from the boundary
News from Legendary statistician, Nicholas Evanson
10 YEARS ON – WHERE ARE THEY NOW?
On 7th April 2008 the story broke that Torquay CC 1st XI had very few “true” 1st XI players left and relegation wasn’t if but just the when – step forward Justin Yau who turned a team of boys into a team of men. Torquay United had had many “Great Escapes” but what unfolded was truly remarkable – a victory over North Devon CC 1st XI on the last game of the season (Evo’s match 400) proves miracles can happen. Had the script been written though – only 6 points were needed and Evo had recorded 4994 for the 1st XI!
Seven years on from that miracle the Premier League title came home on a never to be forgotten day at Bovey Tracey – Joseph Edward Thompson having hardly bowled all season took his only league wicket of the season that effectively meant the title was “coming home” (those who were around from 1996 can understand the significance of the quote) – it reminds Evo very much of Ian Baker getting Adrian Small out in 1996 and 1997 but that is a story all of its own with a minor sequel in 2018. However, a rain delay in North Devon meant putting the celebrations on ice for a short which sadly meant Torquay couldn’t walk out to bat as champions (Evo did everything to slow the umpires up but failed). The trophy was presented seven days later at home, with Nigel Janes who had been the last skipper to lift the trophy for Torquay CC present.
So what happened to the squad of 2015?
· Justin Yau – called it a day with Torquay as a result of the relegation because of the “North Devon Debacle” and now skippers Congresbury CC and is qualifying to become a playing member of the MCC.
· Joe Thompson – trod the same path as Yau for the same reason.
· Matt Thompson – being based in South Wales having a top job with Cricket Wales for the same reason plied his trade in South Wales for several years before finally heading to Congresbury to join Yau and his older brother.
· Nick Watkin – joined the exodus out of loyalty being vice-captain but stayed local. Initially with Abbotskerswell CC before returning to Barton CC. A subsequent skipper did consider trying to get him back to the Rec but knew the answer would be “no”.
· Max Waller – a friend of Yau from junior representative cricket, left his role as Match Day Pro at the end of the season and subsequently had a nomadic existence in league cricket both during his later years with Somerset CCC and subsequently. Last heard of over the border with Callington CC when not coaching Exeter University.
· Ryan Stevenson – the find of the season went onto have a career with Hampshire CCC which alas was blighted by back trouble so rarely played afterwards in Devon and eventually played his club cricket in Hampshire before joining up with Yau at Congresbury but never actually played. On his release by Hampshire, Stevenson like Adam Dibble, walked away from the game completely.
· Matt Petherbridge – the starlet of the side joined the exodus and headed back west and is now enjoying his cricket again over the border playing for Saltash CC.
· Mitch Pugh – stayed on in the initial post Yau era before heading east to join Bradninch CC as it was then.
· Kazi Szymanski – had a short time on the books of Glamorgan CCC so was under orders to ply his trade in South Wales. Szymanski even after his release continued to do this including three seasons when his home ground was the one made famous by Sobers six sixes before heading back to play for Taunton St Andrews CC. However, he has now just gone up north to play for Moorlands CC.
· Sach Galhenage - the overseas returned to India and there is no record of him playing again in league cricket. (Mitch Pugh played as English qualified as although he was from Sydney had an English passport and could have even have a third – a South African.)
· Jack Richardson – another who trod the well-worn path to Congresbury CC before retiring in 2021.
· Tim Piper – left the club during the season and headed back to his spiritual home, Bradninch CC for the second time where he still plays.
· Bertus Loots – one of those overseas who never went home was the mid-season replacement for Piper. Loots rarely played any cricket after 2015 but is believed still to live in the South Hams.
· Richard Hancocks – last heard of back in the Sussex area.
· Neal Osborn - played spasmodically afterwards whilst concentrating on his footballing career, which sadly stooled thanks to an untimely injury, before joining Abbotskerswell CC and you guessed it the last club he was registered with was Congresbury CC!
· Joe Crooks – another veteran of the Miracle of 2008, continued to play until he set off for a new life in Australia.
