from the boundary
News from Legendary statistician, Nicholas Evanson
DISASTER BY TEATIME!
1ST XI
The 1st XI played host to Bridestowe and Belstone CC 1st XI in the winner takes it all relegation battle – there could be “no time for losers.”
As usual Hazza lost the toss and T&K were asked to have a bat. Note to skipper – please inform Evo of team changes!
For the second week running Kev Sullivan’s quote “what has just happened” soon sprung to mind with T&K soon 44 for 4 with all the main batters back in the pavilion with the exception of the “Two Harrys” but it was no laughing matter when they were both out with the score just 60 for 6. T&K were finally all out for just 83 in only 34.1 overs. Extras top scored with 22 as for the batters, Nathan Roux was best with just 16. The damage having been done for B&B by Paul Penberthy with 4 for 20 and Tallan Burns with 3 for 18. A special note of thanks to Tallan - not many opposition captains return the match ball to Evo.
So for a second week running T&K were out in the field before tea. However at 34 for 4, in reply thanks to the Harry Baxendale show with 4 for 28 was the Great Escape on? Sadly it wasn’t to be with a skipper’s knock by Kian Burns – 28 not out seeing B&B over the line with 4 wickets in hand. It has to be noted the umpires used Law 43 regarding the taking of Tea.
Had the match gone on much longer. Evo could have put his feet up as Don Shelley the Middlesex CCC 1st XI scorer had arrived on the ground for his annual visit. (Evo worked with Don at the Home of Cricket back in 2013.)
It is rumoured that Hazza is calling a COBRA meeting before the Speed Quizzing tonight!
Before the 1st XI make the shortest of trips to take on Barton CC 1st XI next weekend the batters have two opportunities for some batting out in the middle – Monday against Four Oak Saints in a T20 and Wednesday against Heffle Cuckoos in a 40 over match.
Torquay and Kingskerswell CC 1st XI 83 all out (34.1 overs)
Extras 22
N Roux 16
P Penberthy 4-20
T Burns 3-18
Bridestowe and Belstone CC 1st XI 86 for 6 (26.4 overs)
K Burns 28 not out
H Baxendale 4-28
Bridestowe and Belstone CC 1st XI (18 pts) beat Torquay and Kingskerswell CC 1st XI (4 pts) by 4 wickets
get nominating!
It is that time of year again:
https://www.devoncricket.co.uk/cricket-collective-awards-nominations-2025
Time to highlight the brilliant volunteers we have at T&K.
high fives for hazza!
News has just reached the club from the Welsh border that Harry Passenger has taken 5 for 18 in Devon’s 34 run win over Herefordshire in the National T20 Competition.
Well Done Hazza
DEVON CRICKET LEAGUE 2025 - ROUND 9
1ST XI
The 1st XI travelled to the “Home of the Best Cricket Teas in Devon” AKA Hatherleigh CC to take on their 1st XI. Prior to the match there was a minutes silence for former Torquay CC player, David “Syd” Lawrence who last Sunday succumb to MND. The club would like to put formally on record their thanks to Hatherleigh CC for being so compliant and in particular Sue Tidball their Vice Chair and Evo’s colleague in the box for facilitating it. Note to the players though it would have been etiquette for all T&K players to have been in full kit for it.
Hatherleigh won the toss, a rarer occurrence then even Hazza winning it, and asked T&K to have a bat.
Just 123 minutes later in the words of Kevin Sullivan “What Just Happened” with T&K all out for 90 in just 33,2 overs. Well T&K had run into Emmerson Wood (who moved to the area last winter) who took 6 for 10. The decision to change the batting order unfortunately failed spectacularly as a result with the exception of young Rio Koyikkara who finished undefeated on 36 off 97 balls, which was virtually 50% of all the balls faced by T&K.
With the fabled Hatherleigh tea on hold, the home side went out to bat, After just one ball it was a case of are T&K going to do something special with Harry Passenger clean bowling Ryan Quick. The second over unfortunately reminded Evo of Sargent Wilson’s quote, “is it wise sir.” After that with the Two Harry’s in tandem, there was always a chance of T&Ks own Miracle of Headingley (1981 version) but sadly it wasn’t to be but Hatherleigh did lose 5 wickets in the case with Passenger taking 3 for 42 and Baxendale 2 for 31. Emmerson Wood capped a fine day with a quick fire undefeated 20 off just 11 balls.
