Three generations of family play in same Torquay team

HOWZAT for a family hat-trick? Three generations all playing in the same team.

When Torquay 3rd XI captain John Mather looks around the dressing room at Cockington Court he sees son-in-law Paul and grandson Sam getting ready to go out with him.

There have been plenty of instances of fathers and sons playing in the same side – and more recently, fathers and daughters too!

But to have three generations of one family in the same team is probably a first for any Devon League side.

Skipper John, who played most of his cricket with Corinthians before a stint with Abbotskerswell, thought he had retired until grandson Paul started showing a keen interest in the game.

“With Paul and I being keen cricketers, Sam had a bat in his hand at the age of two and all he ever wanted to do was play cricket,” said John

“From an early age Sam's cricket idol was Shane Warne and consequently he has only ever wanted to bowl leg-breaks.

“At the age of seven he decided he wanted to join Torquay CC and within a few weeks was playing for the U11s.

“Watching Sam and his team-mates play prompted me to get involved with coaching the youngsters, getting qualified and running Torquay U9s, U11s and U13s for fours years. Paul was the team scorer.

“Sam has played the last four seasons for Devon U10s, 11s, 12s and 13. This year he captained the Torquay Boys’ Grammar school team to victory in the Devon U13 cup.”

John thought his playing days were over before Torquay decided to enter a 3rd XI in the Devon League to give lads a stepping stone into adult cricket.

“I came out of retirement to run the side and Paul joined us too,” said John.

“We have been very fortunate to play our home games at the picturesque Cockington ground, where I started at the age of 15 and played for nearly 30 years.

“Either Paul or I open the batting with Sam, which is obviously very special. Sam does show us both up in the field though.”

 


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