TIMES Sport continues its series of looking at the history of West Devon sporting clubs. This week it turns the spotlight on Whitchurch Wayfarers Cricket Club.

WHITCHURCH Wayfarers play cricket in a delightful setting in the grounds of Whitchurch House, adjacent to the moor. Their first match was played at the ground in 1948. Founder member David Gordon had returned from National Service to his mother's house — Mrs Beaver having purchased the Old Vicarage from the church in 1938 and taking in many evacuees. David farmed the land, but together with his step-brother Martin found there was not a great deal of activity for young men in the village. They both loved their cricket and would spend endless hours playing in the farmyard. In 1948, David persuaded his mother to allow use of the field for a cricket match. David used the farm machinery to prepare the ground and the first fixture was arranged. Charlie Sparrow arranged for a team of sailors from Devonport to come up as opposition. The match was a strange affair. David recalled that the pitch was 'lively'. Each team had three innings, with neither side reaching double figures in any innings. As a result many of the early fixtures were played away. The ground continued to develop, with David employing farming techniques to improve the ground, together with the animals grazing to keep the grass down, although it was necessary to do a dung check before any game could be played. The first Wayfarer club officials were appointed in 1955. Mr Parkin was the chairman and Mr Gent the club captain. Much of the activity up to the late sixties is not known, though a few photos from the era can be seen on the club wall, unfortunately without names and dates. In 1972, the pavilion was very dilapidated and a new one was to be built. In completing its aims, the club virtually bankrupted itself, with various loans used to secure the funding. As the club developed Den Crocker and Vic Stacey started the first Colts set up — a vital part of the club that is still thriving today. For many years, the club only played friendlies, although it did boast a bumper fixture list. In the 1980s, the club joined the Devon League. The early league years were mixed with promotions and relegations. In the early 90s the on field fortunes were not good, with the club finishing bottom of the whole league four years in a row. At this point, a crisis meeting was held were it was discussed to withdraw the first eleven and enter them instead in the Tamar League, where the second eleven were already playing. The players elected to stay in the Devon League and began re-building the club for the years ahead. The '1973' pavilion was now showing its age. Fruitless applications had been made to the lottery commission for grants towards the cost of the new pavilion. In 2000, plan 'D' was carried out, with the demolition of the existing pavilion and replacement with a bespoke design. The new pavilion was opened by Kate Allenby and David Gordon. The club continued to grow. In 2003, the second eleven left the Tamar League and joined the Devon League, getting promoted within two seasons and knocking on the door of further promotions. Now, the first eleven are playing in D division. The club believes in giving young players a chance with the first XI frequently fielding seven players under the age of 18. The seconds have unfortunately suffered relegation but are still providing a breeding ground for youngsters making the step up to senior cricket. With the succession plan in place, the club is able to run colts' teams at all youth group ages. In addition, there is a ladies' team playing in the top division of the Devon League. If anyone has any more detail about the origins and missing years of the club, it would be delighted to hear from them. With thanks to club vice chairman Neil Tamblin.