After the match with Harry Passenger clearly suffering from shell shock as a result of the performance. It was left to Luke Glasson to respond on behalf of T&K to Hatherleigh captain’s traditional short speech at tea,
With the alarm bells now clearly ringing, next weekend’s home match against Bridestowe and Belstone CC 1st XI – a “Winner Takes It All” relegation battle with the loser being in “Dire Straits.”
Torquay and Kingskerswell CC 1st XI 90 all out (33.2 overs)
R Koyikkara 36 not out
E Wood 6-10
Hatherleigh CC 1st XI 93 for 5 (17.3 overs)
S Ghosh 26
H Passenger 3-42
Hatherleigh CC 1st XI (18 pts) beat Torquay and Kingskerswell CC (3 pts) by 5 Wickets
2ND XI
The 2nd XI played host to Plymouth CC 2nd XI who were being captained by James Toms formerly of this parish on a track that was slightly greener then it should have been. No 2nd XI players took responsibility to cover the track after the Brockman Cup Final!
Just a week after the McCann’s double act in the 4th XI. This week it was the turn of the Ebrahim's with dad Faiz and son Ethan. Is “Ethan” the most popular first name amongst T&K players? Note to skipper though – retrospective DCL registrations are a pain in the arse!
T&K won the toss and elected to bat. Most batters got started but no one went onto make a big score with Faiz Ebrahim and Ryan Hanauer both scoring 29. However, they were outscored by extras with 35 and wides alone with 28 nearly outscored them. T&K were all out for 186 in just 38.2 overs, the, oh so regular cardinal sin of not batting the overs out. It was no fault of young Ethan Ebrahim who was 3 not out at the end having batted for 19 minutes and faced 13 balls. The best of the Plymouth bowlers was Stephen Skew with 3 for 41.
In reply no Plymouth batter really got going and by the time virtually the entire 1st XI came back to watch, Plymouth were already 5 wickets down, This however enabled them to watch James Toms (23) and his son George (17) bat together. There was a couple of lusty blows by Azizurahman Rahmanzai, so with the boot on the other foot for a change Evo sadly had an “unsuccessful” ball search but least he tried – Neil Stanlake or his partner in crime Nathan Roux might have better luck when they clear the bank / stream next. The star with the ball for T&K was Towkir Chowdhury with 4 for 10. Whilst young Ethan Ebrahim was wicketless on debut, Fahid Ali was run out while he was bowling by Tobias Delahunty to secure the 10th Plymouth wicket - a vital win for the 2nd XI.
Special mention must be made of our very own Phil Sturman who “guested” as scorer for Plymouth.
Next up for the 2nd XI is a trip on the Moors next weekend to take on Chagford CC 1st XI on a ground which once hosted a competitive Devon CCC 1 day match.
Torquay and Kingskerswell CC 2nd XI 186 all out (38.2 overs)
Extras 35
F Ebrahim 29
R Hanauer 29
S Skew 3-41
Plymouth CC 2nd XI 128 all out (42.2 overs)
Extras 30
J Toms 23
T Chowdhury 4-10
Torquay and Kingskerswell CC 2nd XI (19 pts) beat Plymouth CC 2nd XI (8 pts) by 58 runs
3RD XI
The 3rd XI set off on the long trip to take on North Molton CC 1st XI back under the leadership of the rather tanned Mike Etherington.
North Molton won the toss and elected to bat.
With the help from the crippling amount of Extras (48) primarily due to malfunctioning bowler’s radars it soon became a run feast for North Molton. Matthew Boundy (77), Henry Dunn (64 not out) and James Tapp (50) doing most the damage. Richard Saunter (2 for 38) and Matt Rossin (2 for 39) were the best of the T&K bowlers – one of them would have had much better figures but for the dreaded wides. North Molton amassed the rather large score of 271 for 8 in just 40 overs.
In reply for T&K it was simply the Mike Etherington show (86) with some support from Ady Zimunu (29). However, with no other batters coming to the show, T&K lost by 98 runs but the positive is they batted their overs out. Henry Dunn starred with the ball for North Molton with 4 for 23.
Next up for the 3rd XI next weekend is hosting Exwick CC 2nd XI.
