from the boundary
News from Legendary statistician, Nicholas Evanson
DEadline day - 8 august
There is still time to nominate people for The Cricketer Toyota Good For Cricket Awards 2025. The link is:
Bax’s karaoke night now supporting autism after hours
Saturday 2 August - the Karaoke Evening being organised by Bax’s is now also supporting Autism After Hours. While Bax’s is still organising the Karaoke, Evo is now organising the fund raising for an organisation extremely close to his heart, although he might take to the microphone with a song from 1963! In all seriousness though, if anyone would like to donate a draw prize please let him know. For those who don’t wish to attend there will be bucket collections over the next few weeks.
NEW CLUB XI MAKES ITS DEBUT ON TUESDAY AT THE REC
Under the leadership of Bobby Western the U19s take on Bovey Tracey U19s in the County T20 Competition this Tuesday starting at 6pm, Please come and support the starlets of the club.
DEVON cRICKET LEAGUE 2025 - ROUND 12
1ST XI
The 1st XI played host to Bovey Tracey CC 1st XI with Frank Bruno’s expression “Where’s Harry” coming to mind with the skipper sunning himself in Corfu. From beyond the grave, Ray Batten’s equally famous expression. “call yourself a cricketer” has also been heard rather loudly. As a result of lax administration by numerus senior players, Nathan Roux had to captain the side as the last ”senior” eligible person standing with young Bobby Western as vice-captain. One can only hope the umpires get marked in time!
The match also saw the return of Mike Pugh aged ** to the 1st XI. Let’s just say the youngest five player’s ages combined fell well short of the combined ages of the two oldest players and one of the youngsters was 24!
There was a surprise not at the toss, T&K actually won the toss and decided to field.
Harry Baxendale soon made Bovey Tracey in trouble with 2 LBWs in 2 balls – alas no hat trick. BTs innings was built around Jake Pascoe, Pascoe became the third of Baxendale’s wicket – bowled for 84. Whilst Baxendale with 4 for 24 will take the bowling plaudits, special mention must be made of young Bobby Western claiming 3 for 46 with his rarely used spin including danger man Seb Ansley. BT were all out for 196 in 47.1 overs.
In reply T&K got off to a reasonable start with the new opening partnership of Tim Western and Josh Thompson, before Western was out for 10. Mr Treasurer it does have to be reported though the 3rd lost ball in the 1st 5 overs and you know what that means! Western’s dismissal allowed Nathan Roux to come to the crease and everything was going swimmingly well until Thompson was flor 41 with the score on 110. The wheels then started to fall off thanks to Will Christophers taking 5 for 26 who was also on a hat trick at one stage. However, there was a captain’s performance(!) by Roux nursing the tail and there was the perfect ending – hitting a 4 to win and in the process bringing up his century (102 not out) plus a vital extra batting point. A win with over 8 overs to spare.
Next up for the 1st XI next weekend is a trip to take on the league leaders, Tavistock CC 1st XI where Sightscreen Surfing debuted as a sport a few years ago.
Whilst the crucial table is the League Table itself, alas there is also a Fair Play Table which sees T&K languishing in 8th place after nine matches and a certain club isn’t below T&K. This needs to be addressed as a matter of urgency but interestingly T&K would be top in the Premier Division.
Bovey Tracey CC 1st XI 196 all out (47.1 overs)
J Pascoe 84
S Harvey 32
H Baxendale 4-24
B Western 3-46
Torquay and Kingskerswell CC 1st XI 200 for 8 (41.5 overs)
N Roux 102 not out
J Thompson 41
W Christophers 5-26
S Ansley 3-60
Torquay and Kingskerswell CC 1st XI (20 pts) beat Bovey Tracey CC 1st XI (7 pts) by 2 wicket
2ND XI
The 2nd XI travelled to the home of the finest cricket teas in Devon AKA Hatherleigh CC to take on their 2nd XI under yet another skipper, Vivek Kulkarni – is the club trying to set a league record for most captains for a XI in a season!
T&K won the toss and elected to field.
