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John Tozer batting for Exmouth against Torquay in the early 1980s - the wicketkeeper is Nigel Mountford

“My cricketing years at Exmouth between 1964 and 1969, returning between 1973 and 1976, were all shared with John and memorable they were.

When I left the area, I always sought him out on my irregular visits to my favourite cricket ground.

He was, of course, always there and always willing to have a chat. Everyone who came across John will know that he was a ‘gentle' man but a very tough and shrewd competitor.

I claim some responsibility for the rough treatment he regularly handed out to the opposition's attack.

In our youth John and I spent hours in the nets, where I fed him with a succession of half-volleys and long-hops on leg-stump and was told, each time, ‘to fetch the ball'.

I can also recall the Mendip Acorns match in 1973 when, after losing John Littler first ball, John was joined by Bob Harriot. They made an unbeaten 271 in just over 2 hours batting.

Having been promoted to number four, after not getting a knock in the previous day's league game, I remained padded up for the length of their partnership. Thanks guys!

The epitome of the loyal clubman, all who knew him will miss him greatly.”

Peter Brierley (Exmouth CC)

“Sorry to hear the sad news about John Tozer. I only played one season at Exmouth – 1983, when he was captain - and I held him in the highest regard as a cricketer and team-mate.”

Robin Gray

“Sorry to hear the news. John was a good man and will be sadly missed.”

Ryan Horrell (former Devon, Barnstaple, Torquay and Braunton spinner)

 

“A fantastic man, who will be sadly missed in Devon cricket.”

Andy Cottam (Former Someret CCC, Devon & Seaton spinner, now coaching in Australia)

"Another 'gentleman' from Devon cricket has sadly been lost."

Nigel Mountford (Chairman, Bovey Tracey CC & former Devon wicketkeeper)

“I would like to echo the sentiments already expressed by others. What hasn't been said though, was that John was a very shrewd observer of the game. During my time with the county team, he would always be available to provide sensible advice from the background; never complicated, often enlightening.”

Steve Wills (Barton, South Devon, Exeter & Devon CCC)

“At school one sensed John's mature and deep love for the game of cricket. He had that dignity of bearing then, which he carried with him throughout his life.

He always conducted himself and played in an unruffled, calm way, that earned immediate respect.

John Tozer's personality and character that earned the admiration of so many in Devon developed from those same strengths that were evident and admired at school.

In house matches one recalls him walking to the wicket with determination, concentration and confidence.

He was very watchful; favoured the back foot against spin; and played each ball often very late and off the pitch.

In the 1950's with those glorious ‘sticky wickets' he was very difficult to dismiss. It was impossible to get through his defensive technique.

In the very strong Exmouth sides of the late 60s and 70s. he established himself as one of their most gifted batsmen. To achieve that level of success was rightly deserved, for John Tozer embraced cricket.”

Chris Newman (Exmouth & Devon CCC)

 

“I was very sorry to hear the sad news about John Tozer. He was a lovely man and a fine cricketer and I have memories of him from the 60s and early 70s, when playing for Tavistock against Exmouth, always a keenly fought game.

I well remember the game against the Mendip Acorns because I was keeping wicket for them, being a founder member of that club. 

I stumped John's opening partner for a duck and then had very little to do as he and Bob Harriot made that wonderful stand of 271 for the second wicket. 

But the story did not end there, at least as far as I was concerned. Our skipper, Norman Teer, asked me to open the batting with Tony Windows, the ex-Gloucestershire all-rounder, and Norman told us in no uncertain terms that we could win the game.

Tony had scored hundreds in the previous two Acorns' games and I am sure that had he made another one on that day we could have won. 

Sadly, Tony went for about 20 and our chance of victory had evaporated.

However we salvaged a draw and finished with over two hundred runs for, I think, nine wickets. My contribution was a mere 101.

I have never heard of an afternoon game in which three centuries were made, it cannot be a very common occurrence.”

Geoff Husband (Tavistock & Cornwall)

 

“It was always a pleasure batting with John because he did so much of he work for you. When you went out to bat he would already have worked out what the bowler was doing and would have some advice for you. I only wish I had been able to bat with him a bit more often!

John was a lovely man. I never heard him say a bad word about anyone. We are all going to miss him.”

Alistair Kemp-Tucker (Exmouth CC)