North Molton CC 1st XI 271 for 8 (40 overs)
M Boundy 77
H Dunn 64 not out
J Tapp 50
Extras 48
R Saunter 2-38
M Rossin 2-39
Torquay and Kingskerswell CC 3rd XI 173 for 9 (40 overs)
M Etherington 86
A Zimunu 29
H Dunn 4-23
North Molton CC 1st XI (19 pts) beat Torquay and Kingskerswell CC 3rd XI (8 pts) by 98 runs
4TH XI
The 4th XI went on a short boat trip along the coast and up the River Teign to take on Teignmouth and Shaldon CC 3rd XI.
T&S won the toss and elected to bat.
Kevin Jones formerly of C&K was the best of the batters with 55 before being trapped LBW by Matt “oh my knee” McCann (2 for 24). However, he was outscored by Extras with 60 including 36 wides – no need to say anymore. Gary Abraham also contributed 43. The best of the T&K bowlers was Ollie Smith with 3 for 34 as T&K amassed 222 for 7 in 40 overs – hope the umpires were hopping on one leg at the end!
In reply, T&K were extremely thankful to Extras all 54 of them as the best batter was Matt McCann with just 21. The best of the T&S bowlers was Tyler Wilkins with 4 for 11 as T&K were 168 all out in just 36.5 overs.
The 4th XI have a weekend off next weekend to regroup before playing host to Kenn CC 2nd the following weekend.
Teignmouth and Shaldon CC 3rd XI 222 for 7 (40 overs)
Extras 60
K Jones 55
G Abraham 43
O Smith 3-34
Torquay and Kingskerswell CC 4th XI 168 all out (36.5 overs)
Extras 54
M McCann 21
T Wilkins 4-11
Teignmouth and Shaldon CC 3rd XI (20 pts) beat Torquay and Kingskerswell CC 4th XI (7 pts) by 54 runs
Player of the Day
It has to go to Mike Etherington.
Spectator Watch
Up at Hatherleigh, Evo is pleased to report there was no near misses when it comes to the tipping of spectators out of wheelchairs this year. Evo also appreciated Grandma Di took Grandson Lincoln out the way during the minute’s silence.
As for the 2nd XI it would be wrong not to mention Mike Hunt who was in residence to see his favourite player, James Toms, even though he was skippering the opposition!
brockman cup final result
In presence of Mrs Angela Glendenning the grand-daughter of the founder Mr William Brockman who travelled from her home in the Midlands. Torquay and Kingskerswell CC hosted the Brockman Cup Final between Babbacombe CC 1st XI and Ipplepen CC 2nd XI – a repeat of last year’s final. Sadly a late withdrawal meant the T&K representation at the pre-match buffet was one light.
Ipplepen won the toss and decided to take the advantage of batting first in the better light.
Ipplepen got off to a flyer thanks to Toby Holyrod with 74 of just 33 balls and never looked back. Hugo Denman provided the anchor role with an undefeated 44 off 55 balls. This allowed young Warwick Green AKA Destroyer to smash 46 off just 28 balls – mum Dawn catching most the action on camera in her role as Chief Photographer. Ipplepen amassed 189 for 3 – a record for the final. The most economical of the Babbacombe bowlers was Ben Passmore with 0 for 24.
In fading light the best of the Babbacombe batters was Aiden Lighthowlers was with 32 as they fell 28 runs short in the mammoth run chase. The best of the Ipplepen bowlers were Bradley Aldridge with 3 for 14 and Steve Bowden with 3 for 25. Should the match have been finished is debatable but then most evening cup matches run into the same problem.
Tim Western of this parish was Player of the Match Adjudicator and gave the award not unsurprisingly to Toby Holyrod – his son Daniel who was on the losing side “fortunately” did contribute significantly.
brockman cup final
Michael Vernon Hunt the President of the cup competition formally requests the presence of members tomorrow night when Babbacombe CC 1st XI try to retain the cup against last year’s defeated finalists, Ipplepen CC 2nd XI.
The Babbacombe side will contain Dan Western formerly of this parish (could be interesting as dad, Tim, is Player of the Match Adjudicator). Whilst for Ipplepen, young Warwick Green a star of the future will be playing – dad, Marcus, formerly of this parish. Other players formerly of this parish are also likely to be in both XIs.
