County Ground, Exeter facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
County Ground

The new pavilion on the County Ground
Ground information
Location	Exeter, Devon
Establishment	1889 (first recorded match)
Team information
Devon (1902–current) Exeter CC (1904–current) Devon Dumplings CC (1902–current)
As of 16 April 2023 Source: Ground profile

The County Ground is a special place for cricket in Exeter, Devon, England. It's where many exciting cricket matches have happened over the years. The very first game recorded here was way back in 1889. It was a match between the Gentlemen of Devon and Somerset.

Discovering the County Ground

This cricket ground is a key spot in Exeter. It has a long and interesting history. Many cricket teams have called it home or played important games here.

Early Days of Cricket

In 1902, the Devon team played their first big game at the County Ground. This was a Minor Counties Championship match against Wiltshire. The Minor Counties Championship is a league for county teams that are not in the top professional division.

From 1902 to 1987, the ground hosted 148 Minor Counties Championship matches. It also held one MCCA Knockout Trophy match in 1984. That game was between Devon and Oxfordshire. After a break, the ground hosted another Minor Counties match in May 2010. Devon played against Wales Minor Counties then.

Big Matches and Famous Teams

The County Ground has even hosted some very important games. These are called first-class matches. First-class cricket is a high level of the sport, usually played over several days.

First-Class Cricket Fun

The first first-class match here was in 1927. A team called "the West" played against the touring New Zealanders. The second and last first-class match happened the next year, in 1928. A combined Minor Counties cricket team played against the touring West Indians.

Exciting List-A Game

The ground also hosted one List-A match. List-A cricket is another type of important game, usually played in one day with a limited number of overs. This match was part of the 1980 Gillette Cup. Devon played against Cornwall. Devon won that game by 145 runs!

The University of Exeter, with the County Ground at the top centre of image.

Home for Local Cricket Teams

The County Ground is a busy place for local cricket too. It is the home ground for Exeter Cricket Club. This club plays in the Tolchards Drinks-sponsored Devon Cricket League. Exeter Cricket Club has played here since 1902. Before that, their home was at a place called Grâs Lawn.

Another team, the Devon Dumplings, also uses the County Ground often. This is a "wandering club," meaning they don't have their own permanent home ground. They have been hiring the County Ground regularly since they started in 1902.