CHERITON Fitzpaine Cricket Club is currently half-way through its T20 League of Friends League which is played every Thursday for 15 weeks.

As well as Cheriton Fitzpaine, the other five teams are Newton St Cyres, Yeoford, Exeter Erratics, Rackenford and the Met Office, who are playing for a top four finish with the final taking place on Sunday, August 13.

Mike Foan, groundsman and administrator at Cheriton CC, explains: “For all cricket lovers, this is a must for your diary, affording a great competition, lovely rural setting, safe parking with a fantastic view, barbecue, bar and safe area for children. It’s village cricket at its best - tea, scones, cream, jam and lovely home-made cakes!

“We have been fortunate in receiving grant funding from Pennon Environmental which has enabled us to continue to play 35plus home matches each season, which is vital and provides the match fees to cover league fees, balls, insurance etc.

“Two of our club stalwarts are Charles Sheldrick, who applied for our grant with Viridor credits, and our Chairman Peter Blight.

“On July 12 this year it is 60 years since Cheriton played their first match and Peter, and brother Maurice, played in that match and are still playing today.

“I now have a band of helpers, who can continue to improve and look after our lovely ground when I’m dead and scattered near one of our beautiful trees at Hayne.

“John Waite has built our toilet, score area and our site screens in just three years since returning from Australia.

“Jeremy Tricks is co-organiser of our T20 league and finals day with Nick Guscott. Nick recently scored another great 100, in our match in memory of Sam Butterfield.

“James Gordon is our Sunday Captain and has played for more than 20 years. Jim Cutler, back from University, is one of our young guns, always willing to help and Will Carr, part of a great cricketing and farming family, is always willing to help on the ground when he can.

Carol Furze