from the boundary
News from Legendary statistician, Nicholas Evanson
the scorer by chrissie drew
The Scorer
I sit in my scorebox on a freezing cold day
The game has just started, the Umpire called ‘play’
Didn’t ask if I was ready, doesn’t even know my name
Well, I’m only the scorer, not part of the game.
There’s nobody scoring for the opposition side
They say nobody wants to although they have tried
Perhaps I’ll get the MCC to write another Law
That no team shall play the game without someone to score!
No matter; on I tally, with pens in hues so bright
Like jewels in the fading sun … illegible at night
The batsman’s in full swing now, the runs fly from his bat
Five runs for an illegal field, he stopped it with his hat!
I’m getting tired of trying to keep the scoreboard up to date
There’s runs and wickets and overs, all at such a rate
Each time I step outside the box I miss another ball
I try to cope all by myself but it’s no fun at all.
The Umpire has called ‘time’ and they’ve all gone in for tea
But I’ve got to balance the book, please save something for me
The book’s alright, the board’s cleared down, I’ve just time for a cup
I race into the clubhouse … to find them washing up!
The Umpires are going out again but I’m dying for a wee
Well I’m sorry, for this one time, they’ll have to wait for me.
Okay, I’m ready, you can start, I didn’t keep you long
I know you know where I’ve been, but please don’t sing that song!
There are children running all around, their shrill screams pierce the air
Run one more time in front of me and I’ll move you by your hair!
People keep stopping at the box as round the field they walk
They ask the scores and who did what, as if I’ve time to talk
I’ve really got a lot to do, please don’t add to my load
What is that Umpire doing now, he’s signalling to the road!
It’s getting awfully cold now and my feet are freezing cold
I don’t know why I’m doing this, I really am too old.
That’s it, the game is over, we’ve got another win
I pack my bags, lock up the hut, put rubbish in the bin.
Later, in the clubhouse, as another form I fill
I wonder if I should get paid, perhaps I’ll send a bill
Because although I’m rarely thought of and you hardly know my name
Without a lowly scorer you just wouldn’t have a game.
© Chris Drew 1996
sonny off to new zealand
The club are pleased to announce that Sonny has made both white ball squads for England’s tour of New Zealand in October.
Good Luck Sonny
News from over the irish sea
Sonny Baker is making his T20 debut for England v Ireland today.
Good Luck Sonny
AUTISTIC AWARENESS TRAINING UPDATE
Evo can confirm that both Directors of Autistic After Hours have agreed to run a session about the condition and how to support those with the condition (or believe they have it). They apparently absolutely jumped at the opportunity to promote a better understanding of Autism and those who are Autistic but also especially as it will enable them to personally thank the members of the club who donated so generously to their community interest company run by autistics for autistics. To resolve the issue of not having the club house during the winter months and also to enhance the club’s standing in the wider sporting community, Evo has already commenced negotiations with two local sports clubs, one being another cricket club, to have the event as a joint session using their facilities for free.
More news on date / time / format as we have it.
NEWS FROM BAROOGA
The club can report that Josh Thompson’s cricket education in Australia has started with an easy win.
Oak Park St Francis CC hopped over the border into NSW to take on Moonee Valley CC at Barooga CC – strangely though Moonee Valley is a district of Melbourne.
Oak Park St Francis CC won the toss and elected to field, and soon had Moonee Valley CC in trouble – they were all out for just 78 with Josh taking 2 for 6 plus 2 catches and a run out.
Oak Park St Francis CC surpassed the total with ease – Josh being 37 not out, To get batting practice they batted on though scoring 187 in their 40 overs – Josh finally fell for 41.
BATON OF HOPE 2025 VISITING THE REC
The baton will be at The Rec at approximately 10.30am - a member of the Rugby Club clubhouse staff will be walking in with it. It would be good if a few club members could welcome her in - Evo though might be elsewhere as a member of Autistic After Hours is also doing a leg.
NEWS FROM AUSTRALIA
The club can confirm that Josh Thompson has safely arrived in Australia to continue his cricket education with a winter playing for Oak Park St Francis Cricket Club in Melbourne. Josh’s first preseason match will be next weekend over the border in New South Wales - more details as Evo gets them. The league season for Josh commences the first weekend of October.
Go Well Josh
calling all music lovers - evo needs your help!
Evo as part of his EDI work with Hollacombe CRC wants to make the indoor “net” sessions he has started to run even more inclusive especially for those who might not like cricket or are unable to particiate but like music. The compilation CD he is putting together is 60% complete but it missing a few vital tracks:
Soul Limbo by Booker T. & the M.G.'s [BBC Cricket]
Mambo No 5 by The Mambo Kings [Channel 4 Cricket]
Sweet Caroline by Neil Diamond
Kumbaya My Lord [any version]
BBC Wimbledon Theme
Swing Low, Sweet Chariot
The last three on the list might not be so obvious but Evo does have his reasons – just trust him!
So if anyone can help Evo either by lending him CDs or helping him to download directly onto his laptop he will greatly appreciate it and can be contacted nevanson@hotmail.com. Evo has a month to complete the CD.
let’s support national sporting heritage day 2025 - tuesday 30 september
https://bournemouth-ac-uk.zoom.us/j/83803591956?pwd=tM5BtY3IMxzekca9IQznJv6Amnrop4.1
With the re-introduction of W&G cricket at The Rec this year, why not listen to this zoom call between 5pm and 6pm on Tuesday 30 September? The report being discussed is:
25 Years of the Scotland Women’s Cricket Team
TWO NEW SIGNINGS ALREADY IN THE PIPELINE
The club’s Registration Liaison Officer can confirm the first two transfer requests for players wanting to join the club have been submitted to the DCL within the last 30 minutes. More news when the transfers have been completed.
evo now known as “THE cricket man”
Winter nets have already started well at Hollacombe Community Resource Centre.
Evo has just started a monthly session to keep the momentum going over the winter. Already his has a hard core of clients wanting to hit a ball (well plus some staff) and one client now refers to him as “The Cricket Man.” For Evo it is all about the clients laughing and smiling. Evo already has a cunning plan to turn future sessions into a T20 atmosphere to make them even more inclusive.
GOT YOUR TICKETS YET!
https://www.tkcricket.co.uk/events-1
PRESENTATION NIGHT - FRIDAY 10 OCTOBER 2025
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).