A tribute by Chris Theedom to Phil Thorn
|
I first met Phil while playing seniors cricket against him. He was playing for Gloucestershire Seniors and it soon became very obvious that here was a bowler who had previously played at a much high level. At the time I had no idea that he had played county cricket and had been a contracted player with Gloucestershire
I faced a few overs and the ball was turning. Clearly my ability with the bat didn’t match his ability with the ball. A few hoicks over mid-wicket got me a few runs but it was the grin on his face that I remember. He knew it was just a matter of time and sure enough he bowled me a beauty which hit off-stump. I looked back and he was still smiling. One more to his collection but certainly not a prized one. After the game we had a good laugh and he became someone the Devon players could spend time with reminiscing on this and that. We played against him many times and it was clear that he was a humble person just simply enjoying his cricket in later life. Please look at the Gloucestershire website for his career statistics Then in 2011 when I was organising another seniors tour, this time to South Africa, I had a phone call from him asking if he could join us. At that stage we already had 43 players, wives etc committed to the tour but we had no hesitation in adding him to our list. This was the first of other overseas Devon Seniors tours that he joined. Also Canada and then Sri Lanka. He simply became an honorary Devon Senior for the duration .We all got to know him well. He was great fun and joined in everything. Simply a pleasure to have him with us and my memories of those wonderful tours include Phil's infectious laugh and his willingness to join in He wouldn’t mind me saying that he became good friends with Liz Fulner during these tours and we all loved seeing them together simply enjoying life in another country. Phil & Liz's appearance in the restaurant in Banff, Canada on our last night will never be forgotten by all those who were there. Priceless !! There are so many stories to tell about those tours and Phil was always so grateful to be part of it I just wish that I had known how ill he was, because I would have loved to see him just one more time to reminisce on the day he bowled me off-stump !! & how much we appreciated his company on Devon Seniors Cricket tours Stop spinning that ball now Phil Rest in peace Reflections on a fellow-TouristI first met Phil Thorn in 2016 when he and Liz joined the Devon party to Sri Lanka. He was clearly a very affable and sociable character, but gave no hint of what he might threaten on a cricket field. But watching him roll in you quickly realised the problems posed for the man holding a bat. And as a fellow SLA it was always rewarding to take on board his thoughts and insights into the art, drift and variation, temptation and dissimulation.
He and Liz were particularly open and welcoming on that tour to me as the only solo in the party and conversation never lagged, not to mention the endless stream of brain=teasers that Phil had in his locker. So, when Worcestershire Seniors managed to raise a small (12) touring party to India in 2019, Phil and I were equally keen to join them, which we did. Despite lingering reservations, we agreed to share, given the usual exorbitant single supplement. This did not start too well when we were shown our room in the hotel in Mumbai which sported a double bed. We agreed that two singles would be a good idea. As ever,Phil's quiet charm and endless puzzles - often inflicted on hotel staff as much as on fellow tourists- always made for a cheerful atmosphere in the party. He did have one setback when he started to experience terrible pain in a tooth and I had to accompany the nervous patient to a nearby but unknown dentist for emergency treatment. Needless to say, by the time he had been examined and diagnosed by the equally jolly [lady] dentist, he had struck up a very cordial relationship with her despite a mouthful of implements. And the cricket was equally relaxed. Our opposition - not always Senior-age related - in the five games we played clearly had no experience of facing such genuinely slow bowling. We cleaned up 21 wickets between us. It was a privilege to be bowling in tandem with such a fine exponent of the art. It was very sad - and a loss to him and to others - that ill-health subsequently restricted his playing career, though he never lost his appetite for the game. A lovely man. Paul Berman |
|
|
Devon Seniors are always on the look out for new players!
We run two Over 50s sides, two Over 60s sides, an Over 70s team and a Friendly XI. Just browse the website for more information.. 
|
|
End of Season Kit SaleFrom today until 10th October 2024, you can enjoy a 30% discount on all core range stock items. To redeem the offer, simply enter the coupon code shrey-sale30 at checkout, and your discount will be applied. Kit page here |
Phil ThornSad to report the passing of Phil Thorn, accomplished cricketer who went on some of Devon Seniors' early tours, and would often turn up at a Seniors a game for a catch up and chat. Our condolences to his family and friends. More here |
Henry Blofeld in Seaton |
Notice of AGM, 17th November @ Hatherleigh CC |
|
Annual Golf DayOctober 24th at the Stover Golf Club - details below:
Devon Seniors - Women's TeamLadies - are you still playing cricket? Or would you like to start again?
Devon Seniors Cricket is looking to build an over-45s social women's side! If interested, please fill out the expression of interest form here 
| ||||
PETE ROSE MEMORIAL GAME at Shobrooke
A fine-weather day saw a fitting turnout of old faces in tribute to a much-missed member of the Club.
A good number of the team who had famously lifted the National 50s trophy in 2002 were there along with more recent team-mates from his days in the 60s and 70s.
