Heathcoat play it one more time for Graeme

The winning Graeme Townsend XI

TOWNSENDS featured prominently in the annual Graeme Townsend Memorial Match at Heathcoat.

Every year since 1999 when he died, a Tiverton & District XI has played the Graeme Townsend XI in a benefit match.

The cause is one close to Graeme’s heart: youth cricket in and around Tiverton.

Overnight rain meant a slight change of plan and the game was cut down to 20 overs each with some evening league type rules.

Players had to retire on 25 and bowlers were limited to three overs each.Winning captain David Townsend (right) collects the cup from umpire Andy Forward

The Townsend XI won by 18 runs after making 129 for nine.

Skipper David Townsend retired on 28 and Mark Govier on 27.

There was an entertaining stand of 31 between Ben (15) and Jack Townsend (16). Ben and Jack are the sons of Gareth Townsend, the former Somerset and Devon batsman who is one of Graeme’s  two brothers.

For the District XI Kevin Johnson took two for 13 and Jon Halltwo for 11,

The District XI struggled to keep up with the rate against some tight bowling and finished on 110 for nine.

Lee Dixon struck the ball well for 25 and Kevin Johnson had a hard-hitting 19.

Jack Townsend ended his three overs with 3 for six off his three overs, and Keith Elliott (2-11) tidied up the tail.

Winning captain David Townsend, Graeme’s brother, received the Memorial Trophy from umpire Andy Forward.

Terry Townsend, Graeme’s dad, said the 19th playing of the game had been a great success.

“There was a terrific atmosphere throughout, brought about by the patience and attitude of all taking part in not giving in to the weather,” said Terry.

“It really sums up what Graeme would have wanted.

“Thanks to the Heathcoat club, and our faithful and good-natured supporters for making the game a success.”