Captains and managers react to probable return of Tolchards Devon League cricket on July 25

CLUBS all over Devon have been quick to react to the announcement that recreational cricket can start a week from today on July 11.

The ECB told clubs last night (July 3) that approval to start playing had been received from the Government.

Most of the reactions are positive, although some are a little hesitant about the practicality of getting clubs up and running in time for a likely start a variety of league cricket on July 25.

Here are a selection of thoughts from captains and team managers of Tolchards Devon Cricket League clubs to the proposed start dates. Common fears are getting clubs Covid-19 prepared and what sort of cricket is going to be on offer?

“Great news! The club are ready to go when we get the green light.”

Jon Varcoe (Plymouth 1st XI captain)

“We would not be interested in the eight-a-side games that have been mentioned as we don't really see the point of them. As a club we would be happy with either 20 or 45-over cricket. Now that we only run one Saturday side in the Devon League that would mean more players in the club not having a game of cricket. There is no North Devon League cricket on a Sunday for the others to get a game. The only problem for us being in the lower divisions is would we have people to umpire? If not we would be happy with some T20 friendlies, maybe later on in the season.”

Lee Cole (Barnstaple & Pilton captain)

“We are very excited to get going next week. We have got first and second team friendlies against Abbotskerswell.” 

Toby Codd (Bovey Tracey 1st XI captain)

“I think there is a lot of sorting out to do and finding cricket for clubs who have three sides wanting cricket will be difficult to start with. I am all in favour of getting as much cricket in as possible. I think negatives will be not being allowed in a clubhouse and of teams having to take lots of vehicles to away matches. But let's get back playing.”

Mark Lake (Hatherleigh 1st XI captain)

“The boys are happy to get going ... well the younger ones!! Older ones may be more enthusiastic depending on what competitive cricket we will play. Without the bar and clubhouse open I can't see the older ones being involved.” 

Anthony Griffiths (Sidmouth secretary and 2nd XI captain)

“I think it can only be a good thing for clubs, especially financially. General consensus around the club is people can't wait to get back out and play. Personally, I think wait and see what is proposed before we get too excited. Some form of meaningful, competitive cricket would be good. I think the most important thing for clubs is to get the youngsters back out playing as losing their interest could be a real issue.” 

James Nicholls (vice-captain, Plymstock 1st XI)

“Surprised after hearing last week’s statement but happy to see a return. Since the start I've said local competitions would be best. Easy to organise and would appeal to the majority in my eyes. Talks of it not being 11 a side does not get me wanting to play that's for sure.” 

George Benton (Paignton 1st XI captain)

“Unless I have missed something, there is not a chance (of us playing). If we can only train as a six how can we play 11 versus 11. And grounds are not ready.”

Peter Randerson (Heathcoat 1st XI captain)

Excellent news that recreational cricket can commence. Not a lot of time to get ready but I am sure clubs will be quickly getting prepared. Not sure what the DCL have planned?” 

Mike Pugh (Torquay CC cricket manager).

“Look forward to seeing what sort of competitive cricket the DCL come up with and what the timescales are. Hoping it will be 11 a side in some sort of tournament form. Making it something to play for will the way forward.”

Eliot Acton (Bradninch 1st XI skipper)

“It is great to be able to get some cricket in this season, especially when for a time it looked like this would not be possible. We are due to play Bovey Tracey on the 11th who are an exceptional side and will prove to be an extremely tough first game.”

Nick Watkin (Abbotskerswell 1stXI captain)

“It is great news but my first reaction was one of panic. I only saw the ECB guidance for opening clubhouses yesterday and it appears to require an enormous amount of work to get things safely up and running. The work required to comply with Covid-19 safety requirements seems very daunting. The checklist runs to five pages with 65 items to be checked. The risk assessment template is another 10 pages.” 

Mick Rusling (Dartington & Totnes chairman)

“Delighted ‘they’ have come to there senses and allowed us to play the game we all love. Excited to see what the DCL will have in store for us for the remainder of the summer. They have had plenty of time to plan something meaningful so let's hope this long wait is not for nothing!” 

Richard Foan (Sandford 1st XI captain)

“We are not fussed how the divisions are divided up. Thirty-five over cricket would be our preference.” 

James Allen (South Devon CC captain)

“Since it's already been confirmed there's no relegation or promotion, we would much rather play local games. Also there's no way we would be able to travel long distances to away games with people from different houses sharing cars. The (recent) survey was mostly about playing into September, which we would be more than happy to do.”

Alex Hannam (Bideford CC 1stXI captain)

 ‘Our division has Bideford in one direction and Kilmington in another, which is too much travelling. The closer the better as I can't imagine many wouldn't want to travel too far for non-league cricket. Instead of basing it on existing divisions maybe we could be put in with Heathcoat, Cullompton, Sandford and Bradninch? It would certainly be a challenge. A couple of T20 round robins on one day wouldn't go amiss and maybe some 40-over games.”

Andy Pitt (Thorverton 1stXI captain)

“We will have a bat.” Andrew Buzza

(Exmouth CC 1stXI captain)

Asking around the players they want to play 11-a-side cricket for at least 40 overs and 50 preferably in localised leagues of some sort. How it is done - geographically or by spliting existing divisions - we don't know yet. Our ground look teriffic and our players have been training and are ready go."

Joel Murphy (Budleigh Salterton CC)