· Oli Pitts – rarely played any cricket after 2015 but what cricket he did was for Torquay CC. Now concentrates on Marshal Arts and has just headed off to Australia for a new life.
· Ollie Hunt – continued to play until he moved up north for work. From all accounts his bowling boots haven’t seen any action in a while. Just like his younger brother, Josh, Ollie was also part of the Miracle of 2008.
· Ian Baker – a survivor from the back to back titles in 1996 & 97 played on until very recently combining that with driving Torquay CC forward as a dynamic young Chair. Not officially retired but we are unlikely to hear the words “Jesus Christ” again, his trademark expression on bowling a wide.
· Tim Western – the last player truly standing and now an England O50 international who like Baker is also a veteran of 1996 & 1997.
To be absolutely correct Evo has to make mention of Ed Thompson, dad of Joe and Matt who was an unused nominated substitute fielder for one fixture. Ed until the boys moved on still watched but now spends more time playing Table Tennis.
Well of course then there is Evo himself who started with the 1st XI just three weeks after the Hillsborough Disaster and is still going strong (just) and next year will possibly reach match 700! That saying the “North Devon Debacle” and the early post Yau era did push him from all accounts very close to calling it a day.
Why did Evo start with mentioning 7 April? Well Yauy and Evo were born in 7 April!
hazza back in lions action
Harry Pasenger after a late call up has been playing for Devon Lions against Cornwall over the last two days although “bad sister” Emily didn’t know who he was playing for! Although his own performance was unspectacular. Devon beat the old enemy by 3 runs.
evo back at hollacombe crc
In slightly cooler weather for a change, Evo headed back over to Hollacombe CRC for a session of Softball Cricket with their clients. Simply the laughter and the smiles on their faces was sufficient to prove the session was a success (photos to follow). The centre was so pleased with the kit the club have donated to them and to our partner club, Torquay Tennis Club, for also donating some kit. If everything goes to plan, Evo will now be holding regular sessions over the winter.
DEVON CRICKET LEAGUE 2025 - ROUND 16
1ST XI
The 1st XI played host to Plympton CC 1st XI in “The Winner Takes It All” match on the 50th anniversary of ABBA playing on Torre Abbey in a big tent.
T&K actually won the toss and elected to field.
For the first time since that fateful night at Cricketfield Road, Josh Thompson was able to bowl (0 for 26 off 7 overs). However, Plympton got off to a good start thanks to Elliot Hamilton (67) and Finn Torley (37) but then the wheels came off with the exception of Emanuel Motswiri (33) thanks to spinning quartet of Messrs Baxendale (2 for 36), Kelmere (4 for 46), Passenger (3 for 43) and Western jnr (1 for 11). How crucial was the catch by young Bobby Western to get Hamilton out – as crucial as Noah Carswell’s catch at Barton. From 98 for 1 after 19.1 overs, Plympton collapsed to 197 all out in just 42.4 overs.
In reply Tim Western dropped anchor with 38 which allowed Josh Thompson to smash 88 off just 49 balls including 5 * 6s. Where was Luke Glasson when you needed him though as one of the 6s was in the first five overs and no one went looking in the hedge for it (someone is now really Mr Grumpy). Nathan Roux later joined the party with an undefeated 39 off just 23 balls. The chase remarkably was successfully completed by just after 5.30pm with 7 wickets in hand and 26.5 overs remaining! Only Elliot Hamilton of the Plympton bowlers came away with any credit taking 2 for 27.
Next up for the 1st XI is a trip next weekend to take on Thoverton CC 1st XI – hopefully no need for an SOS now!
Plympton CC 1st XI 197 all out (42.4 overs)
E Hamilton 67
F Torley 37
E Motswiri 33
C Kelmere 4-46
H Passenger 3-43
Torquay and Kingskerwell CC 1st XI 200 for 3 (23.1 overs)
J Thompson 88
N Roux 39 not out
T Western 38
Torquay and Kingskerswell CC 1st XI (20 pts) beat Plympton CC 1st XI (4 pts) by 7 wickets
2ND XI
The 2nd XI travelled down to take on Plymouth Civil Service and Roborough CC 1st XI.
