Devon Cricket Board - Club-mates play it again for Graeme Townsend

Club-mates play it again for Graeme Townsend

HEATHCOAT will be paying their annual tribute to former secretary Graeme Townsend on September 8 on the ground he loved so much at Knightshayes, Tiverton.
Graeme, who was born disabled and spent large parts of his life in a wheelchair, loved his cricket and channelled his enthusiasm into working for the club and supporting brothers Gareth and David.
Graeme was Heathcoat secretary from 1990 until 1999 and kept busy as 1stXI manager and scorer, as well as sitting on the Devon committee
Both Graeme’s brothers played for Devon and Gareth was on the books at Somerset for four years. He is now head of youth cricket at Surrey CCC. David is a full-time sports coach in Australia.
The match, now in its 14th year, isn't just to remember Graeme, but played as a fund-raiser for junior cricket.
The format is the same every year: a Graeme Townsend Select XI against A Tiverton & District XI in a 40-over game for the memorial trophy. Start time 2pm.
Old favourites from Graeme's time as 1st XI manager at Heathcoat will be playing in his team.
Gareth Townsend, sons Jack and Ben, Julian Wyatt, Paul Elliott, Mark Govier and former Devon captain Nick Folland are definitely playing
Willand Rovers manager Clive Jones,ex-Heathcoat and North Devon sskipper Rob Ayre, England O60s’ batsman Bob Eames, Andy Giles, Vic Marks and Mark Lewis are on the probables’ list.
Youngsters James Drew and James Gregson – whose dads Daron and Chris played in Graeme’s time – are representing the next generation.
The District XI follows a similar pattern with old school friends and club players who were associated with Graeme's through local clubs and the indoor l eague.
Jim Cridland will again manage the side and play a major part n the organisation of the match.
Terry Townsend, Graeme's father said he was touched by the enthusiasm shown by his son's old friends to play on the match.
'It is a tribute to Graeme that these players are prepared to travel long distances, even though most of them don't play regularly, to get together to play a very competitive match in his memory,' said Terry.
“Now the sons have started playing as well. I think this would have pleased Graeme, who put much time and effort into junior cricket.
“This atmosphere is something to foster, and our hope is to gradually integrate young players to play in this match in the same spirit.”
Spectators will notice a new look at Knightshayes, where new nets and a new scoreboard have been erected.
Once the current season is out of the way work will start on building a new pavilion to replace the current one, which has stood on the ground for more than 100 years.

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