Chris Theedom recalled how crucial Pete’s contribution had been to the Final’s win – 9-2-14-2 – but also to his generous nature and his interest in fellow humans.
Barry Flicker shared even older memories of their days together as riotous youths in Somerset and even had a photo from the local paper dated almost exactly 50 years earlier showing both Pete ( unrecognisable) and Barry ( almost so) revelling in a day out at the cricket.
Pete and Sue’s twin boys Jamie and Martin spoke movingly of having such an astute cricketer for a father, and Jamie of the innings they once put together to rescue Shobrooke Park from relegation.
An abundant and appetising tea was put together by Sue and little remained by the end of the day.
A good number of the team who had famously lifted the National 50s trophy in 2002 were there along with more recent team-mates from his days in the 60s and 70s.
Chris Theedom recalled how crucial Pete’s contribution had been to the Final’s win – 9-2-14-2 – but also to his generous nature and his interest in fellow humans.
Barry Flicker shared even older memories of their days together as riotous youths in Somerset and even had a photo from the local paper dated almost exactly 50 years earlier showing both Pete ( unrecognisable) and Barry ( almost so) revelling in a day out at the cricket.
Pete and Sue’s twin boys Jamie and Martin spoke movingly of having such an astute cricketer for a father, and Jamie of the innings they once put together to rescue Shobrooke Park from relegation.
An abundant and appetising tea was put together by Sue and little remained by the end of the day.
A view from the Boundary: Graham Darke, Brent HowardDave Amery Chris Theedom, Katy Lott Lott, Janet Howard, Stuart Lott, and "Prowling" Fred Harding
How many runs, how many wickets do you see here? LtoR:
Steve Ripley,Phil Arbourne, Tom Stanton,Stuart Lott,Dave (legs) Amery Richard Cavendish, Dave Gambie
Match Reports |
Latest Updates |
Latest Scores
Ron Hedley's Walk for Prostate Cancer UK and the Bob Willis Fun
On Saturday 20 April Devon County Seniors CC members rose to the challenge set by Ron Hedley for every Seniors County to walk for his chosen charities. Ron himself came with his wife and two friends and in total twenty made the five and a half mile journey from South Devon CC Newton Abbot to Bovey Tracey CC along the cycle path up the Teign Valley. After a warm welcome at South Devon, where Ron gave out T-shirts, caps and badges, we made a short detour through town where some of the public made donations. The day was perfect for walking, the sun shining and a light breeze. All enjoyed the walk and it was a good opportunity to catch up and reminisce after the winter break. On arrival at Bovey Tracey the Cricket committee there provided us with pasties and opened the bar for much needed refreshments. Thanks to them, Nigel Mountford and also South Devon and Neil Matthews for their willingness to get involved from the outset and ensure everything ran smoothly on the day.
Originally I had hoped we might raise four figures which we did, but I was amazed at the final total. Some of the walkers had arranged personal sponsorship which boosted the sum raised. All donations from the Devon contingent, their families and friends, with Gift Aid pledges included, raised £2126.25, a truly magnificent sum. This will go to Prostate Cancer UK and the Bob Willis Fund, also a prostate cancer charity. These are the causes for which Ron Hedley the organiser nationally set up the challenge.
My thanks to all who participated on the day and to those who supported financially. I think we did Devon proud.
Andy Rose
Devon County Seniors CC Treasurer
Originally I had hoped we might raise four figures which we did, but I was amazed at the final total. Some of the walkers had arranged personal sponsorship which boosted the sum raised. All donations from the Devon contingent, their families and friends, with Gift Aid pledges included, raised £2126.25, a truly magnificent sum. This will go to Prostate Cancer UK and the Bob Willis Fund, also a prostate cancer charity. These are the causes for which Ron Hedley the organiser nationally set up the challenge.
My thanks to all who participated on the day and to those who supported financially. I think we did Devon proud.
Andy Rose
Devon County Seniors CC Treasurer
Thursday 31st August Home (Shobrooke Park) v Hollywood Golden Oldies - Hollywood 105-3 ( 25 overs) Devon 93-9. Hollywood won by 12 runs
Despite a horrendous forecast and torrential rain in the morning, the game eventually started at 2.30 though reduced to 25 overs. It was completed without any breaks for rain and the evening remained fine.
The game was followed by a substantial BBQ that was soon consumed to a background of buzzing intercontinental chat.
Despite a horrendous forecast and torrential rain in the morning, the game eventually started at 2.30 though reduced to 25 overs. It was completed without any breaks for rain and the evening remained fine.
The game was followed by a substantial BBQ that was soon consumed to a background of buzzing intercontinental chat.
From L:
Kath Baxter;John Crocker; Paul B; Dave Gambie; Ron Seward; Keith Brown; Gary Kennard; John Cranch; Tom Stanton; Neville Pritchard; John Goodwin; Norman Botton; Dave Turner; Keith Mason; Jeff Baxter; Alastair Ashworrth