T&K won the toss and elected to field.
There was nothing spectacular about the PCS&RCC batting – the best being 33s from both Jamie King and Nuruz Zamal and they were all out for 211 in 44.2 overs. However, what crippled T&K were the 48 extras conceded including 30 no balls / wides. Vivek Kulkarni was the best of the T&K bowlers with 3 for 33 supported by Tobias Delahunty with 3 for 38.
In reply the T&K batting basically failed until the tail-enders, Ethan Kulkarni batting at number 9 scored 36 (a career high in the DCL) and Ritesh Dabhade batting at number 10 scored 23. T&K were all out for 170 in 44.4 overs. PCS&RCC having given away nearly 30 less extras! The best of the PCS&RCC bowlers being Al Stewart with 3 for 17 and Matt Treverrow with 3 for 48.
Next up for the 2nd XI is hosting Babbacombe CC 1st XI with destiny in their own hands regarding the threat of relegation.
Plymouth Civil Service and Roborough CC 1st XI 211 all out (44.2 overs)
Extras 48
J King 33
N Zamal 33
V Kulkarni 3-33
T Delahunty 3-38
Torquay and Kingskerswell CC 2nd XI 170 all out (44.4 overs)
E Kulkarni 36
R Dabhade 23
A Stewart 3-17
M Treverrow 3-48
Plymouth Civil Service and Roborough CC 1st XI (20 pts) beat Torquay and Kingskerswell CC (9 pts) by 42 runs
3RD XI
The 3rd XI played host to Sandford CC 3rd XI.
T&K won the toss and elected to field.
The Sandford innings was simply the Elliott Butterfield show with 177 off just 128 balls including 23 * 4s and 8 * 6s. (Butterfield is only U15 and is schooled at Blundells.) The next highest scorer was Alex Stevens with 27. Sandford finished on 255 all out in their 40 overs – enough runs to secure full batting in the 50 over format of the DCL! Butterfield was the last player out, run out my Mike Etherington. As for the T&K there was 2 wickets each for Ethan Abraham, Matt McCann and Ady Zimunu; McCann being the best with 2 for 26.
In reply there was several quick fire cameos but the only batter to score over thirty was Preshit Pawar who fell just one run short of a 2nd DCL fifty this season. T&K were all out for 187 in 38.2 overs. The best of the Sandford bowlers were Tom Harding who was playing against T&K 3rd XI for the 2nd week running having been on loan last weekend to Shobrooke Park CC 2nd XI with 3 for 25 and Glyn Barker with 3 for 32.
Next up for the 3rd XI is a trip next weekend to take on Cheriton Fitzpaine CC 1st XI in a “[the] Winner Takes It All” match – defeat an SOS might be needed!
Sandford CC 3rd XI 255 all out (40 overs)
E Butterfield 177
M McCann 2-26
E Abraham 2-31
A Zimunu 2-46
Torquay and Kingskerswell CC 3rd XI 187 all out (38.2 overs)
P Pawar 49
T Harding 3-25
G Barker 3-32
Sandford CC 3rd XI (20 pts) beat Torquay and Kingskerswell CC 3rd XI (9 pts) by 68 runs
4TH XI
Sadly Cullompton CC 4th XI had to concede due to a lack of players after all the hard work by Vivek Kulkarni and Ollie Smith to find 11 players for T&Ks 4th XI including a loan from Barton CC! Twenty points are twenty points but it still isn’t nice to obtain them in this fashion.
Next up for the 4th XI next weekend is hosting Stokeignteignhead CC 2nd XI.
Player of the Day
For his brutal attack on the Plympton bowlers it has to go to Josh Thompson.
Spectator Watch
It was good to see Messrs Brady, Redpath, Scarff and Smith from the 4s watching the 1st XI.
get voting!
The club are pleased to announce, Simon Rice AKA Ricey has been short-listed for The Cricketer magazine Toyota Good for Cricket Award Fundraising Hero. By voting you will not only be recognising Ricey’s contribution to the club but also you will be promoting the club nationally. The link is:
So please get voting!
Sonny for England!
