Matt Thompson - local favourite in action of Minor Counties

REPRESENTATIVE returns to Torquay today (Thursday) after an absence of six years

The Minor Counties Cricket Association are playing MCC on the Recreation Ground on Thursday, August 10.

The game is an annual fixture played home and away alternate years. Last season’s game was at Lord’s.

Sidmouth has been the host club for the game in recent seasons, but the Fortfield is not available on the day of the game.

Torquay were asked to take over the game and readily agreed.

County age-group and Devon Lions games have been played on the Rec since Minor Counties games ceased in 2011.

Low pitch marks from the umpires resulted in Torquay losing its status as a Minor Counties venue. Games had been played there since 1932.

Roger Moylan-Jones, the Devon president and president of the Minor Counties Cricket Association, said he was delighted representative cricket was returning to Torquay.

“It is recognition of the hard work put in by the groundstaff at Torquay to bring the ground back to its best,” said Moylan-Jones.

The MCCA side has not been finalised yet. However, former Torquay keeper-batsman Matt Thompson has accepted an invitation to play in the game.

Matt Thompson - set to play on home ground for MCCA v MCC / http://www.ppauk.com/photo/1316387/