JOE SMITH, RORY COLTHAM, ALEC BOSOMWORTH, CRAIG OVERTON, TOBY LOCHEAD, MERRICK STEWARD, JAMIE OVERTON, CRAIG EAVES, KEITH BROWN

LUKE ANSELL, MATT GOLDING, TOM DRAKE, HARRISON FOLLAND, MAX CURTIS, GEORGE YATES, TOM CUMMINS

At the time of writing this report the world of cricket appears to be in turmoil, the Sri Lankan team bus is attacked on the way to a test match, the IPL looks set to be played in England or South Africa and nobody of real quality seems willing to coach the England test team. We can however report that the annual development tour to South Africa was not beset by such problems and yet again proved to be a magnificent challenge and experience for our young players.

As ever the warmth of reception received from our hosts did much to ensure the success of our visit. Devon cricket is indeed fortunate to have developed relationships with such generous and capable people.

The first game, a two day affair in Skukuza, resulted in a win by the narrow margin of 9 runs. Having gained a lead of 65 we declared our second innings leaving Mpumalanga a victory target of 246 in a minimum of 58 over’s. They seemed well on course at 226 for 5 but the loss of the sixth wicket seemed to engender mild panic encouraged by some excellent fielding. In the end our hosts were dismissed for 238 and the 2009 tour had started with a close but welcome victory. Jamie Overton produced an excellent top score of 68 in our first innings and Merrick Steward 65 in the second. Craig Eaves had match figures of   5 for 108.

On to Cape Town and two fairly comfortable wins by 7 wickets and 118 runs against Northern and Southern Suburbs respectively.

Our next game took us to a very hot Paarl where we enjoyed an exciting 4 run victory over Boland at Boland Park, an international venue. Boland seemed well in control at 135 for 5 chasing what appeared to be a straightforward target of 155 to win. Enter Toby Lochead to turn the game on its head with an excellent spell of 5 for 20 in 8 over’s and a fourth consecutive victory.

Our last two games in Cape Town always seemed likely to be the biggest test with games against Western Province U15 teams. The first game against a very strong A team saw Devon post a very respectable 225 for 9 with Jamie Overton 54 and Harrison Folland 43 not out being the principal scorers. The Western Province reply featured some really outstanding batting which ensured our hosts an 8 wicket win with ten over’s remaining. A tough challenge but it was designed to be.  The 2 day game was always going to be difficult after some poor batting left a first innings deficit of 149 runs. A much better second innings at least ensured that W Province had to bat again but a paltry target of 26 runs was no sort of target for our bowlers to defend. A hard lesson as to how important it is to be still in the game after the first innings.

Overall an excellent tour. The quality of fixtures proved to be about right; with some games providing a good opportunity to win if the performance was as anticipated while others would require something outstanding to bring about similar results. The itinerary was designed to do just that.

A couple of issues, which encouraged debate on tour centred on some of the playing conditions, our players have to endure back home.

We have fielding restrictions, which prevent players fielding close to the bat except behind the wicket, a minimum of 8yds at U15 level, a restriction seemingly designed to nullify the effectiveness of spinners on a helpful surface. It also encourages poor technique amongst batters who can push forward without having to use soft hands. Safe in the knowledge that no opponent will be sufficiently close to punish them. Extensive protection gear is now available and players can be taught the skills of fielding close to the bat. It was evident from our games on tour that the South African boys enjoy the thrill; often placing two or three catchers in these (UK) restricted areas.

A further regulation restricts the number of over’s that can be bowled by fast(er) bowlers, a maximum of 10 over’s per day in a maximum of 5 over spells at Under 14/15. This ‘one rule fits all’ is clearly wrong. Any self-respecting coach would not put young players at risk but some common sense has to prevail. In certain conditions it might be sensible to only allow a player to bowl say 3 or 4 overs while another with a good repetitive action might bowl 8 in a single spell.

Such regulations are probably driven by fear of legal action rather than informed concern about technique or injury. Our counterparts in some other countries are not hampered by such nonsense – time to consider changes?