Unfortunately T&K ran into several Hatherleigh batters who wanted a smashing time at the crease – Jack Probert was the most sedate with an undefeated 52 off 67 balls. However, Henry D'alberti-Nicholson smashed 61 off 34 balls and Luke Westcott smashed 70 off just 35 balls (I suspect Richard Tidball will be trying to access the builder’s yard – according to his wife Sue, he values spare balls as much as Evo). Hatherleigh amassed 283 for 7 in their 45 overs with the best of the T&K bowlers being Towkir Chowdhury with 2 for 24.
In reply the T&K batters did a Harry Houdini act – all out for just 81 in just 26.4 overs. (Clearly T&K batters don’t like batting at Hatherleigh this season when you consider the 1st XIs woeful effort.) The one batter who did come out with some credit though was young Fin Pinder who was undefeated on 15 off just 18 balls. The damage was done by Carl Downes with 4 for 23 and Cameron Rowlands with 3 for 16,
Next up for the 2nd XI, in their fight against relegation, next weekend is home a match against Kenn CC 1st XI. Will it be a case of “Matthew our captain today is …”
Hatherleigh CC 2nd XI 283 for 7 (45 overs)
L Westcott 70
H D'alberti-Nicholson 61
J Probert 52 not out
T Chowdhury 2-24
Torquay and Kngskerswell CC 2nd XI 81 all out (26.4 overs)
V Kulkarni 18
F Pinder 15 not out
C Downes 4-23
C Rowlands 3-16
Hatherleigh CC 2nd XI (20 pts) beat Torquay and Kingskerswell CC 2nd XI (5 pts) by 202 runs
3RD XI
The 3rd XI took on Paignton 4th XI at home with a special guest Ed Sheeran playing -sadly not the real one but, Matthew Fisher, who is a tribute act and is currently working,
Paignton won the toss and elected to bat.
Paignton collapsed to 121 all out in just 27.1 overs. Ady Zimunu taking 3 for 25 but missing out on a hat trick which would have straddled two matches. However, the star of the show was Matt Rossin with 6 for 29. The best of Paignton batters was Billy Criddle with 49
In reply and not wanting to be out done by their fellow C&K old boy. Steve Waters with 56 not out and Mike Etherington with 55 not out knocked the total off without T& K losing a wicket.
Next up for the 3rd XI, in their battle against relegation, is a trip next weekend to take on Hatherleigh CC 3rd XI – one can hope they have better luck batting then 1st and 2nd XIs.
Paignton CC 4th XI 121 all out (27.1 overs)
B Criddle 49
M Rossin 6-29
A Zimunu 3-25
Torquay CC 3rd XI 124 for 0 (19.5 overs)
S Waters 56 not out
M Etherington 55 not out
Torquay and Kingskerswell CC 3rd XI (20 pts) beat Paignton CC 4th XI (3 pts) by 10 wickets
4TH XI
It is now “Last Chance Saloon”, having to concede a 3rd match brings the 4th XI to the precipice of automatic expulsion from the DCL (although subsequent fixtures could be played for nil points). The consequences for the future of the club if this happens are extremely serious – can the something like 80 registered players look themselves in the face? It is no fault of skipper, Ollie, who travelled down from London each weekend to play and Vivek’s “little black book” – they have done their best for the club. Whether the 4th XI decide to try and battle on – news on this as we have it.
Player of the Day
One has to make a joint award this week. Nathan Roux for nursing the tail to enable the 1st XI to secure a vital win and Matt Rossin for his fine bowling performance for the 3rd XI.
Spectator Watch
It was good to see legendary local sports reporter, Dave Thomas, catching some 1st XI action before heading up to Plainmoor.
exciting edi news
The club are pleased to announce that following negotiations over the past 24 hours between key volunteers it will be supporting Autism After Hours which is a community interest company which is currently supporting a key volunteer within the club (those who know know) enabling them to continue to continue in carry out multiple crucial roles within the club. Evo the club’s EDI Officer who is the driving force behind this will give more details as the plan develops but he has wasted no time in getting a mum of one of the All Stars on-board – she helps to teach autistic children. For those who want to find out more about the organisation the link to the website is:
free online opportunity to learn the basics of umpiring
The club is always looking for umpires especially with the successful return of Junior Cricket, Now this is your opportunity to learn the basics and help Get The Game On for the potential stars of the future. You never know where it might regarding your enjoyment of the game. The link to the module is:
more umpires needed
Well here is your chance for free to learn the Laws:
No umpires = no games (think about it).
