from the boundary
News from Legendary statistician, Nicholas Evanson
A STAR OF 2015 RETURNS HOME (SUBJECT TO PAPERWORK)
The Cricket Committee are pleased to announce the return of Kazi Szymanski to the club having previously played for both Chelston CC and Torquay CC. Kazi an opening fast bowler since his release by Glamorgan CCC has led a nomadic existence both on these shores and abroad. However, finally Kazi has decided to come home to play his cricket.
Welcome Home Kazi
new club policy - stem guards for under 18s
Dear Member
The ECB have issued additional guidance this year regarding young players under 18 years of age and the wearing of helmets.
All U18s must wear a helmet when batting, wicket-keeping or fielding within 6 yards of the batsman. For this season, Stem/Neck guards are now included in that directive.
All helmets must comply with BS7928:2013 as a minimum for adult hardball cricket and should have a Neck/Stem guard either retrofitted or bought with one.
All Junior players that wish to play adult cricket this season for Torquay & Kingskerswell Cricket Club will be required to adhere to this advice.
While the club recognises that this is an additional burden for parents and carers, we have to consider our duty of care to the young people while they are playing cricket.
Torquay and Kingskerswell Cricket Club is committed to providing a safe, welcoming, and enjoyable experience for all our members. Assistance may be available regarding compliance with this directive for Juniors.
Please contact Secretary@tkcc.uk if you wish to discuss this matter further.
Regards
The Committee
an updated story from hanks at 30
G’day mate, forgot the story about Freddie Flintoff. Playing for Devon against Lancashire at Exmouth around the time the no ball free hit just came into play. I was batting and Flintoff bowled a bouncer and the umpire called it a No ball, I assumed it was a free hit, so stepped across to off stump and pulled the next ball for 6! It was only when the W/K came over and said nice shot but did you think it was a free hit that I realised it wasn’t The next few deliveries were quite a bit quicker…
pre-season match off
Sadly the 2nd XI won’t be getting time out in the middle this Saturday at Stoke Gabriel CC. As the quiz master at the Devon Dumpling always says, “god willing…” the 1st XI will get time out in the middle away to Ipplepen CC 1st XI on Saturday 25 April.
hazza on fire with the bat!
Although Devon CCC lost a high scoring pre-season against the University of Exeter CC by 19 runs - the club are please to report Hazza coming in at no 9 scored an undefeated 51 off just 31 balls which included 6 × 4s and 2 × 6s.
calling all 14 to 18 year olds
A chance to join the Young Cricket Collective - learn new skills and help the club:
https://www.devoncricket.co.uk/young-cricket-collective-2026
article in the herald express this week
Turn to page 11 of this week’s (paper) edition and thanks to Jack Critchlow the Centenary of Cricket at The Rec is being publicised across The Bay.
geoff swift rip
It is with great sadness the club has to report the passing of Geoff a long standing member of the club and simply a lover of cricket after a short illness. For many years he would travel from ground to ground with his side kick, David, especially after the passing of his wife. Geoff a retired Bank Manager made it clear it was his wish to have no funeral. However, his daughter, would like to visit The Rec in the summer and in particular meet the members of the Tuesday Morning Coffee Group which her father attended until very recently. The club would like to send its condolences to all his family.
hollACOMBE AT ONE
Evo has scored for XIs which have won league titles but his proudest achievement for / with the club has been forming the link with Hollacombe Community Resource Centre which has now reached its 1st anniversary.
As Evo said. “little, did I think a light bulb moment last April in the Devon Dumpling would become such a success with recognition from the ECB.” Painting, of flower pots to be used as large outdoor ash trays might have been seen as a little left field but this has led to monthly “net sessions” both indoors and outdoors. The success of the sessions can simply be measured by the laughs and smiles on the faces if the clients.
