- 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
Chris Gayle meets youngsters from Rydon Primary before Somerset's T20 game at South Devon for the Peter Trego Benefit Fund - All photos courtesy of Tony KnowlesCRICKET’S hottest property Chris Gayle delighted nearly a thousand cricket fans with a cameo appearance in the Peter Trego benefit game at South Devon CC last night.Somerset sent a team to the Newton Abbot club to play a match as part of Trego’s testimonial seasons.
Gayle wasn’t expected to play, but said he was going to the game to support Trego (pictured) and mingle with fans.
The West Indian big hitter, whose World Cup double century earlier this year and was followed by a T20 score of 151 off 62 balls for Somerset against Kent on Sunday, was as good as his word.
Gayle made dozens of new friends as he circled the ground, chatting to young fans, old fans and autographing bats, balls tee-shirts, match programmes and almost anything thrust in front of him.
And when South Devon’s turn to bat came round, Gayle ambled out of the sponsors’ tent wearing borrowed gear t take on his Somerset team-mates.
The huge ovation round the ground showed the crowds’ appreciation and every swipe of the bat, not all of which connected, was greeted with gasps of excitement.
The biggest cheers were reserved for the huge sixes that sailed out of ground!
Barry Widdicombe, the South Devon chairman, said it would be a night South Devon CC would never forget - and Gayle’s contribution would make it even more memorable.
“Somerset were fantastic and really entered into the spirit of the occasion,” said Widdecombe.
“We heard the day before that Chris Gayle was coming just to watch and chat to supporters, which was a bonus on its own.
“He couldn’t have been nicer and all the kids who met him, took selfies with the great man and got is autograph went away chuffed to bits.
“We haven’t had too many Test players making guest appearances, so for Chris to play was a real red-letter day for the club.
“One of our lads got him to sign a Devon League registration form after the game, but he won’t be playing this Saturday as he is busy with Somerset!
“After the match he didn’t just stay for a drink, he went behind the bar and started pulling pints.
“It was a memorable evening, one none of us will ever forget.”
It was Trego’s evening and, fittingly, he top scored with 130 not out off a mere 56 balls.
Trego steamed from 0-50 in 13 balls, took another 28 to reach is ton with a six off James Allen and finished with 13 fours and 11 sixes.
Marcus Trescothick made a next best of 79 with seven fours and four sixes, putting on 105 for the second wicket with Trego in a total of 239 for five.
South Devon replied with 161 for six – David Knowles top scoring on 47.
Next best on 35 was Sean Day while Neil Hancock made 20.