a message from hollacombe crc
" We have been enjoying getting to know Nick and some of the players from Torquay and Kingskerswell Cricket Club, they have been really proactive in enabling our guys who have a range of disabilities / complex needs to participate in a variety of cricketing skills, this helps with social interaction and a range of motor skills. Nick and the players have worked really hard to ensure that our guys disabilities are not a barrier to having fun. We have all enjoyed being part of their community."
more photos from hollacombe’s visit
A special thank you to Di and Chris for being so supportive - you don’t know what it meant.
TOMORROW – JOSH THOMPSON IN DEVON U18 ACTION AT THE REC
Fresh from his smashing time at Instow, Josh Thompson, will again be in T20 action for Devon U18s this time against Dorset U18s. Fishing nets at the ready – at least Devon will be supplying the spares!
Before that though why not come down and support T&K U13s tonight when they take on Ipplepen U13s.
Also for those who missed it. T&K Ladies made their debut at home last night against South Devon CC Ladies - T&K had surplus players so in the Spirit of Cricket leant the opposition a player. Although it ended in defeat for T&K, Hollie Newbold rolled back the years with the bat to when Torquay CC had a Ladies Team. the real winner was T&K for getting Ladies cricket back at the Rec. On the batting front, special mention must be made also of Vanessa Western who scored more runs than the entire Western family did last weekend and Merli Roux who outscored husband, Nathan, who had taken up the coloured pens for the night (maybe a new vocation), aided by Phil Sturman, to give Evo a night off (sometimes he just needs one). Thanks must also be given to Harry Baxendale (his better half, Suzie, being part of the T&K team and now fully immersed in the culture of the club) and Tobias Delahunty for umpiring and to Ady Zimunu for the pre-match warm up (although there was an unexpected one - due to the earlier wind, see below). Lady cricketers are no different though to their male counterparts - they still need refreshments, so Tim Western became Head Bartender and Matt Rossin became Head Chef for the night, supervised later by the ever dependable Katie Needs. Finally it would be totally remise not to mention Simon Rice. Without Ricey’s determination simply we wouldn’t be where we are today - with a “fledgling” Ladies Team (small acorns and all that). It was also good to see the chair, Steve Waters, despite his extremely busy schedule, come down to witness this extremely important milestone for the “fledging” club he is hopefully steering to great things over the coming years.
Sadly though there was one casualty earlier in the day – as a result of the wind the gazebo is now nursing a broken leg. As for the match itself only one ice pack was needed.
Action Photos as we have them!
devon cricket league 2025 - round 11
1ST XI
The 1st XI made their shortest away trip of the season to take on local rivals Barton CC 1st XI, on a ground which was once home to Torquay CC. (Ironically many of the 1st XI live closer to Cricketield Road then The Rec.)
Prior to play there was a Minute’s Silence for DCL President, David Gambie, who had passed away the previous weekend. This was immaculately observed and the T&K followed the three line whip over wearing full playing kit.
As per usual, Hazza lost the toss but from all accounts, Steve Lewis formerly of this parish wasn’t sure what to do but eventually asked T&K to have a bat. At this juncture, it should be noted that both umpires, Don Fathers and Colin Whitehall, agreed to use Law 43 AKA “Common Sense” when it came to drinks breaks due to the heat – something which must be applauded.
T&K decided to experiment with a new opening partner for Tim Western with Chris Kelmere sadly unable to buy a run this season. Unfortunately the experiment with Josh Thompson lasted just two bowls with Western out for a duck – leaving a ball which re-arranged his stumps. When Nathan Roux was also out for a duck – chipping a catch back to bowler Matt Lipton, alarm bells were ringing. It wouldn’t be a T&K v Barton match though without an unusual occurrence – shortly after Roux’s dismissal there was a short Sun Stop Player stoppage. However, once play recommenced it was come of the hour come of the skipper, Harry Passenger scoring an undefeated 139 (his maiden league century) including 14 * 4s and 5 * 6s. He was well supported by Chris Kelmere with 64 including 6 * 4s and 3 * 6s. T&K finished on 279 for 5 in their 50 overs – more runs and batting points then in their last two matches put together! No Barton bowler took more than one wicket.
