11

SPORTING DEVON

SPORTING PERSONALITIES

Sir Francis Chichester (1901–72), born at Barnstaple, was the first person to sail solo around the world, from east to west and around the great capes. He circumnavigated the world in Gipsy Moth IV between August 1966 and May 1967, departing from and returning to Plymouth. His success inspired another would-be round-the-world yachtsman, Donald Crowhurst (1932–69), who sailed from Teignmouth in October 1968 in Teignmouth Electron trimaran, while competing in the Sunday Times Golden Globe Race, but his attempts were believed to have ended in insanity and suicide about eight months later, although his body was never found.

Cliff Bastin (1912–91), footballer with Exeter FC and later Arsenal, retired in 1947 and returned to his home city of Exeter, where he and his wife ran a café and then a pub.

Angela Mortimer (1932–), born at Plymouth, former No. 1 British female tennis player, winner of three Grand Slam singles titles, at 1955 French championships, 1958 Australian championships, and at Wimbledon in 1961.

Ian Roberts (1948–) represented Devon in 26 championship cricket matches 1974–80.

Trevor Francis (1954–), born at Plymouth, joined Birmingham City FC and later Nottingham Forest, becoming England’s first £1,000,000 footballer.

Sue Barker (1956–), born at Paignton, whose professional career included her reaching the semi-finals at Wimbledon. After retiring from professional tennis she became a successful broadcaster and commentator.

Sharron Davies (1962–), born at Plymouth, Olympic and Commonwealth games swimmer turned commentator.

Professional Football Teams

Plymouth Argyle FC (founded 1886, as Argyle FC)

Torquay United FC (1899)

Exeter City FC (1904)

Professional Rugby Football Teams

Plymouth Albion (founded 1875)

Exeter Chiefs (1871)

Rugby League Teams

Plymouth Titans (founded 2003)

Exeter Centurions (2007)

Devon Sharks, Torquay (2006)

East Devon Eagles, Exmouth (2006)

Basketball

Plymouth Raiders (founded 1978)

Plymouth Marjon Cannons (2000, as Tamar Valley Cannons)

Motorcycle Speedway Teams

Exeter Falcons (1947–2005)

Plymouth Devils (1932–70, re-formed 2006)

Devon Racecourses

Devon & Exeter. The racecourse at Kennford, south of Exeter, has provided a popular venue since the reign of Charles II. At 2 miles long and 850ft above sea level it is the second longest and highest in England.

Newton Abbot. Racing began here in 1866, but was suspended during the First and Second World Wars, being occupied by troops and used as a prisoner of war camp in the 1914–18 conflict. The main grandstand, built in 1969, was opened by Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother.

Point-to-Point Venues

Bishops Court, near Ottery St Mary

Black Forest Lodge, near Exeter

Bratton Down, near South Molton

Buckfastleigh, Dean Court Farm

Flete, near Ivybridge

Ideford Arch, near Chudleigh

Kilworthy, near Tavistock

Stafford Cross, near Seaton

Umberleigh

Upcott Cross

Vauterhill, near Umberleigh