Janes makes Torquay comeback 20 years on!

Nigel Janes (front, centre) with the Torquay team after they won the 1996 Premier title

SPOTTED behind the stumps during Torquay 2nd XI’s win at Sandford was Premiership-winning captain Nigel Janes.

Janes led Torquay to back-to-back titles in 1996-97 – something no Rec Ground captain has done before or since.

The kit went in the bin shortly after he emigrated to New Zealand with wife Tracey around 15 years ago.

Janes has been back in this country for three weeks visiting family and friends – and when Torquay were short on Saturday he stepped in.

“I kept wicket in borrowed kit thinking that was the best place to hide a 50-year old who hasn’t played for years,” said Janes.

“Torquay continued their winning streak and it was great to see young Sam Carpenter score his maiden 50 for the club.

“My dad Mike used to play with his grandad John (Mather) at Cockington.

“The most amusing sight for me was seeing the fit and strapping Ian Baker pulling a muscle while bowling after ridiculing my fitness!”