O Smith 27 not out
W McKellar 3-19
North Devon CC 3rd XI (20 pts) beat Torquay and Kingskerswell CC 3rd XI (8 pts) by 87 runs
4TH XI
Regrettably the 4th XI had to concede their home match against Kenn CC 2nd XI through a lack of players. It is now SITUATION CRITICAL as if the team concedes a 3rd match they will be regrettably removed from the league.
So a message to players, “think of an excuse to play cricket instead of one not to!”
Next weekend players who are willing to commit won’t have to travel far as the 4th XI are taking on Babbacombe 3rd XI at Cockington Court. Hopefully the venue will “drum” up some players.
Player of the Day
Well it can only go to Harry Passenger.
Spectator Watch
A rather quiet day as Matt Hunt didn’t follow the recently passed Lord Tebbit’s misquote of “get on your bike” so nothing really to report from Cricketfield Road.