from the boundary
News from Legendary statistician, Nicholas Evanson
GOOD LUCK JOSH THOMPSON
Just prior to flying out to Australia to continue his cricket education, Josh Thompson, will be representing Devon U18s in the semi-final of the Vitality U18 County T20 Cup against Norfolk at Kibworth CC. The winners will either face Berkshire or Cheshire.
The match can be followed via the following link:
CALLING PROSPECTIVE UMPIRES – LADIES AS WELL!
The Devon Association of Cricket Officials are running the following two entry level courses:
https://www.devoncricket.co.uk/ecb-umpiring-course
https://www.devoncricket.co.uk/ecb-umpiring-course
FEMALES ONLY
The club are willing to pay for anyone who is interested with the proviso they commit to umpiring or the club – something which Evo has mentioned in his weekly blog over the last season.
THINGS CAN ONLY GET BETTER
Sadly, there is no good news from Headingley on Sonny Baker’s England ODI debut – possibly as a result of the Sky commentator’s curse on players this season - not doing well after being interviewed pre-match. That saying Mike Atherton was very complementary about how well Sonny interviewed.
Prior to play, Sonny was presented with his England cap by fellow Manchester Original and King’s College Taunton old boy Josh Buttler.
South Africa won the toss and asked England to have a bat and there was the Great Collapse to 131 all out in just 24.3 overs having been 102 for 4 after 17.2 overs. Sonny was last out for a Golden Duck bowled by Keshav Maharaj.
When South Africa went out to bat, Sonny had the honour of bowling the first over but Aiden Markram took a liking to his bowling and was soon removed from the attack but not before the Sky cameras had zoomed in on Ian and Jackie. Having originally bowled up the hill, he had the courage to comeback for a second spell coming down the hill made by Bob Willis in 1981 namely the Kirkstall Road End. Alas Sonny’s 7 overs went for 76.
Hopefully Sonny will have better luck at the Home of Cricket on Thursday (if selected).
sonny for england!
Simply incredible news:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/articles/c2dj96x331xo
CONGRATULATIONS FROM EVERYONE AT TORQUAY AND KINGSKERSWELL CC
THE WINTER MONTHS
Evo as the club’s new rep for Opening Up Cricket would like to highlight the work they do regarding Mental Health. The link to their website is:
As part their new initiative to have a rep in every club they are encouraging members of the clubs to visit another website and do some e-learning as they see appropriate. The link is:
https://www.zerosuicidealliance.com/training
In the light of the events last night, for which Evo wholeheartedly apologies if he offended anyone whilst also sincerely thanking those who picked the pieces up (they know who they are). Just simply in counselling speak, “his cup reached the point it overflowed,” so he would both professionally and personally encourage all members to visit the website highlighting particularly the following course:
https://www.zerosuicidealliance.com/social-isolation-training
As Evo went onto say, “sadly as the winter months approach especially for those members who live alone it is generally out of sight out of mind which is common issue with so many clubs so needs addressing across the whole of cricket.”
DEVON CRICKET LEAGUE 2025 - ROUND 18
1ST XI
The 1st XI were due to host champions elect, Hathereigh CC 1st XI, still needing a point to banish the threat of relegation and Hatherleigh needing just 5 for the title. With the weather having hit West Devon, “they think it’s all over”, well it was T&K safe and Hatherleigh up as champions – congratulations to Hatherleigh. It has to be noted some T&K players had started to drink before the match was officially called off. So for next season we lose Hatherleigh CC 1st XI, Tavistock CC 1st XI, Plympton CC 1st XI and Barton CC 1st XI. In their place are Heathcoat CC 1st XI (hopefully with their new pavilion), North Devon CC 1st XI, Budleigh Salterton CC 1st XI (with their new pavilion now fully functioning) and Ivybridge CC 1st XI.
2ND XI
The 2nd XI were to travel to take on Plymouth CC 2nd XI who were already promoted – the call to abort their journey west soon came. Next season they will lose Hatherleigh 2nd XI, Plymouth CC 2nd XI, Kenn CC 1st XI and Babbacombe CC 1st XI. In their place are Paignton CC 2nd Xi, Plymstock CC 2nd XI, Abbotskerswell CC 2nd XI and Tavistock CC 2nd XI.
3RD XI
The 3rd XI played host to North Molton CC 1st XI with both sides desperate to for differing reasons. Remarkably after taking an early team. Although the match only lasted 9 overs, it was mission accomplished for North Molton CC 1st XI – up as champions by just 1 points – congratulations to North Molton. Which division the 3rd XI will be playing in next season is currently unclear with the 4th XI already in H Division Central.
