Countess Wear CC line up for the camera with superstar supporter Chris Martin in the back row

By MARK TYLER

COLDPLAY'S Chris Martin is hoping that a big recruitment drive will help discover new players for the team he played for as a youngster.

The superstar singer grew up near Exeter and was a talented cricketer. He was part of the same Devon under-11 and under-12 squads as Paignton wicketkeeper Chris Read, who went on to play for Nottinghamshire and England. 

In the years before meeting his Coldplay band mates, Chris was a regular in the Countess Wear senior teams and has often taken part in the annual match organised by his father Anthony, who is the club president. 

For Chris though, the social side of the club was just as important as the match itself.

“I used to love playing for Countess Wear Cricket Club - not just for the games, but also for the friendships and camaraderie with the team and the opposition,” he said.

“I am grateful to all of those guys for being so kind to me,”

Countess Wear play their home matches at Winslade Park, Clyst St Mary. With 1st and 2nd XIs in action on a Saturday there are plenty of opportunities, and you don’t have to be young or experienced to sign up.

Many of the players fall into the ‘veteran’ category and the age range spans six decades!

It’s an ideal local club for anyone who hasn’t played since school or just moving to the area and looking for a fresh sporting challenge. It’s also a great way to make new friends and have fun, said former 1st XI captain James Bogue..

“Countess Wear is a extremely friendly club.

“It’s very open, really inclusive and welcomes anybody to come along and join us.

“We’re looking for someone who might just want to play a few games in the summer or people who want to commit a little longer.

“It doesn’t matter whether you haven’t played for 10 years, or want to play a decent standard, I am sure there will be a game that’s right for you.

“It’s not just about playing cricket. We have a lot of socials across the year and it’s a really good bunch of people to play with and get to know.”

If you’d like to find out more, or try out pre-season training, contact the club through the website www.countesswearcc.co.uk or on social media. Facebook: @countesswearcc - Twitter: @CountessWearCC  

As Chris Martin and Coldplay put it themselves, it may even begin a sporting ‘Adventure of a Lifetime’!