Evo said, “its success wouldn’t have been possible without the support of several club members, the collaboration with Torquay Tennis Club and Hector’s House Charity Shop.” You may ask why Hector’s House Charity Shop. The acquisition of a small pink foam cricket bat has turned out to be Evo’s best purchase – when he saw it in the shop his eyes just lite up and the manager immediately knew where it was going. Evo simply said, “it’s the client’s favourite bat.”
The link has also demonstrated the club’s eco-friendly credentials with the recycling of old All Stars / Chance to Shine (remember that) / Dynamos kit – all donated to the centre.
Thid year hopefully with favourable weather (it was actually to hot last year) and no traveller issues, the centre’s Annual Sponsored Walk will finish at The Rec. Also, a pre-alert for the club’s W&G section, there will hopefully be a Wine & Wickets Evening for the staff and from all accounts, according to Evo, one or two are ultra-competitive – potentially some new recruits.
Finally, Evo said, “Whilst clearly my main two priorities will always be the clients and promoting the club, but I can’t deny the laughter we have at the sessions is helping me to recover from the darkest period of my life.”
Vaughan “Jocker” Hosking RIp - updated (8/4/26)
The club has just been informed of the passing of Vaughan “Jocker” Hosking a true legend of Torquay CC on and off the field.
A potted history of Vaughan Hosking – “a real club stalwart over many years”, by Rob Dickinson:
“Sadly, Vaughan passed away in Spain over Easter. Vaughan joined the club in the 1970s and quickly established himself as a valuable all-rounder with excellent control with his spin bowling and a very useful middle order batter. At the time Torquay first team was always regarded as one of the strongest teams in Devon and his playing career coincided with club legend Barrie Matthews.
Vaughan was very keen to turn out in as many midweek games he could fit in around work against strong touring sides. Also, on a memorable day when fellow Cornishman Roger Biddick was scoring his maiden century for the third eleven at the sea end, Vaughan also got his maiden ton for the first team on the square. A great evening of celebrations followed.
As his playing career came to an end he devoted himself to the Club as a long-standing chairman at a time when the club was fielding 4 sides on Saturday and 2 on Sunday and facing the usual financial challenges. To keep himself busy in the winter months, he was well known around local Rugby clubs when he acted as a respected referees’ assessor.
On retirement from work he and Sandy decided to follow the sun and leave to live in Murcia Spain near to his great mate Barry. Vaughan and Sandy regularly returned to our shores every summer for 2 or 3 weeks to catch up with old friends and family in Devon and Cornwall and it was great to pace the boundary with him to recollect the great times we enjoyed over the years.”
Barrie Matthews said, “Vaughan (Jocker) was a good friend and teammate who first came to the club in the 60s. He was a competitive all rounder and soon became captain of the 1st XI. He spent many years at the club as player, committee member and eventually chairman. A truly great clubman.”
Nigel Janes said, “Jocker was instrumental in getting to The Rec at 17 years old, he was fiercely competitive on the pitch and charming off it, especially with the ladies. I remember fondly our midweek games together and he would hand me the keeping gloves, he would twirl away his leggies but every now and then his quicker ball would disappear two feet wide of leg stump and away for four byes, “sorry chief” he used to say with a wry smile and an exaggerated dry of his hands!! What a legend, RIP Jocker,”
Phil Bradford said, “I don’t know any cricket anecdotes that stick out but I know in a Tics match once he awarded a penalty against Tics. I thought about asking / appealing the decision but decided against it. He then marched us back 10 yards and I asked why and he said, “you thought about saying something!!!””