4TH XI
The 4th XI set sail to take on Teignmouth and Shaldon 3rd XI but no play was possible. So congratulations to Ollie Smith who proved the doom mongers with the 4th XI surviving the season after a few close shaves! Onwards and upwards as they say.
Player of the Day
Insufficient play.
Spectator Watch
Well he didn’t get to see any play but mention must be made of Nick Rogers the Chair of both the DCL and Hatherleigh CC, who made the trip down to the Rec on the “Booze Bus” – hope Sleepy had sufficient umpires for all the DCL fixtures! Its first stop on its way back apparently was the Devon Dumpling. A certain Mr Rogers couldn’t though remember when Hatherleigh CC 1st XI first got promoted to the top division of the DCL – Evo knew even without googling it!
passenger back in devon squad
Harry Passenger has been recalled to the Devon CCC squad for their final 3 day Divisional Match against Oxfordshire CCC starting on Sunday at Sidmouth CC - so no Chilli and Lager on Saturday night (plus early to bed)! It will almost certainly also be the last chance to see Matthew William Thompson formerly of this parish turning out for Devon CCC in Devon.
AUTISM AWARENESS TRAINING FOR MEMBERS
Evo over the winter is planning to facilitate Autism Awareness Training for club members. As yet it is undecided whether it will be via Teams or face to face, but Evo knows two organisations that are willing to assist. If it is face to face, Evo has also already found two other sports clubs willing to share the sessions and therefore the use of their facilities for free. There will be more news on the training from Evo as plans are firmed up. Finally, as Simon Rice said, “it would be good to help those of us who have not fully understood Autism to be educated.”
TONIGHT - EVO ON RIVIERA fm
Tonight and maybe next Wednesday as well, Evo will be highlighting the club’s EDI work on Riviera FM (107.9 FM) having been interviewed by David Hammond last Friday. The show is between 6pm and 8pm and the link is:
https://riviera.fm/shows/south-devon-sports-scene/
Depending on what makes the final cut there may well just be a major announcement!
torbay tornado!
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p0lz18mg?fbclid=IwY2xjawMa2QpleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETBEWFlIcFdEN1BYS2Fwdjl4AR7H2OCvoSixx_6_p00CU0etsHdI0EZUya1kO8lx81ol_lhv2EZ3NIh0lZ3LdA_aem_bxZ3YazZ7OazHStp8VRXfg
DEVON CRICKET LEAGUE 2025 - ROUND 17
1ST XI
The 1st XI set off to take on Thoverton CC 1st XI with safety insight, ironically the old Torquay 1st XI opened their pre-season campaign in the never to be forgotten 2015 season against Thoverton!
Prior to the match the Head of the Fine’s Committee, so not the usual suspect, had to heavily fine himself for forgetting his kit – the Thoverton players jokingly said they were going to fine him as well!
Not for the first time this T&K lost the toss and were inserted by Thoverton.
With Josh Thompson falling cheaply (scoring less runs then his dad, Marcus, did for Babbacombe CC 1st XI against the 2nd XI), T&Ks innings was rather sedate. Nathan Roux in his final innings for the club this season scored 40 off 82 balls. Next highest scorer was extras with 30 as T&K were all out for 161 in 47 overs. The best of the Thoverton bowlers was Dan Robbins, a naval officer who sunk 4 of the T&K batters for 43 runs, including T&Ks “anchor” Tim Western in the first over after drinks. Robbins later was also on a hat trick removing Chris Kelmere and Bobby Western, Mustavi Emdad survived the next two balls before coming another wicket of Robbins.
In reply Harry “dodgy burger” Baxendale (3 for 40) put early pressure on Thoverton as with help from the other “Spinning Harry” reduced them to 55 for 3 – combining to remove Dan Robbins for 32. When Harry Passenger got Shane Yelverton out for 33, T &K were just one wicket away from absolute safety. However, George Daldorph fresh from his Devon Lions appearance had other ideas finishing on 46 not out in just 31 balls. Thoverton achieving the win in just 28 overs with 5 wickets in hand and ironically at exactly the same time as T&K had beaten Plympton CC 1st the previous week, to guarantee their highst ever placing in the DCL.
Evo was not best pleased after the match when he received extremely negative criticism / comments from the umpires about the body language (and worse) of the T&K fielders – something which needs to be addressed as a priority.
