- South Dartmoor back to winning ways in cups
- Tom Allin tournament raised more than £5,000 for air ambulance
- Taverners kit bag delivered to Sri Lankan youngsters
- Devon trying to contact the class of 56
- Paceman Tshepo running in Virgin London Marathon
- Five Devon women in Western Storm squad for Kia Super League
- Registration night for all ages at Topsham on Monday
- Lots pouring in for auction at Allin Memorial tournament
- Thames Valley Gentlemen Cricket Club
- Bradninch add Argentinian flavour to Devon League
- Ipplepen youth registration night on Friday
- Final call for Groundsmans first seminar this year
- Devon League official tackling London Marathon for charity
- Bovey on familiar territory in Aaron Printers Cup
- Brockman Cup - Cup Kings lie in wait for holders
- Shepherd Trust helps Kingsbridge build for sustainable future
- DCL - Umpire Appointments 2016 (May 7th - July 2nd)
- Long standing records beaten
- North Devon see off Paignton chase
Pretty as a picture - Sidmouth home on the FortfieldWAITROSE’S sponsorship of the England cricket team, who meet India in the second test at Lord’s this week, is being marked by support for the grass roots game with an open day at Sidmouth Cricket Club on Saturday (July 19).The company’s store at Stowford, Sidmouth, is supporting a morning of cricket-themed competitions at the Fortfield which are a prelude to Sidmouth’s 1st XI match against Torquay which begins at 12.30pm.
Those who fancy a crack at cricket skills can see if they can bowl or throw a ball to knock 50p off a single stump. Success means they pocket the 50p. There will be different throwing distances for various age groups.
Batting skills can also be put to the test against the club’s bowling machine. Strike the ball against a strategically placed mannequin and you qualify for 50p out of its pocket.
For the more cerebrally inclined there are a couple of guessing games. One, with a prize of £25, requires entrants to estimate the total number of runs scored in the match between Sidmouth and Torquay that day. Guesses have to be made before the start of the match at 12.30pm
The other asks people to guess the number of balls bowled in the Saturday morning session of the Test match at Lord’s. For this guesses have to be in by noon, an hour after the scheduled start of play. The winner, who should be known by around 1.15pm, qualifies for a delicious cricket cream tea for four, prepared by club caterer Gill Hodge, to be taken during the afternoon.
In the pavilion, glimpses of the club’s long history, which dates back to 1823, can be seen in the archives room.
From the start of the open day at 10.30am until the match begins there will be free light refreshments. There is no admission charge for matches at the Fortfield which is perfectly placed on the seafront to enjoy the ambience of Sidmouth.
After the match the club is hosting a race night in the pavilion with the the chance of modest cash wins and some attractive prizes.
Cricket club chairman Mike Dibble said: “There is something for every one at the Fortfield whether they want to play or watch. There can be no better place to be on a summer’s day and we are currently fortunate to be hosting some of the best cricket that can be seen away from the First Class arena.”
In addition to the club’s own league and extensive friendly cricket programme, Sidmouth has also hosted a number of Devon matches, the latest being on Sunday when Cheshire were beaten to reach the final of the Unicorns 50-Over competition for Minor Counties. On Thursday and Friday, July 24 and 25, Minor Counties representative sides play Somerset 2nd XI and MCC at the Fortfield.
Fans of Twenty/20 cricket can see the South West region’s top four amateur sides battle it out on Sunday, August 10, to go forward to the national finals.