Vaughan “Jocker” Hosking RIp - updated (8/4/26)
The club has just been informed of the passing of Vaughan “Jocker” Hosking a true legend of Torquay CC on and off the field.
A potted history of Vaughan Hosking – “a real club stalwart over many years”, by Rob Dickinson:
“Sadly, Vaughan passed away in Spain over Easter. Vaughan joined the club in the 1970s and quickly established himself as a valuable all-rounder with excellent control with his spin bowling and a very useful middle order batter. At the time Torquay first team was always regarded as one of the strongest teams in Devon and his playing career coincided with club legend Barrie Matthews.
Vaughan was very keen to turn out in as many midweek games he could fit in around work against strong touring sides. Also, on a memorable day when fellow Cornishman Roger Biddick was scoring his maiden century for the third eleven at the sea end, Vaughan also got his maiden ton for the first team on the square. A great evening of celebrations followed.
As his playing career came to an end he devoted himself to the Club as a long-standing chairman at a time when the club was fielding 4 sides on Saturday and 2 on Sunday and facing the usual financial challenges. To keep himself busy in the winter months, he was well known around local Rugby clubs when he acted as a respected referees’ assessor.
On retirement from work he and Sandy decided to follow the sun and leave to live in Murcia Spain near to his great mate Barry. Vaughan and Sandy regularly returned to our shores every summer for 2 or 3 weeks to catch up with old friends and family in Devon and Cornwall and it was great to pace the boundary with him to recollect the great times we enjoyed over the years.”
Barrie Matthews said, “Vaughan (Jocker) was a good friend and teammate who first came to the club in the 60s. He was a competitive all rounder and soon became captain of the 1st XI. He spent many years at the club as player, committee member and eventually chairman. A truly great clubman.”
Nigel Janes said, “Jocker was instrumental in getting to The Rec at 17 years old, he was fiercely competitive on the pitch and charming off it, especially with the ladies. I remember fondly our midweek games together and he would hand me the keeping gloves, he would twirl away his leggies but every now and then his quicker ball would disappear two feet wide of leg stump and away for four byes, “sorry chief” he used to say with a wry smile and an exaggerated dry of his hands!! What a legend, RIP Jocker,”
Phil Bradford said, “I don’t know any cricket anecdotes that stick out but I know in a Tics match once he awarded a penalty against Tics. I thought about asking / appealing the decision but decided against it. He then marched us back 10 yards and I asked why and he said, “you thought about saying something!!!””
Ian Coulton said, “I owe everything to Jocker. He was the person who would not give up and constantly met and meet me to get me to leave Buckfastleigh CC to join Torquay. I was all set to join South Devon but Vaughan was very persuasive. Once at Torquay he was the person who looked after me to ensure I settled in well. With Hiley [Edwards] the two of them insured my time at TCC was memorable and I treasure the time playing with likes of Vaughan, Bagsy [Barrie Matthews], Hiley, Chris [Edwards], Malcolm [Kingdon] and many more including several overseas players who I am still in contact with - friends for life. Vaughan took me under his wing, took me to Barbados on a month’s cricket tour which is a highlight of my life, a treasured moment. He was constant, often popping out to my dad’s farm in Staverton when in the area to have a beer or coffee together in the garden. When I became captain the club, I always had the backing of Vaughan who as chairman of the club always strived to help me and guide me. I am gutted and thank him for my successes in the premier league for my 13 years at the club.”
Martyn Goulding said. “Great team player. Enthusiasm personified. Vaughan was a gutsy cricketer who won Torquay Cricket Club many a game with his never say die attitude. RIP Jocker.”
Tim Ward the current Chair of Paignton CC said, “Vaughan was fiercely competitive on the field and great fun off the field. He was a very well-respected rugby referee. He will be sorely missed.”
Richard Tidball of Hatherleigh CC said, “Vaughan was a true gentleman and a wonderful ambassador to the games of cricket and rugby. Always seeming calm he was always in control and always fair and sensible. Although I only played a few games in opposition, he was a pleasure on the field. A tremendous rugby referee he was the one person who really persuaded me to take up the whistle and was always available for a chat. He was Torquay through and through and although residing in sunnier climes he will be missed.”
Nigel Mountford the CEO of Devon CCC said, “Very sad to hear of the passing of Vaughan 'Jocker' Hosking. When I joined Torquay CC in 1976, Vaughan was most welcoming to me and my Family. The eleven years that I was with Torquay CC, Vaughan became a good team mate and friend. He was very competitive and for me he was a great motivator, probably from his Rugby career. If it was a Saturday league match, a Sunday or mid-week friendly, Vaughan approached the match in the same way. The fielding standards we see in today's games would have suited Vaughan, attacking the ball, getting it back to the wicketkeeper quickly. Vaughan patrolled the area around cover point or extra cover. He was also a useful middle order batter and medium pace bowler. We have remained friends, even after he went to Spain. It was always great to see him when he came home in the English cricket season. RIP Vaughan and thank you for all the good times we spent together.”
Neil Matthews of Devon CCC O60s said, “Really sad to hear of the news of Vaughan's passing at the weekend our thoughts go out to Sandy & the family. Jocker was a fierce competitor on the pitch and charming off it, he definitely brought out the best in most players through his own tenacity and skill, certainly my time playing under his captaincy at Torquay was one of my most enjoyable. Jocker was one of the early captains of the Devon Seniors set up where he led Devon Over 50s between 1996 - 2001 along with buddies Terry Doyle & Barrie Matthews, recruiting local players like Stuart Lott into the fold. Always wanted to know how the Seniors were doing on his many trips back to the UK and I’m sure there are many stories to tell …. One of life’s good men. RIP Jocker.
JOCKER’S FUNERAL IS ON FRIDAY 10 APRIL AT MIDDAY - ONLINE LINK TO FOLLOW