International test for Devon Over-50s when New Zealand pay a bank-holiday visit to Instow

DEVON Seniors have a prestige friendly against New Zealand Over-50s as North Devon CC on Bank Holiday Monday (1pm).

Devon are particularly thrilled by he chance to play quality cricket against a touring side boasting international players from New Zealand. Adding to the prestige, Devon themselves possess an international in Tim Western, a seasoned player who has proudly represented England Over-50s.

Local support will be strong, with a number of North Devon-based players featuring in the Devon squad, including skipper Steve Moore of Braunton, his Kelsey Ground team-mate Jon Baglow, as well as Bideford duo James Ford and Ian Hayter.

Looking ahead to the match, Moore said: “We welcome the opportunity to play a team of international quality, especially at one of the best grounds in the county. It promises to be a great day and we're all looking forward to playing some good cricket." 

This isn't Devon's first foray into international over-50s cricket; the last encounter with an international side was in 2017 at Exeter CC, a memorable occasion where they decisively defeated an Australia Over 50s XI by 88 runs. 

Although the squad has evolved considerably since the win over Australia, there are two people from that triumphant day who will once again be on display against International opposition: keeper-batsman Ian Hayter and scorer Chris Dove, now in his 20th year in the role.

Devon Over-50s: S M Moore (Braunton), D Haysom (Honiton), T W Western (Torquay & Kingskerswell), J Ford (Bideford), J Degg (Plymouth), I D Hayter (Bideford), G Coombe (Exmouth), P F Elliot (Heathcoat), J D Baglow (Braunton), J E Martin (South Devon), M A Wilkinson (Exeter). Umpire A Pickersgill; scorer C. Dove