In reply, Barton soon lost Fin Last off the bowling of debutant Beau Rider with only his 5th ball after a 350 day hiatus from competitive cricket. The momentum soon started to swing Barton’s way though thanks to their overseas Tinashe Kamunhukamwe (who guested for T&K in the week), supported by Nick Watkin formerly of this parish. However, when he was on 65, what could well be the season changing moment for T&K, he was caught on the boundary by young Noah Carswell off the bowling of Chris Kelmere, Noah was as cool as a cucumber, I think not, and the catch will go down in T&K folk law. Soon afterwards, Kelmere trapped Watkin LBW for 31. It was the beginning of the end for Barton who were all out for 180 in just 42.4 overs. The wickets were shared about by the T&K bowlers. However, whilst Ethan Kulkarni only took 1 wicket, but in one of his overs, two Barton batters managed to get run out! (Forgetting your cricket trousers for the Heffle Cuckoos match might just now be forgiven.)
After the match the 1st XI made an “electric” exit from the ground – though not usually acceptable tickets for Electric Bay might well have had something to do with it!
The 1st XI return to action next weekend at The Rec against Bovey Tracey.
Torquay and Kingskerswell CC 1st XI 279 for 5 (50 overs)
H Passenger 139 not out
C Kelmere 64
Barton CC 1st XI 180 all out (42.4 overs)
T Kamunhukamwe 65
N Watkin 31
C Kelmere 2-22
H Baxendale 2-26
Torquay and Kingskerswell CC 1st XI (20 pts) beat Barton CC 1st XI (5 pts) by 99 runs
2ND XI
It was so reminiscent of the old days before the all through league – the 2nd XI were playing host to Barton CC 2nd XI under the leadership of Tom Lillywhite. A note, to Mr Lillywhite though, Evo doesn’t like to hear the match was stopped at one stage as there was no spare bowls – he gets very grumpy!
Barton won the toss and asked T&K to have a bat.
T&Ks innings was very much full of cameos with 5 batters getting into the 20s but no one getting more than 36 (Abu Bakar before he was trapped LBW by the latest member of the Calland / Parker cricketing dynasty, young Riley Calland). The second highest scorer was Extras with 27. T&K scored 172 for 9 in their 45 overs. The best of the Barton bowlers were Devanshu Singh with 3 for 13 and young Riley Calland with 3 for 34.
In reply, Barton collapsed to 93 all out in just 37.1 overs. Skipper, Adam Last formerly of this parish only contributed 14 while Shaun Needham also formerly of this parish only scored 5. The best of the Barton batters was Devanshu Singh with 19. The next best apart from Extras (19) was young Harry Shelton (another 3rd generation of a cricketing dynasty) with 16 – out scoring dad Greg! Anthony Nadar led the way for the T&K bowlers with 3 for 32.
Next weekend the 2nd XI are on their travels to the “Home of the best Cricket Teas in Devon” AKA Hatherleigh CC to take on their 2nd XI.
Torquay and Kingskerswell CC 2nd XI 172 for 9 (45 overs)
A Bakar 36
D Singh 3-13
R Calland 3-34
Barton CC 2nd XI 93 all out (37.1 overs)
D Singh 19
A Nadar 3-32
Torquay and Kingskerswell CC 2nd XI (19 pts) beat Barton CC 2nd XI (6pts) by 79 runs
3RD XI
The 3rd XI travelled to the wilds of North Devon to take on their 3rd XI at their out ground – Westleigh CC. (One player who doesn’t wish to be named is apparently still moaning about the travel involved.)
North Devon won the elected to bat.
As Sir Geoff Boycott says, “catches win matches.” Unfortunately, the first ball of the match saw Tom Carter dropped and he finished undefeated on 113 – all one will say the culprit does so much behind the scenes for the club. North Devon were 222 all out in 37.1 overs, I bet Sheps is hopping mad about that! The best of the T&K bowlers was Mark Wilson with 3 for 55.
