Devon Cricket Board - Harberton celebrate pavilion opening

Harberton celebrate pavilion opening

HARBERTON’S dream of a new pavilion on their ground have finally been realised after years of planning and fund-raising.
The project has been a real community effort with members of the club, the village and local business working together to organise and support fund -raising activities and provide sponsorship for the building.
Sport England got involved 18 months ago and £46,000 of Olympic Legacy funding has turned dreams into reality
Work started in April last year on removing the old wooden shed on the Stonehills Ground which had served the club for many years.
To mark the opening a busy day of cricket was arranged with the grand opening taking place during the tea interval of the main event, a game between Harberton and Devon Seniors.
The opening ceremony was performed by Mrs Pat Mills (pictured), whose late husband was the club’s founding president.
Local rivals Dartington & Totnes played Harberton before lunch in an Under-13s’ game. The visitors won by 40 runs.
“By the time the game finished the barbecue was in full flow, the bar was open and cream teas were being produced in the new luxury kitchen,” said Harberton chairman Barry Goldsmith,
“The pavilion and its surrounds were filling rapidly as the village turned out in force to meet old friends and past players to catch up and swap stories of days gone by.
“Unfortunately the wind was getting up, the cloud was coming over and the temperature dropped considerably in the afternoon. But it did not deter the hardy crowd – thank goodness for the shelter of the pavilion!”
A lunchtime reunion for ex-players was organised to co-incide with the official opening of the pavilion.
Several founder members of the club were present with founding captain Bill McKenzie reminiscing on Harberton’s first game against a touring team from Lancashire played at the Recreation Ground by the village hall back in 1986.
Then it was on to the main event – the big match against the county side.
“They may be a ‘Dad’s Army’ of cricketers, but with a wealth of experience and skill which they displayed to the full during the afternoon match,” said Goldsmith.
“It was a game played in the best sporting traditions despite windy conditions. Many thanks to the Devon Senior team for making it a day to remember.”
Harberton batted first against the Seniors and made a total of 206 for five in 40 overs – Rutherford top scoring on 67.
Steve Preston (40) and Brent Howard were the leading scorers for the Seniors, who ran out of time on 151 for seven.

DCB Ltd, University of Exeter Sports Hall, Stocker Road, Exeter, Devon EX4 4QN Company Registration Number: 7024773