Ian Coulton said, “I owe everything to Jocker. He was the person who would not give up and constantly met and meet me to get me to leave Buckfastleigh CC to join Torquay. I was all set to join South Devon but Vaughan was very persuasive. Once at Torquay he was the person who looked after me to ensure I settled in well. With Hiley [Edwards] the two of them insured my time at TCC was memorable and I treasure the time playing with likes of Vaughan, Bagsy [Barrie Matthews], Hiley, Chris [Edwards], Malcolm [Kingdon] and many more including several overseas players who I am still in contact with - friends for life. Vaughan took me under his wing, took me to Barbados on a month’s cricket tour which is a highlight of my life, a treasured moment. He was constant, often popping out to my dad’s farm in Staverton when in the area to have a beer or coffee together in the garden. When I became captain the club, I always had the backing of Vaughan who as chairman of the club always strived to help me and guide me. I am gutted and thank him for my successes in the premier league for my 13 years at the club.”
Martyn Goulding said. “Great team player. Enthusiasm personified. Vaughan was a gutsy cricketer who won Torquay Cricket Club many a game with his never say die attitude. RIP Jocker.”
Tim Ward the current Chair of Paignton CC said, “Vaughan was fiercely competitive on the field and great fun off the field. He was a very well-respected rugby referee. He will be sorely missed.”
Richard Tidball of Hatherleigh CC said, “Vaughan was a true gentleman and a wonderful ambassador to the games of cricket and rugby. Always seeming calm he was always in control and always fair and sensible. Although I only played a few games in opposition, he was a pleasure on the field. A tremendous rugby referee he was the one person who really persuaded me to take up the whistle and was always available for a chat. He was Torquay through and through and although residing in sunnier climes he will be missed.”
Nigel Mountford the CEO of Devon CCC said, “Very sad to hear of the passing of Vaughan 'Jocker' Hosking. When I joined Torquay CC in 1976, Vaughan was most welcoming to me and my Family. The eleven years that I was with Torquay CC, Vaughan became a good team mate and friend. He was very competitive and for me he was a great motivator, probably from his Rugby career. If it was a Saturday league match, a Sunday or mid-week friendly, Vaughan approached the match in the same way. The fielding standards we see in today's games would have suited Vaughan, attacking the ball, getting it back to the wicketkeeper quickly. Vaughan patrolled the area around cover point or extra cover. He was also a useful middle order batter and medium pace bowler. We have remained friends, even after he went to Spain. It was always great to see him when he came home in the English cricket season. RIP Vaughan and thank you for all the good times we spent together.”
Neil Matthews of Devon CCC O60s said, “Really sad to hear of the news of Vaughan's passing at the weekend our thoughts go out to Sandy & the family. Jocker was a fierce competitor on the pitch and charming off it, he definitely brought out the best in most players through his own tenacity and skill, certainly my time playing under his captaincy at Torquay was one of my most enjoyable. Jocker was one of the early captains of the Devon Seniors set up where he led Devon Over 50s between 1996 - 2001 along with buddies Terry Doyle & Barrie Matthews, recruiting local players like Stuart Lott into the fold. Always wanted to know how the Seniors were doing on his many trips back to the UK and I’m sure there are many stories to tell …. One of life’s good men. RIP Jocker.
JOCKER’S FUNERAL IS ON FRIDAY 10 APRIL AT MIDDAY - ONLINE LINK TO FOLLOW
DEVON COME CALLING FOR HAZZA
As part of their preparation for the forthcoming season, Devon CCC have today announced teams for two warm up matches and Harry Passenger is in the XI for both matches. First up this Sunday is a 50 over match against the University of Exeter at the University Ground at Topsham with a start time of 11am. The following Sunday, Devon take on the old enemy, Cornwall CCC, at Plympton CC in another 50 over match starting at also at 11am. Harry will be joined in both matches by Torquay CC old boy, Kazi Szymanski, who is currently club less still for 2026 after a season way up north. They will also be joined by another Torquay CC old boy, Matt Thompson, in his first game back having not retired from duty with the county - some what appropriate on the last home ground of Devon legend Keith Donohue who did so many retirement U-turns..
