Fourth team and ground improvements all part of Exmouth's growth plan for the future | Hybrid pitches latest innovation on the Maer
By OLLIE SMITH
EXMOUTH’S 1st XI are sitting comfortable in third place of the Tolchards Devon Cricket League Premier Division, but the strength of the whole club in 2025 is something to be applauded.
For the first time in their history, the Maer Ground side are fielding a 4th XI. Chairman Jeremy Tozer said the new side would allow younger players and their female section an opportunity to play adult cricket.
“One of the major aims for our fourth team is to provide increased opportunity for our youngsters to transition into open-age cricket,” said Tozer, who followed his late father John into the first team during his own career.
“All four teams have representatives, past and present from our youth section, and it’s great to show our youngsters a pathway moving through the playing ranks.
“It’s a chance for some fringe players to get a game of cricket, who, in previous seasons, may have missed out. To be able to offer 44 players a chance to play league cricket every Saturday is fantastic.”
They are a cricket-loving lot the Tozers: Grandparents Ted and Doris looked after the ground and the club accounts, dad John was a prolific run scorer in the 1960s and 70; Jeremy played too and Rachel, his sister, has been first team scorer for more than 20 years.
If Exmouth aren’t playing at the Maer ground, then someone else will be. In the six weeks of the season so far, they have had the opportunity to welcome the Devon men’s team, as well as the men and women of professional outfit Somerset.
The yearly showcase game between Devon and Somerset was held at Exmouth in May for the second year running, and the visitors came out on top by 22 runs. That wasn’t the end of Somerset’s travels to the coast, as their women’s team hosted Durham at the Maer only 24 hours later. 
The match, a Vitality T20 Women’s County Cup fixture, went to the wire, with Durham coming out victorious courtesy of a super over.
“We are very grateful to have been chosen to host Devon and Somerset matches for the past couple of seasons,” said chairman Tozer.
“We have a great relationship with Devon and are building something similar with Somerset, and we were elated when Somerset approached us to have their women's team play an official league Vitality Blast T20 match at the Maer.
“We couldn't have asked for a more exciting game either, concluding with a Super over.”
The square at The Maer has received upgrades in recent years, as Exmouth became one of only a few clubs in the county to install a hybrid pitch. Heathcoat and Sidmouth are two of the others.
“Last season, through a Devon Cricket inspection process our pitch was identified as one that could benefit from improvement,” said Tozer.
“The three hybrids were installed in February and it was fascinating to see the technology and kit involved in the process. We are already seeing more consistent bounce and carry from them, which any level of cricketer will tell you they want.
“We run more than 20 teams, so the demand on the pitch is becoming greater. The hybrid pitches allow us to rest our grass ones more without being adversely impacted.
“Being able to offer better, more consistent wickets, the hybrids we hope, will only enhance our chances of hosting more games like the two last month featuring the teams from Devon and Somerset.
“The club is in a great position with player numbers up and membership increasing. We aim to provide cricket for all, in a safe, welcoming, friendly environment.”
On the future for the club, Tozer said: “We are continually looking to upgrade and improve our facilities with several projects at different stages of completion.
“More specifically, we are looking at the accessibility of our clubhouse by looking into adding a lift to reach the upstairs area – and we are also looking to upgrade our spectator areas.”
“It's a pleasure and a privilege to be chair at Exmouth CC right now. We have some incredibly passionate, talented, committed people, on and off the pitch, all bringing different knowledge and skills to the table.”
