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.