from the boundary
News from Legendary statistician, Nicholas Evanson
NEW SIGNING - AIDEN LITTLE
The club are pleased to announce that spin bowler, Aiden Little has agreed to join the club having contacted the club via the website. Aiden, who came through the youth ranks in Cumbria originates from Workington – his club up north was Cockermouth CC and was educated at Sedbergh School. More recently though while studying at the University of Swansea, Aiden turned out for Cowbridge CC who play in Premier Division Two of the South Wales Premier Cricket League – the same tier as Clydach CC for whom a certain Kazi Szymanski played for while on the books of Glamorgan CCC. For those of a certain vintage also might remember Devon CCC all-rounder, John Tierney, turning out for Cowbridge CC as their match day pro.
Welcome Aiden
RED BALL DEBUT CONFIRMED
Excellent news - Sonny has made the XI! For those who want to follow the action the link is:
https://live.nvplay.com/ecb/?tab=m_summary#mec70fb66-db1c-4fbc-ade0-26f29cc6bfad
Yorkshire have won the toss so hopefully Sonny will be in action very soon!
NEWS FROM THE UTILITA BOWL
With the exception of the Overton twins when was the last time both the open bowlers for a first class county had played in the Devon Cricket League? Well it could happen for Hampshire tomorrow with our very own Sonny Baker inline for his red ball debut for Hampshire and Kyle Abbott formerly of Lewdown CC extremely likely to open the attack. Hampshire are taking on Yorkshire after Yorkshire’s year in the 2nd Division resulting from their EDI punishment. Yorkshire will be led by Jonny Bairstow, Also in their 12 are Dom Bess (the forgotten spinner of English cricket who is so well in this neck of the woods), George Hill (a former team mate of Hazza’s at Weedons when Hazza nipped down under for half a season) and Dawid Malan.
GOOD LUCKY SONNY – FINGERS CROSSED SOME WICKETS TO REPORT!
A CALL FOR UMPIRES
This evening Evo and Ian Western ventured out to Bovey Tracey CC to attend DACOs pre-season CPD session for Umpires (before anyone asks the question, Evo is one of the few in Devon qualified as both a scorer and umpire). The evening was very informative as regulations continue to evolve. T&K for the forthcoming season though will certainly be looking for more umpires, so anyone thinking of answering the call could test their LBW knowledge by going to the following link:
Seriously though if anyone is willing to help out even for just a few matches now the club has four XIs, the club will be pleased to hear from you.
EMILY PASSENGER IN CRICKETING ACTION!
Evo having reported on Hazza all winter thought he had better report on the exploits of younger sister, Emily, who has been plying her trade in Indoor Softball Cricket with Paignton CC this winter although still registered with T&K for open age hard ball cricket and with the club’s ambitious plans for Women’s and Girls Cricket will hopefully be one of the leading lights especially after “that catch” at Abbotskerswell CC for the 2nd XI pre-merger.
In the semi-final of the Devon Indoor Softball Competition, Paignton CC fell 37 runs short against Mooorland Maidens (an example of two combining to ensure W&Gs weren’t left without the opportunity to play) who went onto win the competition. Emily finished on -7 runs batting (yes there is a different scoring system) but did take 1 for 28 bowling.
THE COLTS ARE BACK IN TOWN!
After a successful winter indoors at Paignton Academy, nets for Colts return to the Recreation Ground this Friday between 5pm and 6.30pm. All colts, old and new, are welcome.
SONNY BAKER MAKES THE GUARDIAN!
https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/mar/28/sonny-baker-i-want-to-be-the-guy-where-people-are-coming-out-of-the-bar-to-watch-you-bowl
Hope all members of the club enjoy the read (just copy the link) and are very proud of our very own Sonny Baker.
FIRST APPEAL AS A DISABILITY SUPPORTER CLUB
Evo can now confirm that Torquay and Kingskerswell CC are now recognised by the Devon Cricket (DCF) as a Disability Supporter Club. The first appeal on behalf of Damian Price the Community Engagement Officer for the DCF (North and East) is to attract players for Softball Pairs Festivals. The link to further details is:
https://www.devoncricket.co.uk/devon-disability
The simple message from Evo is, “this club will do everything it can to be the best Disability Supporter Club in Devon. I won’t accept second best!” Knowing Evo he means it as when he is on a mission, he is certainly no longer that quiet person especially with his passion for all things EDI.
EVO COMPLETES NEW SAFEGUARDING LEVEL 2 QUALIFICATION
To ensure he is on the front foot for the forthcoming season, Evo, despite only re-validating last November (hence the date on the new certificate), has completed the new Level 2 Safeguarding course which was only released yesterday. Evo went onto to say, “Those, new to roles for 2025 should complete the course and even those who are still validated via the old course, I would recommend they complete it as well.” For those who have the necessary access to the ECB e-learning portal the link is:
https://elearning.ecb.co.uk/login/index.php
However, if anyone doesn’t have access. Please contact Evo via nevanson@hotmail.com and it can be sorted.
ecb DISPARITY AND GENDER ELIGIBILITY REGULATIONS EDUCATIONAL WEBINAR
Evo with his EDI hat on would like to bring attention to the above webinar on Thursday 3 April between 6pm and 7pm. As Evo says, “so much is changing for 2025 in this area, I encourage as many members with roles in the club to listen in.” The link is:
https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=sdPV_m56kUOg-rYiyEGQ6_jVsBxd1MhJvJqbLf8Xip5UQTNVTEJSMjg1SlFWNE1JWVg4OERBSkQ0Ti4u&route=shorturl&utm_campaign=14939307_27.03.25%20-%20Over%20%26%20Out&utm_medium=Email&utm_source=Email_ACO&dm_i=1FZA,8W78R,MFCDDC,112AZK,1
roger biddick - death notice
Roger Edward Tawton BIDDICK
Passed away peacefully on Wednesday 19th February 2025. Aged 89 years.