Good Luck Hazza
outdoor training schedule
1st & 2nd XI
Tuesday Evenings
6pm - 8pm
Start 7th April
3rd & 4th XI
Wednesday Evenings
6pm - 8pm
Start 8th April
Women and Girls
Thursday Evenings
6pm - 8pm
Start 30th April
Juniors
Friday Evenings
6pm - 7.30pm
Start 8th May
EXCITING NEWS - THEY ARE BACK!
After a hiatus of many years the club are pleased to announce there will be fielding a Girls Team in 2026. Their debut fixture will be at home to Paignton CC on Monday 1 June. A huge thank you must go to Katie Needs and Simon Rice (and others in the background) for ensuring the club meets the ECB criteria regarding having a Girls Team.
Some names from the previous incarnation built around Stoodley Knowle and TGGS are Faith and Jenny Brewer, Ellie Fielding who went onto to captain CUWC, Lydia Harris who subsequently joined the MCC Young Cricketers, Izzy Harvey-Trott, some called Hollie Newbold (whatever happened to her) and Maddy Sears.
The new incarnation building on the link formed over the winter with The Spires AKA Westlands (John Ashton a member of Kingskerswell CC was also the legendary Head of PE during Evo’s time at the school) is open to all so please spread the word.
One of the leading lights of the new cohort will undoubtedly be Sophia Rossin – clearly, she gets all her talent from mum. Marie!
Please Support The Girls
barry page dove rip
It is with much sadness the club has to report the passing of Barry Page Dove who played his later cricket for Kingskerswell CC having previously played for Wellswod CC and St Marychurch CC, Although, it wasn’t unknown for Barry to play in the odd midweek match for Torquay CC, However, Barry will be probably be best remembered as the last truly volunteer secretary of the DCL from 1982 until 1999 for which he was made a Honorary Life Member of the DCL.
Barry’s business was as a hotelier and Evo came across him as two of his hotels over the years accommodated the annual Devon Disabled Holiday run by St John Ambulance – for this he was made an Honorary Member of St John Ambulance. The only story ironically has of Barry playing for Torquay Midweek XI is medically related. Barry unfortunately spilled a catch keeping wicket into the face of Neil Wonnavcott, who has taken far to soon from us. It resulted in a trip to Torbay Hospital for Neil.
The club’s thoughts go out to Shelia and family at this sad time.
who was the mystery player?
“Torquay members” will have to go back to 1990 - it is Andy Lade who flying in from Australia and is visiting Torquay mid / late April. Andy has bullet pointed some of his memories from all those years ago:
Malcom Kingdon’s swing bowling masterclass
Nigel Janes great captaincy and gelling the team together (and making me cut my mullet off and buying an entire new wardrobe!!)
David Goulding's tremendous hospitality looking after an 18 year old boy.
EJs and the Mouse Trap
A young Tim Western always saying G'day Mate when I walked past him.
My first 100 against Glamorgan Tatty Boggles in a midweek game
Getting sledged by a South African leg spinner from Plymouth but having the last laugh hitting him for six into the grandstand and then dismissing him.
Vaughan Hosking and his great hospitality
Gordan Baker and his Saturday night "Spot the Ball tickets - 50p or 3 for a quid”
I was very young but I was looked after very well by all involved. I wish I had of played another year when I was 25.
Rolling a village team for 9 after posting 265. They nearly beat us in a 10/10 game after we finished early.
I think we finished 4th in the league. (4th is the correct answer,)
My year at Torquay set my entire career up and I am really looking forward to coming back to visit.
By the way Marcus Greens year in Albury for SS and A was enjoyable as well. His famous line everyday was "These F.....ING flies"
As for Andy’s career in Australia:
https://www.cricketaw.com.au/_files/ugd/caf75e_682e0f263563439ba0c8ac59520b8b33.pdf
Welcome Back Ladey
HANKS AT 30!