Doesn't that sound good. Well it is true - Sonny is off to Ireland in mid-September as part of the England T20 squad after being in the ODI squad to take on South Africa. One word from Sonny, “buzzing.”
Congratulations Sonny from all at T&K
a famous first win!
Congratulations on the Ladies on their first win as a team against Barton of all teams!
THE DICK LEAR CUP - THIS SUNDAY
Richard “Dick” Lear passed away in 2010 having played / umpired for both Torquay CC and Kingskerswell CC for over 40 overs. Dick’s two sons David and Jon also played for both clubs.
Subsequently a cup was donated to remember him. It has either been played between an Aaron Printers Cup Select XI and a Brockman Cup Select XI or winners of the respective cups.
This year, Bovey Tracey CC 2nd XI will take on Ipplepen CC 2nd XI. The headline battle could be between two current stars of Devon U15s, Albie Bradley of Bovey Tracey and Warwick Green of Ipplepen. However, could Henry Mount and Jake Pascoe do it again for Bovey Tracey or could Bradley Aldridge and Toby Holroyd do it again for Ipplepen.
Also likely to present, possibly in the “box” for Ipplepen, Simon Tapley who played alongside Jon Lear as youngsters for Torquay CC. Oh the thorny subject of artificial strengthening and the “interesting” eligibility regulations for the respective cups – well Marcus Green, formerly of this parish might join his son in the Ipplepen team. As for others now at Ipplepen who have previous been involved with T&K and might attend - the list is as long as your arm.
Sadly as a result of CEO commitments with Devon CCC, the President of Bovey Tracey, Nigel Mountford, formerly of this parish is unlikely to be in attendance.
Please come and support the match which commences at 2pm.
MISSING 3RD XI REPORT & PLAYER OF THE DAY
Thanks to Mike Etherington and Evo who clearly both have degrees in both Creative Accountancy and Forensic Scoring last Saturday’s 3rd XI match can now be reported on although some T&K bowling figures need to be taken with a pinch of salt as Mike and Evo haven’t got degrees in Miracle Working. However, in all seriousness though it demonstrates the need for the 3rd XI to have both a regular scorer and umpire - volunteers please.
The 3rd XI hosted Shobrooke Park CC 2nd XI.
T&K won the toss and elected to field.
The stars with the bat for Shobrooke Park was Christopher Field with 56 and the unwanted Mr Extras with 57. The best of the T&K bowlers was Joseph Frost with 3 wickets for approximately 16 runs. Shobrooke Park finished 195 all out – the final wicket falling on the last ball of the innings.
In reply it was another chairperson’s knock leading the way for T&K – Steve Waters falling just 6 runs short of his 50. Waters was supported by Robert Spencer with 36 and Preshit Pawar not out on 35 as T&K won with 5 balls to spare and with 2 wickets remaining. The best of the Shobrooke Park bowlers was David Manning with 3 for 18 (likely to be an accurate figure).
Next up for the 3rd XI in a few days’ time is hosting top of the table Sandford CC 3rd XI with now a 9 point cushion in the battle to avoid relegation. “The Winner Takes It All” match though is the following weekend away to Cheriton Fitzpaine CC 1st XI. However, North Molton CC 1st XI over the next three weekends will have a massive influence over who gets relegated as they play both T&K and Cheriton Fitzpaine. Finally, whilst the 5 point penalty for fielding an unregistered player might ultimately seal the fate of the 3rd XI. It is no good crying over spilt milk as it just drives home the fact of not enough “regular” players who are committed and the captains need more admin support - volunteers for the latter please.
Shobrooke Park CC 2nd XI 195 all out (40 overs)
Extras 57
C Field 56
J Frost 3-16
Torquay and Kingskerswell CC 3rd XI 196 for 8 (39.1 overs)
S Waters 44
R Spencer 36
P Pawar 35 not out
D Manning 3-18
Torquay and Kingkskerswell CC 3rd XI (20 pts) beat Shobrooke Park CC 2nd XI (8 pts) by 2 wickets
Player of the Day
Now all the reports are in, it has to go to Tobias Delahunty with runs, wickets and catches (certainly a good day to play himself as “Triple Captain” in the Fantasy Cricket competition).