He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.
The Funeral Service will be held at Torquay Crematorium on Friday 28th March 2025 at 11.30am.
Family flowers only please
All enquiries to Walter C. Parson, King Street, Newton Abbot TQ12 2LG. Tel: 01626 334444 Walter C. Parson Funeral Directors (Newton Abbot)
MENTAL HEALTH WORKSHOP FOR MATCH OFFICIALS
On Tuesday 15 April 2025 the ACO are hosting an online workshop (via Zoom) run by Opening Up Cricket between 18:30 and 19:45. It is open to all Match Officials even if they aren’t members of the ACO. Evo with his Mental Health Champion’s hat on would encourage all Match Officials to attend what will be an interesting evening. The link to register your interest is:
https://forms.office.com/e/XdJ4HWmmJK
ECB VIDEO MAKERS COMING TO THE REC IN 2025?
Although it is only in the “please consider stage” there is the possibility a video being made by the ECB in 2025 will feature a segment involving the club in some way. Evo won’t reveal any more at this time accept to say the filming would involve more than one person.
mental wellbeing webinar
Evo in his new role as the club’s EDI Officer as well as being the club’s Mental Health Champion would like to encourage as many members to attend the following webinar:
https://www.devoncricket.co.uk/mental-wellbeing-webinar-2025
Evo went onto say, “Sadly in the last few years we have lost to many members of the local cricketing community who have taken their own lives – just one is one to many though. Through my employment I have also witnessed the consequences of mental health issues - one still haunts me two decades on. While on a personal level it is now known I suffer myself but until now it isn’t known on two occasions I have contacted the Samaritans in recent years. Hence my mantra, ‘we are one club and we should all lookout for one another’ - no one should suffer in silence.”
For those who want to learn more about Opening Up Cricket prior to the webinar. The link is:
“RUSTY SILVERWARE” FOR NATHAN ROUX
Whilst the blogging this winter on globe-trotting cricketers, the club’s re-turning overseas, Nathan Roux has been going about his business in his homeland, South Africa, for Eastern Cape Linyathi (or for the traditionalists amongst us, “Borders”). His side got to the final of the CSA Provincial One Day Challenge and were scheduled to take on Tuskers (formerly known as KwaZulu-Natal Inland) last Friday. Despite having a reserve day the match was abandoned due to the rain with Eastern Cape Linyathi on 82 for 0 after 15 overs – Nathan having opened the batting was 30 not out. The trophy was therefore shared.
HAZZA AND TOBIAS FALL SHORT
Clearly the unscheduled weekend off left Hazza and Tobias short of match practice as Weedons fell short in their against Peninsula-Harbour in the semi final of the one day competition – unless the In-Progress status of the match throws up another result.
As it stands, Peninsula-Harbour amassed 264 for 8 in their 45 overs. The “spin twins” were both wickletless. However, Tobias took 3 catches and Hazza 1 catch. In reply, Weedons didn’t bat their overs out – all out for 210 in 42.5 overs. Both Hazza and Tobias had quick fire cameos though – would one expect anything else for quick fire action from the former these days!
Here ends Evo’s reporting (well probably) on another season Down Under for Hazza.
PRE-SEASON FIXTURE ALERT
As part of pre-season preparation for the the season the club is pleased to announce it has secured pre-season fixtures in the South Hams and Teignbridge:
Saturday 26 April v Ipplepen - 1pm start
Sunday 27 April v Stoke Gabriel - 1.30pm start
Remarkably if Evo scores at Stoke Gabriel it will be a new ground for him which will help his more grounds scored on in Devon then his age.
Also, for those members who want to plan the first half of the season, thanks to the club’s hardworking Fixture Secretary, Katie Needs, all the fixtures are on the Club Diary section of the new website up until the end of June. Whilst the club currently doesn’t host the senior Devon side, there is plenty of opportunity to see those who will hopefully start for Devon in years to come so I would encourage members to support the Age Group matches. It would be wrong not to mention also there is the opportunity to watch the “stars of the past” in Seniors cricket.
KEEPING UP THE FAMILY TRADITION
The club are pleased to announce a third generation Western has successfully started on the coaching pathway. Young Bobby who is also skippering the club’s U19s XI this coming season completed the two day Foundation Coaches course last weekend,
Congratulations Bobby
HAZZA AND TOBIAS RETURN TO ACTION THIS WEEKEND
After a blank weekend last weekend thanks to Leeston-Lincoln-Southbridge forfeiting the scheduled match. Hazza and Tobias will return to action this weekend in a home semi-final of the 50 over competition against Peninsula-Harbour.