The summer of ’96 will always be nationally remembered as the year football came home but for Torqusy CC it was the year the Devon League came home after fourteen long years. The club took a gamble on a young Australian all-rounder from Casino in NSW and just like the Lammonby brothers at Exeter CC, Neil Hancock better known as “Hanks” never went home for cricket (accept briefly around the turn of the New Millenium). To celebrate his 30 years playing in the DCL, Evo has done a short Q&A with Hanks:
1. Over the years you have plied your trade with a few DCL clubs. Without, using a pen and paper, how many is this:
7 – TORQUAY-BUCKFASTLEIGH-SIDMOUTH-PAIGNTON-BOVEY TRACEY-SOUTH DEVON & IPPLEPEN.
2. Many people believe the DCL isn’t as strong as it was because of the restrictions introduced on contracted and overseas players. What is your view on this?
IT HAS PUT A BIG EMPHASIS ON GETTING A VERY GOOD OVERSEAS PLAYER WHICH THEN TAKES A LOT OF THE OPPORTUNITY AWAY FROM THE LOCAL PLAYERS TO SHINE AND DEVELOP AND ENJOY THE GAME AS MUCH.
3. Which is the favourite DCL ground you have played on?
SIDMOUTH.
4. What was your brief experience like playing for Somerset CCC and a bit of tester who was the international you got out while playing for them?
SHORT AND SWEET, WOULD’VE LIKED A BIT MORE OF AN OPPORTUNITY BUT GRATEFUL FOR A TASTE OF THE NEXT LEVEL. GRAEME HICK.
The second bit was clear a bouncer – for Devon it was Graeme Hick but for Somerset it was Andy Bichel,
5. What was it like scoring an undefeated 50 at The Home of Cricket?
IT WAS AN EXCELLENT DAY AND ALTHOUGH IT WAS NICE TO SCORE A FEW RUNS, THE WIN WAS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING.
6. With a big birthday not too far away, do you have any plans to follow in the footsteps of Del Lammonby to play for Devon 50s and if so, do have any ambitions to play for England O50s like Del?
JUST TAKING IT WEEK BY WEEK AT THE MOMENT, THE BODY ISN’T AS FIT AS IT WAS AND IT TAKES A LOT LONGER TO RECOVER WHEN THINGS GO WRONG.
7. Having achieved so much over the years what, if any, playing ambitions do you still have?
I WOULD LIKE TO CONTINUE PLAYING FOR AS LONG AS I CAN AND MAYBE PLAY A FEW LEAGUE GAMES WITH MY SON, ETHAN.
8. Once you call time on your playing career, could you see yourself becoming a Scorer or Umpire? If so which role?
NO, THE GOLF COURSE WOULD BE MY PREFERRED OPTION,
9. Over the last 30 years who has been your favourite team mate in the DCL?
TOUGH QUESTION, I HAVE MADE A LOT OF GOOD FRIENDS OVER THE YEARS, BOTH AS TEAMMATES AND OPPONENTS, WOULDN’T WANT TO CHOOSE A FAVOURITE.
10. For the final question. Simply what is your favourite memory / story over your 30 years playing in the DCL?
THERE HAS BEEN A LOT OF GOOD MEMORIES OVER THE YEARS, WINNING THE LEAGUES WITH TORQUAY, PAIGNTON & SIDMOUTH AS WELL THE MINOR COUNTIES WITH DEVON BUT ONE MEMORY THAT DOES STAY WITH ME WAS THE VERY FIRST LEAGUE MATCH I PLAYED FOR TORQUAY, AWAY TO BARTON, WE WERE BOWLED OUT FOR JUST OVER 100 AND ENDING WALKING AWAY WITH A WINNING DRAW AS BARTON CRAWLED TO 90/9. I REMEMBER THINKING THIS IS A LOT DIFFERENT TO THE STYLE OF CRICKET I WAS USED TO AND WHAT I HAVE I LET MYSELF IN FOR!
FORTUNATELY, THE SCORES IMPROVED AS DID THE RESULTS AND WE WENT ON TO WIN THE LEAGUE.
