As I type this I’m looking out over a very wet cricket field with a very full River Tale lapping along the boundary . Its that time of year when the sheep are allowed in so the outfield is gradually turning to mud – it never ceases to amaze me how nature can turn a sodden muddy mess into the Payhembury equivalent of Lords in just a couple of months. Well, we play cricket on it and you can buy a pint, perhaps after that similarities with Lords are a bit more limited.
So after a much shortened 2020 season and what feels like a never ending very wet winter, we are back in that place where we cross everything and hope that we will be allowed a fuller 2021 season. Which may or may not involve our Covid Risk Assessment being revised and updated, certainly seems very likely at present. We have a full fixture list planned, starting in late April, with outdoor training sessions starting earlier that month. This will ensure we are all at peak fitness for the start of the season ! If we are allowed to play of course.
We are always on the look out for fresh talent so do get in touch with us if you’d like to get involved in any way, you can email stay@tuckmill.co.uk
We have been very fortunate over the past twelve months to have had financial support from both Payhembury Provisions and the ECB , which have enabled us to stay solvent through the challenging times we have all experienced . So a huge thankyou to all at Payhembury Provisions for your support, we do hope to be able to invite representatives down to enjoy our hospitality at an evening game once the future looks a little clearer and the sheep have moved to fresh pastures.
Finally, Devon cricket very sadly lost one of its inspirations over the Christmas break. Keith Wood was the key founder of Clyst Hydon CC back in the late 1980’s and went on to play a significant role not only in establishing league cricket in our corner of the county but also in Devon colts cricket countywide. He will be sorely missed.
Jon Carden
Tale Millers CC
