Devon Cricket Board - Stokeinteignhead join Devon League for 2015

Stokeinteignhead join Devon League for 2015

STOKEINTEIGNHEAD are set to join the Francis Clark Devon League next season as a step towards ensuring the long-term survival of the club.
League bosses have accepted the villagers’ application, submitted after sounding out players about their views.
Stoke, who were founder members in 1978 of what is now the South Devon League, have seen many of their traditional rivals fall by the wayside in recent years.
Ilsington, Drewsteignton and Dawlish & Teignmouth have all folded while Manaton are hanging on by their fingertips.
A number of Stokeinteignhead players already turn out for Devon League clubs on Saturday afternoons as Stoke find it hard to make fixtures on Satuday afternoons.
Ian Lang the club Stokeinteignhead secretary, said leaving the South Devon League was a tough decision to make after 37 years, but one that had to be taken.
“At the-end-of-season players’ meeting it was decided, after a long discussion, that this move was worth exploring to ensure the continued survival of the club,” said Lang.
“The proposed regionalisation for the lower tiers of the Devon League, which is currently being discussed by the members, was also a contributory factor in this decision.
The list of cricket clubs in South Devon and the surrounding area that have ceased playing over recent years is numerous.
“Stoke did not wish to join them, especially as one of a few clubs in the county to own their ground and have plans to try and further upgrade the facilities at Lower Netherton.”
They take their cricket seriously at Stokeinteignhead, which was the first club played for by ex-Devon captain Chris Bradley (pictured, right) and his brother Peter.
“Grants obtained in recent years have assisted in the purchase of practice nets and equipment to maintain the square and outfield.
“The club has a thriving junior section and their progression into the adult ranks will hopefully be enhanced by the chance to play Devon League cricket for Stoke, instead of having to move to other clubs in the area for this opportunity,” said Lang.
Stokeinteignhead, who were formed in 1949, have hope the positives of being in the Devon League will outweigh the loss of some long-standing arrangements.
Since the 1970s the club has undertaken an annual tour to Hampshire and Wiltshire at the end of May. This will be moved to September for 2015 to continue the tradition.
LIFTON, who joined the Devon League in 2013 following the run down of the Tamar League, have resigned from the competition after two seasons.

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