devon cricket league 2026 - round 9
1ST XI
The 1st XI played host to Thorverton CC 1st XI and shock of all shocks considering the current heat wave, a dash had to be made for the covers, pre-toss.
The lasted just a few minutes and Thorverton won the toss and asked TKCC to have a bat. TKCC didn’t get off to the best of starts, falling to 52 for 3 with Josh Thompson, Ed Smout Cooper and Chris Kelmere all out. However, the damage was repaired by Ben Pomare (50) and captain Harry Passenger (62) in a 4th wicket stand of 71. Later the tail also wagged with Rio Koyikkara (350 and Harry Baxendale (21). However, disaster struck when opening bowler, Kazi Szymanski overstretched, a case of “oh my ***”. TKCC finished on 251 for 9 in their 50 overs. The best of the Thorverton bowlers not for the first time being George Daldroph with 3 for 44 and Ben Slaviero with 2 for 40. Mention must be made though, of spinner, Alex Jopling who only went for 23 in his 10 overs.
In Reply, Thoverton made hay while TKCC were finding a substitute fielder – Charlie Smout-Cooper making a surprise debut after his midweek transfer from Abbotskerswell CC. However, 50 runs had been plundered in just 19 balls. The two Harry’s did put an “emergency stop” to the onslaught but Thorverton were 79 for 2 but it was off just 8.2 overs – opener Dan Robbins falling for 33. However, his opening partner, Croatian international, Luke Vukusic, went onto score 74 before being bowled around his legs by Rio Koyikkara, This, left Thoverton basically needing 100 runs in 25 overs. George Daldorph (54) and skipper Harry Choiules (38) got Thoverton in sight of a much needed, victory.
At 18:55 they thought it is was all over it was then for TKCC. However, what happened over the next 23 minutes was nothing short of incredible – from 230 for 5 to 251 all out in just 3.1 overs – match tied, The, heroes being Ritesh Dabhade with 3 for 32 and the player of the moment James Tyler with 3 for 52. With four overs left, Thorverton needed just 3 to win with 2 wickets left. Tyler’s over went: dot, one run, WICKET, dot, wide ball, dot, WICKET. Who says cricket is boring!
Was the injury to Kazi Szymanski crucial – yes. However, the number of wides given away by TKCC bowlers just as much a major factor in the result – absolutely (21 compared to just 10).
The Miracle of the Rec – what a debut for Livestreaming on YouTube
Next up for the 1st XI next weekend is hosting Kilmington CC 1st XI.
Torquay and Kingskerswell CC 1st XI 251 for 9 (50 overs)
H Passenger 62
B Pomare 50
G Daldroph 3-44
Thorverton CC 1st XI 251 all out (47 overs)
L Vukusic 74
G Daldroph 54
R Dabhade 3-32
J Tyler 3-52
Match Tied – Torquay and Kingskerswell CC 1st XI (16 pts)
Thorverton CC 1st XI (15 pts)
2ND XI
The 2nd XI travelled across Dartmoor to take on Tavistock CC 2nd XI.
Tavistock won the toss and elected to bat and were soon caught in some spinner’s webs! Tobias Delahunty returning the remarkable figures of 5 for 7 in his 9 overs which included 5 maidens. Of his 5 wickets, 3 were caught and bowled, Delahunty was supported by Ethan Kulkarni with 3 for 12 and Bobby Western with 1 for 3. Mr Extras top scored for Tavistock with 19, of their batters, only skipper Ryan Burke (15) and Jon Proctor (13 not out) got into double figures, as they were all out for just 63 but in 39.4 overs.
When TKCC went into bat, Tobias Delahunty decided to put Tavistock out their misery scoring 48 not out in just 26 bowls. Compared to last week’s slaughtering of Abbotskerswell CC it was quicker in just 8.5 overs but 1 wicket was lost this time.
Next up for the 2nd XI next weekend is another trip to West Devon to take on Plymouth Civil Service and Roborough CC 1st XI. I am sorry to have to report though Mr Rice, players are considering asking for a reduction in Match Fees with these very quick wins!
Tavistock CC 2nd XI 63 all out (39.4 overs)
Extras 19
T Delahunty 5-7
E Kulkarni 3-12
Torquay and Kingskerswell CC 2nd XI 64 for 1 (8.5 overs)
T Delahunty 48 not out
Torquay and Kingskerswell CC 2nd XI (20 pts) beat Tavistock CC 2nd (1 pt) by 9 Wickets
3RD XI
Still waiting for the acting Captain to upload the result.
4TH XI
One would have thought after their blank weekend and the chance to play on Roger Tolchard’s favourite ground, the 4th XI would have loved to make the short trip to take on Babbacombe CC 3rd XI. Sadly, though despite so many registered players, a second match conceded this season, which leaves the team at the half way stage of the season, half way to expulsion from the DCL. The immediate consequence being unless there was an early call a possible fine of £55 to cover teas. However, the more serious longer-term consequence is continuing to have the use of the ground at Kingskerswell if the club only needs it every other week. On the embarrassment front though have sailed very close to the wind last season, TKCC are the only club with an XI half way to expulsion this season. In the words of a quizmaster from a local pub ironically frequented by several Babbacombe CC players though,” “God willing” “we shall see the 4th XI next weekend travel on Sunday to take on Yelverton Bohemians CC 3rd XI”
Player of the Day
Awaiting details of the 3rd XI but early indications it will be Tobias Delahunty although James Tyler has a strong case.
Spectator Watch
After a dash back across Dartmoor it was good to see so many of the 2nd XI back to witness today’s “Miracle at the Rec” although one committee member fell asleep at home and so didn’t make it down in time – Mr Rider!