1ST XI
The 1st XI took on arch rivals Barton and being round 13 it was going to be unlucky for someone!
Barton’s cause, wasn’t helped by several key players being absent including Torquay old boys Steve Lewis and Shaun Needham. However they did have other Torquay old boys present, Aqeel Ahmed and Andy Hele. The latter having skippered in the first season after the Janes’ era. Things soon got worse for them – see later.
As for Torquay two big guns returned in the form of George Allen and Harry Baxendale. However, Somerset didn’t release Sonny Baker, as he is in the squad to play for them over the border in Cornwall today and as this report is being written is actually bowling!
Greg Shelton skippering a side for the first time as an adult (he reckoned), called right for Barton and they decided to have a bowl. Matt Lipton soon had Tim Western cleaned up for 5 but then the disaster struck – a straight drive from Chris Kelmere hit him straight on the foot. A member of Barton who shall stay nameless said, “Use your hands!” The, legend that is Andy Pugh gave him a fireman’s lift of the field. Now for an interesting scenario, Oliver Shelton (son of) was playing for the 2nd XI and was summonsed, from Torquay’s former home to sub field but when Lewis Crocker was out for the 2nd XI he made the short journey down the road so Oliver could bat for the 2nd XI if required. What will Play Cricket make of it?
The Torquay innings was certainly interesting – fast scoring but wickets falling regularly and the chances of not batting the overs out was always on the cards. A half century of extras though is always helpful. Tom Drake let the way with the bat scoring 59 (his first 50 since the arrival of Archie) before being bowled by Aqeel. Chris Kelmere contributed 51 and down the order Aaron Hearn scored a fine 45. Torquay were finally all out for 291 in the last over with Aqeel being the best of the Barton bowlers with 3 for 41. His first ball though did bring back memories! (Same end different reason.)
When it came to Barton to bat. Like last week it was Torquay’s spinners who did the damage. This time Chris Kelmere with 3 for 28 played a supporting role to Harry Baxendale who took 5 for 40. Andy Pugh equalled par in terms of runs and his age scoring 53. The only other batter to score over 20 was Aqeel with 23 which included the only 6 scored by Barton – the ball if a little wet was found by some dog walkers next day. Barton were all out for 155 with Lipton not risking his foot in what would almost certainly have been a losing cause.
A big thank you must go to super sub Katie Needs for running the hatch. Katie was able to see her son take the winning catch as a result. There was also the hiding of four cans of Export but then that is another story!
On the spectator front, two residents of Spain were watching – the legend that is Vaughan “Jocker” Hosking a former Chairperson and master with the ball along with his wife Sandra. Also present was a more recent Chairperson, Dennis Brewer.
Next up for the 1st XI is a trip to Ottermouth to take on Budleigh Salterton CC 1st XI for the very last time before Clinton Estates flood it. A quarter of a century the 1st XI scored a mammoth score their which didn’t include many 6s.
Torquay CC 1st XI 291 all out (49.2 Overs)
T Drake 59
C Kelmere 51
Extras 50
A Hearn 45
A Ahmed 3-41
Barton CC 1st XI 155 all out (42.1 overs)
A Pugh 53
A Ahmed 23
H Baxendale 5-40
C Kelmere 3-28
Torquay CC 1st XI (20 pts) beat Barton CC 1st XI (8 pts) by 136 Runs
2ND XI
The 2nd XI headed to the Moors to take on Tavistock CC 2nd XI sadly a player light despite ** being registered. Clearly no one fancied trying the sport of Sightscreen Surfing – the image of Josh Hunt and Kes last year will live long in the memory! It, did though end up as 10-a-side.
Torquay won the toss and elected to field. Tavistock’s innings was built around Matt Puttock’s 56 before he fell to Bobby Western who was returning after his promotion to the 1st XI last week. However, it was older brother, Daniel, who starred with the ball taking 3 for 37. Tavistock were all out for 139 in just 34.1 overs.
In reply, sadly you can’t say much when Torquay were all out for 50 in just 15 overs – Ian Baker top scoring with 17! Tim Swanepoel starred with the ball taking 5 for 22.
Next up for the 2nd XI is a visit from Plymouth CC 3rd XI. There is rumours next weekend could be a double league weekend – remember those from the last Millennium! The away fixture against Plymouth CS and Roborough CC 1st XI which fell foul, of Covid maybe, rescheduled for Sunday but nothing on Play Cricket yet.
Tavistock CC 2nd XI 139 all out (34.1 overs)
M Puttock 56
Extras 23
D Western 3-37
Torquay CC 2nd XI 50 all out (15 overs)
I Baker 17
Extras 16
T Swanepoel 5-22
J Bellamy 3-25
Tavistock CC 2nd XI (18 pts) beat Torquay CC 2nd XI (6 pts) by 89 Runs.
Player of the Day
One of those difficult days. Tom Drake, Aaron Hearn and Chris Kelmere were certainly all candidates. However, Harry Baxendale with 5 for 40 wins the day.