In reply the T&K committee did their best for the team – Steve Waters (29) and Ollie Smith (27 not out). However, it wasn’t enough and the 3rd XI was all out for just 135 in 31 overs. Wes McKellar was the best of the North Devon bowlers with 3 for 19.
Next up for the 3rd XI next weekend is home match against Paignton 4th XI.
North Devon CC 3rd XI 222 all out (37.1 overs)
T Carter 113 not out
M Wilson 3-55
Torquay CC 3rd XI 135 all our (31 overs)
S Waters 29
O Smith 27 not out
W McKellar 3-19
North Devon CC 3rd XI (20 pts) beat Torquay and Kingskerswell CC 3rd XI (8 pts) by 87 runs
4TH XI
Regrettably the 4th XI had to concede their home match against Kenn CC 2nd XI through a lack of players. It is now SITUATION CRITICAL as if the team concedes a 3rd match they will be regrettably removed from the league.
So a message to players, “think of an excuse to play cricket instead of one not to!”
Next weekend players who are willing to commit won’t have to travel far as the 4th XI are taking on Babbacombe 3rd XI at Cockington Court. Hopefully the venue will “drum” up some players.
Player of the Day
Well it can only go to Harry Passenger.
Spectator Watch
A rather quiet day as Matt Hunt didn’t follow the recently passed Lord Tebbit’s misquote of “get on your bike” so nothing really to report from Cricketfield Road.
JOSH THOMPSON HEADING DOWN UNDER
The club are pleased to announce that up and coming all-rounder, Josh Thompson, will be continuing his cricket education this winter in the north Melbourne suburb of Oak Park for Oak Park St Francis de Sales who play in the North West Metropolitan Cricket Association competition and appear to be very successful.
Good Luck Josh
HOLLACOMBE Community Resource Centre SPONSORED WALK – THE PROLOGUE
When planning events in a usual British Summer you usually fear rain will scupper the plans but this time the heat scuppered the original plans. Never had the word “adaptive” seemed so appropriate,
Clients from Hollacombe CRC were originally going to walk over from their centre to the Rec and then do a few laps of the ground (a couple for logistical reasons still did brave the heat and walk over). However, the bulk came over by minibus and just did a ceremonial lap of the ground along with a select band of members of the club. Lunch was then taken before the clients (and staff) participated in some Softball Cricket. Ady and Nathan took the walkers in the nets while Evo despite organising the event was down on his hands and knees (he knows his place) with the wheelchair users. The only scare was when one member of staff top edged a soft ball into her own face - least it wasn’t a client!
Talking of the nets. Evo can see a little job for the Wednesday Afternoon Team next winter!
The success of the event can be measured by two club members telling Evo “you should be very proud of yourself” and numerus staff from Hollacombe saying “they want to comeback again.” Once Safeguarding Checks are complete, photos of the event will be released.
Evo said, “Firstly, I want it put on record my thanks for the co-operation of both the bowls and rugby club’s - it negated so many potential H&S issues. I would then like to thank the invited members who supported the event. Finally though, it is still just the early stages for forging a long term link with Hollacombe. That saying, I am already in the very early stages of forming a link with another organisation via the Tennis Club. I just simply want T&K in the Premier League for EDI and ‘failure’ isn’t a word in my vocabulary.”
DAvid Gambie RIP
The committee regret to have to inform members of the passing of Devon Cricket League President, David Gambie. David was a seam bowler for Topsham St James CC who in the twilight of his playing career represented England O70s in the Grey Ashes. Eventually David took up the “white coat” fulltime whilst off the field the number of positions he held it is a case of where to start.
The club’s thoughts are with David’s family at this sad time.
CALL ALL BUDDING FILM EXTRAS
Want to star in the ICC Women's T20 World Cup TV Advert? Please see the link below:
JOSH THOMPSON HAVING A SMASHING TIME FOR DEVON U18S
News is just reaching the club thanks to the eagle eyed Harry Baxendale, that Josh Thompson had a smashing time up at Instow today playing for Devon U18s. Josh hit an undefeated 130 in just 52 balls in a 10 wicket win against Wiltshire in the second of two T20 matches. This included 14*4s and 9*6s – no news though on whether any unsuspecting sunbathers were hurt in this ruthless attack on the Wiltshire bowlers!
Well Batted Josh