Those formerly representing the club at the pre-match buffet are Evo (would have steeped aside if anyone had volunteered) and Steve Waters, whilst Phil Sturman is the Independent Scorer for the cup organisers.
aaron printers cup semi final
T&K 1st XI played host to Bovey Tracey CC 2nd XI – the two sides having met in the final both in 2022 and 2024.
Bovey Tracey despite some last minute availability issues crucially won the toss and decided to take advantage of the light and batted first.
Jamie Bishop (33) and Harry Mount (43) put on 80 for the 1st wicket in just 7.4 overs. There was then a mid-innings collapse with Bovey falling to 123 for 7 thanks to young Ethan Kulkarni with 3 for 22. However, Albie Bradley fresh from a dash down the M5 from Taunton and Ollie Clifford-Bourne who clearly likes the T&K attack (25 off just 9 balls) reached 174 for 9.
T&K got off to a reasonable start despite losing Tim Western for 8. However, when Josh Thompson was 3rd out for 43 off just 23 balls with the score on 74, T&K had their back to wall. This time Ollie Clifford-Bourne starred with the ball taking 3 for 11. Harry Baxendale after his exploits on Saturday once again tried to rescue the situation finishing undefeated on 34. However, it wasn’t to be with T&K losing by 35 runs in light which was certainly dodgy. As one of the umpires said these matches should be played on a Sunday morning but then how many players would be available?
Note to Mustavi Emdad. Please remember to bring your shirt as Evo is easily confused these days– a spinner turning into a seam bowler.
For anyone who noticed a can of lager entering the scorebox. Evo can confirm with the long arm of the law scoring for the 2nd innings with him it wasn’t consumed until close of play unlike incidents in 2015 and 2023 – the former ironically against Bovey Tracey CC 1st XI. Who was responsible for the arrival of the can is officially a mystery but Evo does have a chief suspect!
On one final note on dedication to the club – Evo was scoring on the 12th anniversary of the passing of his father (failed resus attempt on his own father), however he still opted to score. Nothing more than expected really having scored less than 3 days after the attempt and also just 6 days after seeing his mum die in front of him. Think he can be justified commenting on commitment issues!
remembering syd lawrence
The committee wish to inform members that Evo and Steve Waters are putting a plan together to remember Syd Lawrence - more news as the plan in formalised. However, Hatherleigh CC who the 1st XI are playing next weekend have already agreed to support T&K in whatever the club decides they want to do.
Yes, agreed, Syd only played for the club for a very short time. However, he must be recognised for being a trail blazer being the first British born black cricketer to play for England and for in recent years stoically battling the cruel disease that is simply known as MND.
updated DEVON CRICKET LEAGUE 2025 - ROUND 8
1ST XI
The 1st XI took on Thorverton CC 1st XI at the Rec with Josh Hunt making his comeback for the 1st XI and Japanese Under 19 international Leon Mehlig making his debut for the club.
Thorverton won the toss and asked T&K to have a bat.
After just 12.1 overs, T&K were in serious trouble at 57 for 6 (Evo was starting to wonder he could do his Ground Hop Challenge himself) thanks to Ben Slaviero (3 for 38) and George Daldorph (3 for 36). Some of the carnage was caught on camera by Conrad Sutcliffe and will appear later. At 14:30 with the score on 113 for 9 going out before was a certainty but what happened over the next hour proves there is no certainly no certainty in life, Harry Baxendale (even without Suzie watching on) scored 55. However, providing T&K with a defendable total wouldn’t have been possible without no 11 batter, Ritesh Debhade who finished undefeated on 21 off 70 balls (more balls then batters no 1 to 6 faced combined). T&K were finally all out for 186 with just 2 overs remaining of the allocation at 15:36.
Thorverton got off to a fast start – Dan Robbins was trapped LBW by Harry Baxendale for 37 with the score on 60 after just 7.5 overs. After that it became the Luke Vukusic, a Croatian international’s show with an undefeated 77, supported until virtually the end by Thoverton’s actual overseas, Shane Yelverton with 45. No T&K took more than 1 wicket and Thoverton won with 9.3 overs and 7 wickets in hand.
After the match there was an interesting occurrence. For the first time in living memory the umpires didn’t bring the stumps in. Just another job for Evo!