CLOSEST THING TO JIMMY
“Captain Phil Salt compared 22-year-old fast bowler Sonny Baker to England great James Anderson after he shone in Manchester Originals' 10-run win over London Spirit at Old Trafford.”
“Anderson also praised the highly-rated Baker, who was awarded an England development contract earlier this year despite having never played a County Championship match at that stage. "I have seen a lot of footage of Baker but not seen a lot of him live," Anderson told Sky Sports. "I have been so impressed. Tonight, he bowled outstandingly well. He has got pace, skill, swings the ball both ways. He has a lot going for him."
devon cricket league 2025 - round 15
1ST XI
The 1st XI headed into deepest East Devon to take on Kilmington CC 1st XI
Normal service was resumed as Hazza lost the toss and Kilmington asked T&K to have a bat.
With Josh Thompson on his travels with Devon U18s. Tim Western opened up with Nathan Roux as the non-striker for a change. Western, Koyikkara and Passenger were soon all back in the pavilion - there is no truth in the rumour that Passenger had over indulged on alcoholic beverages at Taunton using Evo’s membership card. That saying Autistic After Hours profited by another £10! (Now just £22 short of £500.) It then became the Nathan Roux show - undefeated on 136 come the end having been supported by Chris Kelmere, form is temporarily class is permanent, with 56. The best of the Kilmington bowlers was Oliver Reed with 2 for 60 as T&K amassed 241 for 6 in their 50 overs.
Tom Gooding got Kilmington off to an excellent start with 46 before falling to Beau Rider in his magical over – taking Sam Cocunits their overseas with his next legitimate ball. At 130 for 6 in looked game on, However Oliver Reed with 74 not out and Tom Olive with 47 out out saw Kilmington over the line by 4 wickets with 3.3 overs remaining – having to fudge overs again came back to haunt T&K. The best of the T&K bowlers was young Beau Rider with 3 for 32.
Next up for the 1st XI next weekend is the absolute crunch home fixture against Plympton CC 1st XI – defeat and the unthinkable is possible.
There are however potentially even more concerning reports this morning from Evo’s household that after nearly 40 years he is falling out of love with scoring – more news as we have it. The last few years have simply taken a toll on him.
Torquay and Kingskerswell CC 1st XI 241 for 6 (50 overs)
N Roux 136 not out
C Kelmere 56
O Reed 2-60
Kilmington CC 1st XI 244 for 6 (46.3 overs)
O Reed 74 not out
T Olive 47 not out
B Rider 3-32
Kilmington CC 1st XI (18 pts) beat Torquay and Kingskerswell CC 1st XI (7 pts) by 4 wickets
2ND XI
The 2nd XI played host to Ivybridge CC 2nd XI under the leadership of the “Lesser Spotted” Ryan Hanauer.
Ivybridge won the toss and asked T&K to have a bat.
T&K scored 200 all out in 40.5 overs and it was all down to one player, Tobias Delahunty with 108 apart from a cameo from Anthony Nadar with 29. Delahunty’s innings went as more than run a ball and included 15 * 4s and 1 * 6. The best of the Ivybridge bowlers were Owen Howard with 3 for 13 and Harry Drew with 3 for 31.
When Ivybridge replied it was once again the Towkir Chowdhury show with the ball taking 4 for 21. How long before he gets his chance in the 1st XI? However, you couldn’t keep Tobias Delahunty out the action – 3 for 19 and 2 catches. The best of the Ivybridge batter’s was Harry Drew with 36 not out as they were all out for 143 in 38.5 overs.
A special thanks must go to, Ollie Smith, a truly dedicated club person who answered the SOS for an umpire.
Next up for the 2nd XI next weekend is a trip to take on Plymouth CS and Roborough CC 1st XI in a mid-table battle. T&K now find themselves 29 pts off 2nd place but more importantly 29 points off 9th place.
