Special day for Theedom family as three generations represent Sandford in same game

Left to right are Matt Theedom, James Theedom and Chris Theedom in front of the pavilion at Sandford

By CONRAD SUTCLIFFE

A LITTLE bit of club history was added to the Sandford CC archive on Sunday when three generations from one family all played in the same game.

Granddad Chris Theedom – 70 years old and still playing the odd game here and there when needed – joined son Matt and grandson James for a 3rdXI game against Bideford.

Sandford is well known as a family club, sons have frequently joined of followed dads into the team, but there is no record of three generations playing in the same match.

Flashback to May 1999 when Matt Theedom opened the bowling for Devon against Gloucestershire in the 38 Counties Cup at Sidmouth“Three generations of the Glass family – Don, Peter and Ryan – have all played for Sandford but never at the same time,” said club archivist Paul Smith.

“There have been Mattens playing at the club since it was formed in 1948. Bill Matten, one of the founders, played with his son Phil and Phil played with his son Jason, but they never played together.”

Matt Theedom, who has assumed the 3rdXI captaincy at Sandford this season, said his father had been keen to play with his son and grandson if the opportunity arose.

“It almost happened last season when all three of us were lined up to play, but the game was rained off,” said Matt.

“The game against Bideford was arranged at short notice and when the opportunity came up for dad to play he jumped at it.”

Chris had a quiet game with the bat – he failed to trouble the scorers when he batted – but James made a useful 20 and Matt hit 47 as Sandford won a thrilling game by one wicket with an over to spare.

Chris said he was starting to think he would never get the chance to play with his son and grandson.

“We tried to do it last season, but it rained on the day in question, and then most of this season was lost to the Coronavirus,” said Theedom.

“When you get to my age you don’t have too many games left in you at club level and playing with Matt and James might not happen.

“So to get out there with both of them was absolutely great.”

To say the Theedoms are a cricket-loving family borders on understatement as the entire tribe are nuts about the game.

Chris and his late brother Alan started playing in the 1960s and Chris’ three sons – Ian, Andy and Matt – all followed him into the team.

Theedom senior, a retired accountant, has been the Sandford groundsman for 45 years. He skippered the first and second teams in his heyday and also served as the club treasurer. He has represented England against Australia in an over-60s international.The Theedoms - left to right are Chris, James and Matt

“When I joined Sandford in 1966 as a 16 year old I was a young batsman who did not bowl and could not do much else either,” said Theedom senior.

“I had played a bit of school cricket, but not much, and learned to play the game in the Sandford colts.”

Elder son Matt spent a season on the staff with Somerset before returning to play Minor Counties Cricket for Sandford and Devon. He now heads up the Devon Cricket Board operation from Exeter.

Middle son Andy was good enough to play for Devon age-group sides in his youth and still turns out in club cricket in Gloucestershire, where he now lives.

Ian, the youngest son, was a regular in Sandford sides during his own cricket career.

James, the latest cricketing Theedom, first picked up bat and ball as a four year old. 

“He played for Devon under-12s last season and is an all-rounder, just like his father,” said granddad Chris.