Next up for the 1st XI is a return to Aaron Printers Cup action this Thursday – home to Bovey Tracey CC 2nd XI. The 1st XI then return to DCL next weekend away to Hatherleigh CC 1st XI – the Home of the Best DCL Teas!
Torquay and Kingskerswell CC 1st XI 186 all out (48 overs)
H Bazendale 55
Extras 34
G Daldorph 3-36
B Slaviero 3-38
Thorverton CC 1st XI 189 for 3 (40.3 overs)
L Vukusic 77 not out
S Yelverton 45
Thoverton CC 1st XI (20 pts) beat Torquay and Kingskerswell CC 1st XI (4 pts) by 7 wickets
2ND XI
The 2nd XI made the short trip to take on Babbacombe CC 1st XI – the “Battle of the Westerns’” was fairly quiet with neither grandson, giving grandad Ian (umpire) or grandma Sandra (scorer) that much to do.
T&K won the toss and elected to field.
Opening up for Babbacombe was Marcus Thompson, father of, who went onto top score with 55. Paul Sutherland in the middle order contributed 45 as in the lower middle order with 43 did Henry Stubbs. The wickets were shared around with Towkir Chowdhury and Anthony Nadar both taking 2 a piece though. Babbacombe finished on 204 for 7.
In reply there were several cameos by the T&K batters. However leading the chase from the front was skipper Ryan Hanauer with 43 supported by Faiz Ebrahim with 35. Unfortunately, T&K fell 11 runs short of what would have been a vital win – alarm bells must now be starting rung with some urgency but in the words of Yazz, “the only way is up.” As for Babbacombe bowlers the best was Dan Western with 2 for 24 (no he didn’t get younger brother out).
Next up for the 2nd XI in their relegation fight next weekend will be a home fixture against Plymouth CC 2nd XI who are skippered by James Toms formerly of this parish.
Babbacombe CC 1st XI 204 for 7 (45 overs)
M Thompson 55
P Sutherland 45
H Stubbs 43
Torquay and Kingskerswell CC 2nd XI 193 for 9 (45 overs)
R Hanauer 43
F Ebrahim 35
Babbacombe CC 1st XI (19 pts) beat Torquay and Kingskerswell CC 2nd XI (8 pts) by 11 runs.
3RD XI
The 3rd XI played host to Cheriton Fitzpaine CC 1st XI again under the leadership of Steve Waters (one can only hope the scorecard on Play Cricket is deemed sufficient).
Cheriton Fitzpaine won the toss and elected to field.
T&K were soon in trouble losing Tom Lillywhite and Rob Spencer cheaply. However, Matt Rossin hung around to score 21. The lower middle order also contributed runs with Preshit Pawar scoring 26 and Steve Waters having dropped himself down the order scoring an undefeated 23. There was also a little help from extras – 34 of which 24 were wides. T&K sadly committed the cardinal sin of not batting their overs out – all out for 135 having just used 31 overs. The best of the Cheriton Fitzpaine bowlers was Tom Sommer with 3 for 19.
In reply Cheriton Fitzpaine lost both their openers to Ady Zumunu (2 for 33). However , 39 by Nick Roud and a crippling 29 extras (especially byes and extras) saw Cheriton Fitzpaine over the line in just 34,2 overs but with only 2 wickets in hand. The best of the T&K bowlers was Preshit Pawar with 2 for 17.
On the advice of Bumble the 3rd XI are to “start the car” now for next weekend’s fixture – away to North Molton CC 1st XI.
Torquay and Kingskerswell CC 3rd XI 135 all out (31 overs)
Extras 34
P Pawar 26
T Sommer 3-19
Cheriton Fitzpaine CC 1st XI 136 for 8 (34.2 overs)
N Roud 39
Extras 29
P Pawar 2-17
A Zumunu 2-33
Cheriton Fitzpaine CC 1st XI (19 pts) beat Torquay and Kingskerswell CC 3rd XI (7 pts) by 2 wickets
4TH XI
The 4th XI headed out to the Teign Estuary to take on Stokeinteignhead CC 2nd XI. In the side to block up a place in the field was Matt “oh my knee” McCann. However, this enabled him to play alongside his son Seth on his debut in open age cricket – from all accounts he did his parents proud. (By some quirk of fate the ground witnessed all three of the Bakers’ play together for the first time for Torquay CC.)
