Shrewsbury
Saracens celebrate 100 years of the Devon Tour
The Saracens Centenary Tour was bathed in sunshine as Old Salopian cricketers gathered at Instow to celebrate 100 years of this most Salopian of traditions.
In 1926 the newly formed Shrewsbury Saracens played a fixture against North Devon Cricket Club at their picturesque ground right next to the beach on the Torridge Estuary.
This wonderful colourised photo brings the original team to life!
Colonel Philip Miles (I 1924-29) had a house in the area and it was through his connections that the match became a tour including golf at Westward Ho! and Saunton Sands. Apart from during the war, Old Salopian cricketers of all ages have travelled to the idyllic setting every year since for four days of cricket, golf and camaraderie.
This week the Saracens gathered to celebrate the centenary of this much-loved annual event which culminated with a dinner on Monday night when 84 Sarries aged 20 to 86 packed into the historic thatched pavilion to relive past glories and plot the future success of the Club.
There was a special veterans match against NDCC on the Sunday and a barbecue in the evening as well as the usual fixtures against local sides and the MCC.
The competitive spirit, good humour and warmth of long held friendships made for a fitting commemoration of what we believe is a unique event among alumni cricket clubs.
Congratulations and thanks to Jonty Newbold (CH 2010-14) for organising.
.jpeg&command_2=resize&height_2=85 "Old Salopians at Henley Regatta 2026")
