IT’S back. After weeks and weeks of endless sunshine, but a ban on outside activities, it was great to welcome cricket back on Saturday, July 11.

The cricketing rules and regulations stay the same but there are many differences to the look of cricket grounds to be able to comply with the Covid-19 regulations. Gone are cricket teas.

The players come to the ground ready changed and sit outside the pavilion on socially distanced chairs when not taking part in any action within the game.

Every 20 minutes hands are washed and the ball is cleaned. Most importantly there is still access to the toilet facilities and the bar area so spectators are advised that for the next six weeks there is plenty of reasons to make that visit to Creedy Park.

In fact, on the afternoon of July 11, almost 200 people made the trip out to watch the cricket.

Over the past two weekends there have been five matches played with the aim of getting as many involved before a revised league starts tomorrow, Saturday, July 25.

The First XI have won one and lost one, the Second XI have lost won and Matt’s Minors have won one and lost one.

Results and individual performances have not been as important as getting players out and it was very pleasing to see that 32 different members played during last weekend.

The revised league sees cricket played over the next six weekends. The First XI is in a group with Hatherleigh, North Devon and Tiverton Heathcoat and starts its season with a home fixture against Hatherleigh.

Strangely enough this was the “friendly” fixture lost on July 11, so I’m sure Richard Foan as captain will be making great efforts to correct that earlier result.

The Second XI is drawn against Clyst St George First XI, Exeter Second XI and Exmouth Second XI and start this weekend with their longest trip of the season to the seaside resort of Exmouth. Forecast at the moment is rain so wouldn’t that be rather ironic!

Matt’s Minors or the Third XI is a new team entered into the Devon League to encourage the many excellent young cricketers coming through the training sessions into adult cricket, all under the watchful eye of Matt Theedom.

The team has been drawn in the same pool as Cheriton Fitzpaine, Cullompton and Exwick Second XI.

It starts the season with an away trip to Cheriton Fitzpaine. It is hoped that home fixtures can be played on a Sunday at Sandford but this will depend on the agreement of the opposition. If home fixtures have to be played on a Saturday then these will take place at Newton St Cyres playing fields.

So watch this space for further details of events at Creedy Park and hopefully look out for some wonderful photo shots to be supplied by Jay Harris.

For this weekend head to Creedy Park to see the First XI take on Hatherleigh and enjoy the Covid-19 experience at such a wonderful setting.

Mike Canning