So the final weekend of the season sees the 1st XI host champions elect Hatherleigh CC 1st XI needing just 1 point to make absolute certain of their A Division status for 2026 with Hatherleigh needing just 5 to achieve their goal of promotion.
Torquay and Kingskerswell CC 1st XI 161 all out (47 overs)
N Roux 40
Extras 30
D Robbins 4-43
Thoverton CC 1st Xi 164 for 5 (28 overs)
G Daldorph 46 not out
D Robbins 32
H Baxendale 3-40
Thoverton CC 1st XI (18 pts) beat Torquay and Kingskerswell CC 1st XI (5 pts) by 5 wickets
2ND XI
The 2nd XI played host to Babbacombe CC 1st XI with a serious lack of involvement from the Western family – just Dan donning his whites for Babbacombe. On a serious note this raises not for the first time this season a club of this “standing” not providing an umpire, especially for a home match! This needs to be seriously addressed over the winter.
T&K won the toss and elected for field.
Babbacombe got off to a good start, 77 for 1, with Marcus Thompson, dad of, scoring 30 and Rob Redding scoring 33. However it soon became the Rossin show for T&K with dad Matt taking 4 for 35 and son Seb taking 2 for 18. Matt claiming the wicket of a certain Daniel Western for 21 as well as an undertaker in the form of Seb Loram also for 21. Babbacombe were all out for 144 in 40.2 overs.
In reply, T&K made short work of the run chase, achieving it in just 24.3 overs for the loss of just 3 wickets. Tobias Delahunty top scored with 66 not out. Delahunty was joined at the end by super veteran, Mike Pugh, who during his nomadic years played for Babbacombe – Pugh was 16 not out. No Babbacombe bowler took more than 1 wicket.
The 2nd XI finish with a trip next weekend away to promotion elect, Plymouth CC 2nd XI, with a 3rd place finish still possible.
Babbacombe CC 1st XI 144 all out (40. 2 overs)
R Redding 33
M Thompson 30
M Rossin 4-35
Torquay and Kingskerswell CC 2nd XI 147 for 3 (24.3 overs)
T Delahunty 66 not out
Torquay and Kingskerswell CC 2nd XI (20 pts) beat Babbacombe CC 1st XI (4 pts) by 7 wickets
3RD XI
The 3rd XI travelled to Cheriton Fitzpaine CC 1st XI in “The Winner Takes It All” match with an immigrant from Cornwall helping out in the form of the chair’s brother – what will Nigel Farage say!
T&K won the toss and elected to field.
The Cheriton Fitzpaine innings was built around 56 by their wicketkeeper Jeremy Tricks and 42 not out by Jacob Cole. However, not for the first time this season, “Mr Extras” scored 39 including a criminal 33 wides – bowlers in the nets please! Cheriton Fitzpaine finished on 229 for 7 in their 40 overs with the wickets being shared around by the T&K bowlers, 2 each for Leigh Scarf (including a caught and bowled not forgetting a catch in the field as well) and Mark Wilson
The T&K reply got off to a steady start with Steve Waters scoring 42 and Andy Redpath scoring 30. However, apart from David Pearson at the end with 22 not out, “Mr Extras” with 26 was the only other real contributory and T&K finished on 152 for 9 in their 40 overs thus losing the crunch match by 77 runs. The best of the Cheriton Fitzpaine bowlers was Andrew Dale with 3 for 30.
The scenario for the last weekend of the season now is the 3rd XI must play host to the potential champions, North Molton CC 1st XI, and win, while hoping North Devon CC 3rd XI beat Cheriton Fitzpaine CC 1st XI. Let’s hope in the Spirit of Cricket both matches are online.
Cheriton Fitzpaine CC 1st XI 229 for 7 (40 overs)
J Tricks 56
J Cole 42 not out
Extras 39
M Wilson 2-38
L Scarff 2-46
Torquay and Kingskerswell CC 3rd XI 152 for 9 (40 overs)
S Waters 42
A Redpath 30
A Dale 3-30
Cheriton Fitzpaine CC 1st XI (19 pts) beat Torquay and Kingskerswell CC 3rd XI (6 pts) by 77 runs
4TH XI
The 4th XI had an enforced day off, not through a lack of players but a lack of a ground to host Stokeinteignhead CC 2nd XI. Unfortunately despite having given the visitors notice they were unable to agree to playing, the match on Sunday, so, 8 points each.
Last up for the 4th XI in their first season in the DCL is a trip along the coast to take on Teignmouth and Shaldon CC 3rd XI.
Player of the Day
It has to be Matt Rossin.
Spectator Watch
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.