The delights of Dartmoor are all in evidence at Chudleigh Cricket Club

Chudleigh CC has laudably retained all of its charm despite the considerable disruption of significant housing developments in the immediate vicinity over the last two decades. This can’t have been easy for committee members at times.

The Kate Brook Ground is named after the neighbouring stream that runs from Haldon Hill and rushes into the Teign just beyond the town.

It has the distinctive feel of being up on Dartmoor, set in a backdrop of steep woodlands and patchwork fields. Although the brook isn’t visible whilst playing, its outline is traceable from those seeking a romantic walk along its discreet banks.

If there is any reticence about playing there, it’s having to chase the ball across the overlapping football pitches that surround half the boundaries. This does, however, promote full blooded fielding on the boundary knowing that failure results in a shameful and lengthy field trip.

This arrangement allows for boundaries to be long at one end and short on the score box side. The more experienced bowlers suspiciously always seem to prefer the far end.

The square is raised by years of adding loam, which is often the sign of a well cared for and ‘true’ surface. The club have managed to produce a consistent surface almost forever.

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There is much stability at Chudleigh and they are a friendly club where nothing is too much trouble for visitors. I once played there in an important league fixture, and quirkily, cups of tea were brought out at the drinks break with chocolate biscuits.

The bar has been redesigned and now affords more space and encouragement for post cricket reflection. This seems to be promoted at Chudleigh, almost as if the club actively wants teams to enjoy their visit to the full.

Obviously, this doesn’t extend to conceding anything, as the club seems to have found the right balance between competing and enjoyment.

The beautiful setting, in part ensures longevity of members and almost like no other club Chudleigh seems to retain familiar faces for decades. They must be doing something right.