Western Tour
“Nothing, perhaps, distinguishes the SOA more strikingly from most other clubs than the Western Tour… Some of the most memorable experiences of the season are often from the tour…. Only a small handful of wandering clubs have kept their tour, and whether it will exist for SOA members in its present form in 2033 is anyone’s guess” A P Lurcock 2008
Pleasingly, thanks to an ever enthusiastic and wonderfully diverse collection of players, officials and families, the tour continues to thrive and goes from strength to strength – we still retain many of the long-standing fixtures and marvellous venues to play cricket that have been mainstays of the tour fixture list for an age – long may it continue as we head towards that centenary year milestone.
Whether you are thinking of returning to Devon again or making the trip down for the first time, we’d love to hear from you and would love to see you down there for a day or week (or two)…
2023 saw a total of sixty tourists across the two weeks including other halves, families with young children and drop-in spectators - it was a truly marvellous August indeed – let’s make President Phillips’ trip down to the West Country equally memorable!
Bursaries of 50% of accommodation costs and a £10 pd meal allowance are available for under 25s to help with the cost of the tour.
If you’re looking to join the fun, please complete the initial interest link here
2024 Fixtures
Week One
Tuesday 13th August Shobrooke Park CC
Wednesday 14th August Sidmouth CC
Thursday 15th August Lansdown CC
Pre-Booked B&B Accommodation @ The Elizabeth, Sidmouth
Week Two
Sunday 18th August Chulmleigh CC
Monday 19th August North Devon CC @ Instow
Tuesday 20th August North Devon CC @ Instow
Wednesday 21st August Devon Dumplings CC @ Valley of the Rocks
Thursday 22nd August Somerset Stragglers CC @ Wyvern Club, Taunton
Pre-Booked B&B Accommodation @ Cedars Inn, Barnstaple and The Rising Sun, Lynmouth
Many thanks
SOACC Western Tour Committee
All players are welcome to tour; below are quotes from recent younger tourists. :
Here’s what Steve Green of Horspath CC said about the Devon Tour: “The standard of cricket was competitive and very challenging. Some of the best grounds I've played on - great venues and facilities. I would recommend the tour for the competitive cricket, picturesque grounds and the great social side of it.”
“We played at the best venues. The atmosphere on the tour was so friendly, on and off the field. Whether it be playing cricket or just having dinner with the team, the experiences were incredible, and we would love to be part of the SOA tours for many years to come.” Alex and Tom Ling Oxford Downs.