- South Dartmoor back to winning ways in cups
- Tom Allin tournament raised more than £5,000 for air ambulance
- Taverners kit bag delivered to Sri Lankan youngsters
- Devon trying to contact the class of 56
- Paceman Tshepo running in Virgin London Marathon
- Five Devon women in Western Storm squad for Kia Super League
- Registration night for all ages at Topsham on Monday
- Lots pouring in for auction at Allin Memorial tournament
- Thames Valley Gentlemen Cricket Club
- Bradninch add Argentinian flavour to Devon League
- Ipplepen youth registration night on Friday
- Final call for Groundsmans first seminar this year
- Devon League official tackling London Marathon for charity
- Bovey on familiar territory in Aaron Printers Cup
- Brockman Cup - Cup Kings lie in wait for holders
- Shepherd Trust helps Kingsbridge build for sustainable future
- DCL - Umpire Appointments 2016 (May 7th - July 2nd)
- Long standing records beaten
- North Devon see off Paignton chase
CHAMPIONS
North Devon won’t let the critics stop them celebrating their success winning
the Premier Division title for only the second time in their history.
The chasing
pack gave up sometime ago, but it was only after they defeated Exmouth last
Saturday that the title was officially in the bag.
North Devon go to Budleigh Salterton today safe in the knowledge they cannot be caught by any of the teams behind them. Outgoing champions Sidmouth look destined for second place with Budleigh third.
Fast bowler
Glenn Querl has led the wicket-taking effort for North Devon this season with
56 at less than 11 runs each.
Among the
other statistics are nearly 500 runs each for batters Rob Gear (496) and Neil
Bettis (483) – and a hefty 586 for Craig Overton.
Matt
Westaway (28) and Craig Overton (21) have been among the wicket takers.
There are
rival captains who have suggested North Devon would not be where they are
without the Zimbabwe-born pacer – a viewpoint quickly shot down by the club’s
director of cricket Gwynne Jones.
Jones said
at a time when some Premier clubs can’t get full 2nd XIs on the field – or even
get a side out at all – the achievements of a club that put three XIs out on
week in an week out should be lauded.
“We pride ourselves at North Devon on
the development of all our young cricketers who have come up through our
system,” said Jones, a former chief executive of Cricket Scotland.
“It is not just the Overtons (Somerset Academy), but at least a handful of others who have gone on to represent Devon in age group sides this season.
“Our 1st XI
in 2010, when we pushed Sidmouth all the way, regularly had five U17 players in
the side which has paid dividends this season with excellent performances from
these young players to back up the more mature ones.
“This
coupled with a good work ethic, well-organised team with well thought out game
plans is why we have won the Premiership - not just because we have had one
good bowler.”
A follow-up
complaint of over-reliance on overseas aid was also given short shrift.
“Our pro
player, who has a contract to coach three days a week, is a fully qualified
English player who has a British passport, was educated at Harrow School and is
a permanent resident of the UK,” said Jones.