Australians descend on Devon for historic Ashes series

A group of intrepid Aussie cricketers are due to set foot in Devon ready for a second gritty Ashes series against the bustling might Broadclyst Cricket Club, who play at the Killerton Estate, just outside Exeter.

The one day, 44 over series starts on Sunday 1st July at 1pm, and concludes with the second game on Saturday 7th July. Having lost the original ‘Ashes’ series in 2013, Broadclyst are out for revenge.

The Aussies, known as the Daggy Greens, have 13 players and 9 WAKs (Wives And Kids). They will be facing a squad of local players drawn from Broadclyst, who have all been vying hard for places.

All the touring Aussies are from Brisbane, with the exception of one player from Sydney, and two from Melbourne. Put together by Mike Greco, a former player for both Broadclyst Cricket Club and Argyll Road in Exeter, the Daggy Greens have been practicing hard to overcome English conditions.

Commenting on the series Mike Greco, Captain of the Daggy Greens, said: “It’s great to be returning to England to defend the Daggy Ashes.

“Six years ago, a group of social cricketers got together over a few beers and planned our first team trip to England. Having played in Devon in the early 2000s, I knew we’d get a great welcome, and we weren’t disappointed. The 2013 series was such a success that we had to return, this time with seven debutants alongside six of our original team.”

Mike Greco added: “The name ‘Daggy Greens’ is a take on “Baggy Greens”. Players from the 2013 tour have retained the names of those Australians that toured England (by ship) in the early 1920s, honouring their great contribution to the game of cricket, and the lasting relationships that we continue to have with our fellow English mates.”

Cliff Rush, Captain for Broadclyst CC, added: “For Broadclyst, this is a hugely important game, not least because Mike helped persuade Justin Langer to host a fund-raising dinner for us at Sandy Park that helped raise thousands of pounds for our new pavilion. When the Daggy Greens last visited, work had yet to begin on that pavilion, so it will be a huge honour to welcome Mike and his team mates back to see the fruits of all our hard work.

“We’re looking forward to a great game and to crowds of supporters over the two weekends. This time we hope to win back our very own version of the Ashes Urn, which was specially commissioned for the last series”

While touring, the Daggy Greens will play Broadclyst Pins at Killerton House in a 20/20 match at 6pm on 4th July.