Torquay and Kingskerswell CC 2nd XI 200 all out (40.5 overs)
T Delahunty 108
O Howard 3-13
H Drew 3-31
Ivybridge CC 2nd XI 143 all out (38.5 overs)
H Drew 36 not out
T Chowdhury 4-21
T Delahunty 3-19
Torquay and Kingskerswell CC 2nd XI (20 pts) beat Ivybridge CC 2nd XI (8 pts) by 57 runs
3RD XI
Play Cricket currently incomplete.
4TH XI
The 4th XI made the shortness of trips today, sadly with only 10 players, to take on Barton 3rd XI at the former home of Torquay CC – Cricketfield Road.
Barton won the toss and asked T&K to have a bat,
T&Ks innings was built around the openers, Matt Rossin with 33 and a very steady 47 not out by Andy Redpath. The total was greatly helped by Barton bowlers having radar issues – 43 wides out of 59 extras. The best of the Barton bowlers was Rueben Hargreaves with 2 for 28 as T&K scored 179 for 8 in their 40 overs.
In reply Ben Hales top scored for Barton with 55 supported by Andy Meredith with 36 and Buddhike Konara with 26 not out to see Barton over the line by 3 wickets but with nearly 14 overs to spare thanks to T&K bowlers also having radar issues – 25 wides out of 46 extras. The T&K bowlers shared the wickets around with three each taking two, including wicketkeeper turned bowler, Ollie Smith. Mention must be made of Luke Glasson who made a “super sub” appearance.
Despite the result from all accounts the 4th XI was well supported by players from the other XIs.
Next up for the 4th XI is a trip next weekend to take on Cullompton CC 4th XI in deepest East Devon at Plymtree CC. Players please make yourselves available as the 4th XI still face the trap door from the league if they concede another match.
Torquay and Kingskerswell CC 4th XI 179 for 8 (40 overs)
Extras 59
A Redpath 47 not out
M Rossin 33
R Hargreaves 2-28
Barton CC 3rd XI 183 for 7 (26.2 overs)
B Hales 55
A Meredith 36
O Smith 2-30
M Rossin 2-34
F Pinder 2-37
Barton CC 3rd XI (19 pts) beat Torquay and Kingskerswell CC (7 pts) by 3 wickets
Player of the Day
TBC
Spectator Watch
Nougt to report apart from “sneaky” Camp Kelmere which nearly sneaked in without Evo noticing.
Change of venue for 4th XI
Please note the 4th XI will be taking on Barton 3rd XI at CRICKETFIELD ROAD this Sunday.
REcycling old softball cricket kit and helping the community
Thanks to Nathan Roux and Tim Western, last Sunday, the container is much tidier now. As a result though a fair amount of surplus Softball Cricket kit was found. In light of this, the club are pleased to announce, as agreed by Tim, that some of it has been rescued by Evo and is going to be given to the club’s original EDI partner, Hollacombe Community Resource Centre. It is also hoped the club’s partner sports club, Torquay Tennis Club, will also come onboard, with the collaboration. Evo is already in the process of arranging another Softball session in the coming weeks at the Centre.
quotes from the directors of autistic after hours
“Oh wow! That is amazing, thank you.”
“Hi Nick, that is amazing, thank you.”
The club, which has now contributed in its own right following last night’s committee meeting, will be getting a mention on their website and I will post the link once it is up.
Head of Comms at the DCF has also been notified of the EDI work T&K are carrying out so hopefully there will be more positive publicity for the club. Dave Hammond of Riviera FM is also planning to interview Evo about the EDI the club is doing.
Just one final reminder there are still two prizes up for grabs - open to serious offers. Please see previous blog for details.
100 YEARS OF CRICKET AT THE REC
Local Historian, Jack Critchlow, has just reminded Evo that 2026 will see 100 years of Torquay (and Kingskerswell) CC playing at Torquay Recreation Ground.
In preparation for this, Evo would love to hear stories from over the years about The Rec and the Committee (well Evo hasn’t mentioned it yet to them) would like ideas how the century could be celebrated.
The first scheduled game at The Rec in 1926 was supposed to be a 2nd XI fixture against Chudleigh CC 2nd XI but it is unclear if it went ahead because of the weather – nothing changes!
