Devon Cricket Board - Torquay confident Stevenson will play during title run-in

Torquay confident Stevenson will play during title run-in

FAST bowler Ryan Stevenson will carry on playing for Torquay as they chase a first Premier title for 18 years despite signing for Hampshire.
Stevenson, 23, was talent spotted by Hampshire’s director of cricket playing for Devon against Berkshire last month and three games in the 2nd XI were sufficient to win him a contract.
Stevenson (left) will be with Hampshire until the end of the season.
Torquay are 28 points clear of Sidmouth at the top of the table with four games to go – effectively two wins from lifting the crown.
Stevenson has been a key member of the side – 21 wickets at 16 each and 207 runs at 25.87 – so Torquay are keen to have him back at weekends.
Justin Yau, the captain hoping to emulate Nigel Janes in 1997 by lifting the Premier trophy, is confident Stevenson will carry on turning out as second team cricket is a Monday-to-Thursday business.
“Unless he is playing in the first team, Ryan will play the rest of the season,” said Yau, who takes Torquay to Paignton on Saturday.
This time last year Stevenson was playing level four cricket for Dartington & Totnes.
Stevenson played age-group cricket for Devon at Under-15 and Under-16 level - Devon captain and Torquay team-mate Matt Thompson was in the same side – but didn’t carry on.
Golf became a passion and cricket played second fiddle for a while.
Torquay had been after Stevenson for a while and finally got their man during the last close season.
Yau said Stevenson’s talent was never in doubt and is rise and rise this summer isn’t a surprise
“I remember sitting down with Ryan with my vice-captain Nick Watkin when we wanted to sign him and you could tell there and then there was fire in the belly and a real motivation and dedication about him,” said Yau.
“The best thing about Ryan is how level headed he is, with a fantastic attitude and work ethic.
“I am so glad he has decided to see how far he can go with his cricket.
“It's so well deserved and it shows how hard work and perseverance can lead to great things.”
Yau said Dartington & Totnes were entitled to feel very proud of Stevenson for the role they had played.
“Ryan learned all his cricket at D&T as a youngster with dad Harold and brother Scott and we were grateful with the blessing they gave Ryan and come and play premier cricket at the Rec,” said Yau.
“Ryan’s cricket has come on rapidly this year - he's realised quickly that he can mix with the big guns and we have given him a nice base and platform to showcase his skills.
“I have no doubt he will do brilliantly with Hampshire because he has got all the attributes you would want in an aspiring, fast bowling all-rounder.
“We all hope he can now continue to progress in the game.
“We are lucky to have him at Torquay and he will only get better and better as a cricketer.”
Thompson said Torquay and Devon would miss Stevenson, but he deserved a crack at a career in the game.
“I am pleased to see Hampshire have been pro-active coming in for Ryan,” said Thompson.
“They don’t have loads of seamers there are clamouring for places, so he has a real chance to show what he can do.
“It is a great opportunity and everyone wishes him the best.”

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