T&K won the toss and elected to field.
Skipper, Ollie Smith, trapped Ginhoy Joseph, LBW, for a golden duck with just the 5th ball of the match. However, that was as good as it was going to get in a runs feast for Stokeinteignhead with skipper, Roger Putman leading the way with an undefeated 79. Putman was supported by Siby Mathews with 56, Shinto Kunnathara Kuriakose with 42 and Rajesh Thundupurayidathil with 30. Even on one leg, Matt McCann, starred with the ball for T&K with 4 for 43. However, James Trenchard’s figures of 2 for 40 bowling at the death don’t do him justice. In the end, Stokeinteignhead amassed a mammoth 286 for 9 in their 40 overs. Remarkably though just over the other side of the estuary, Kenn CC 2nd had amassed 360 for 3 in 40 overs.
Sadly in reply T&K fell well short by 181 runs. Only loan players Balakrishnan Bhaskaran with 34 and Sachin Joy with 28 made any serious contributions. Young Seth McCann was 2 not out at the end though having faced 11 balls (5 more than his dad). T&Ks innings was all over in 31 overs with the best of the Stokeinteignhead .bowlers being Nomy Paul with 3 for 14.
Next up for the 4th XI is hosting Teignmouth and Shaldon CC 3rd XI next weekend fresh from their even larger mauling by Kenn CC 2nd XI.
Stokeinteignhead CC 2nd XI 286 for 9 (40 overs)
R Putman 79 not out
S Mathews 56
S Kuriakose 42
R Thunupurayidathil 30
M McCann 4-43
Torquay and Kingskerswell CC 4th XI 105 all out (31 overs)
B Bhaskaran 34
S Joy 28
N Paul 3-14
Stokeinteignhead CC 2nd XI (20 pts) beat Torquay and Kingskerswell CC 4th XI (6 pts) by 181 runs
Player of the Day
On reflection it has to be a joint award. Harry Baxendale for his 55 to give the 1st XI some hope. However, it wouldn’t have been possible had it not also been for Ritesh Debhade for his undefeated 21,
Spectator Watch
The Rec was graced by the presence of an extremely rare visitor, the master blaster from the 1990s, Phil Bradford, whose father Bruce was also on the ground – not sure the last time they watched any cricket together! It would be wrong though not to mention young Freddie Hunt who was watching dad Josh on his 1st XI comeback. After the match, Freddie helped Evo get in the fielding discs – Josh offered him a £1 a disc!
TRAGIC NEWS
The club has regretfully have to inform members of the passing of David “Syd” Lawrence who briefly played for Torquay CC in 1994. The club’s thoughts are with all his family and friends on hearing this extremely sad news.
the ground hop challenge
Well three member’s accepted Evo’s challenge of seeing all four XIs in an afternoon. Gordon Avery in his solo effort decided to go in team order while the combined effort of Geoff Hayes and Phil Sturman decided to go 1, 2, 4 and 3. Gordon even sneaked in a 5th ground – Cricketfield Road! Below are photos from all their stop offs.
Well Done Gentlemen
the rec (and evo) in the torbay weekly
On his quickness, Evo can certainly remember a wicket going up before the umpire’s figure was fully way back in 1996 – Ian Baker no guesses who you were just about to got out!
GROUND HOPPER ALERT!
It is rumoured that Gordon Avery and / or Phil Sturman are going to attempt to watch all four XIs tomorrow - news on their progress as we receive it.
EVO’S VISIT TO HOLLACOMBE COMMUNITY RESOURCE CENTRE
On what turned out to be a baking hot day. Evo headed off to Hollacombe CRC on an observation mission to see how much the clients can participate in adaptive Softball Cricket. After the observation phase it was then the case of some serious Softball Cricket with clients and staff all joining in – no balls reached the railway line though! Photographs will be released once the embargo on them is lifted by Hollacombe CRC. As, Evo said, “this is just the beginning and has certainly given me some ideas to progress the collaboration.” The next part of the collaboration is on 10 July when Hollacombe CRC will be using the Rec for at least part of their Annual Sponsored Walk. Evo is already drawing up an invitation list of key club members, if available, he would like to come down and support the walkers.