Causey and Russell pick up award after award as Bovey look to future with confidence at awards evening

Sam Russell collecting two of his awards from Bovey Tracey chairman Nigel Mountford at the club

TEENAGERS Ashley Causey and Sam Russell dominated Bovey Tracey CC’s annual awards presentation dinner – even though one of them wasn’t there!

Causey, who was shortlisted for the Tolchards Devon League young player of the year award, won the 1st XI bating and bowling awards as well as the 1st XI player’ player award.

Derek Perry (left) and Jeremy Christophers (right) - key performers in the Bovey Tracey 2nd XI side that won promotionCausey was not there to collect his awards as he is currently in Australia where he is playing cricket for Hallora in Melbourne.

Bovey’s young all-rounder has played six games so far for his club. His top score to date was 34 against Buln Buln and his best bowling performance a three-for-nine haul against Neerim District.

Russell had a phenomenal season, totting-up more runs than anyone else In the club. His tally of 1,058 runs in adult and youth games included the highest score of the season, 149 not out off 56 balls in the 3rd XI game against Kingsbridge.

Russell received the Les Rowe Memorial Bowl for the highest aggregate of runs, the highest score shield, the Richard Bougourd Award for the most-improved player and the 3rd XI players’ player trophy – and he shared the 3rd XI junior player award with Sam England.

Russell has been invited to tour South Africa with the Devon under-15 squad in February.

Although the 1st XI had a rough season in 2018, in start contrast to 2017 when they were Premier champions, the 2nd XI could not have done much better.

Harry Pitman receives his 4th XI player of the year award from proud dad MarkJeremy Christophers, the 2nd XI captain, reflected on a successful season of 14 wins and just three losses as the side won promotion from the C Division West as champions.

Bovey Tracey will field the highest placed 2nd XI in the Devon Cricket League in 2019, playing against 1st XI sides week in and week out.

Christophers and fellow veteran Derek Perry took the 2nd XI bowling and batting awards respectively.  Callum Stanley was players’ player in the same side.

Christophers wasn’t the only promotion-winning captain in the club as Andy Bishop took the 3rd XI up from the F Division West. It was a fine achievement by what is essentially a development team.

The England family scooped the 3rd XI batting and bowling awards with father Tony taking the batting cup and son Sam the bowling cup. Sam claimed five wickets in one over, playing against Yelverton Bohemians 2nd XI early in the season.

Outgoing 4th XI captain Mark Pitman secured a mid-table finish for his side, which is the first step from youth to adult cricket for many Bovey youngsters.

Colts experience senior cricket at a younger age rather than waiting for years before selection into the 2nd XI.

Nigel Mountford (left) hands over the BTCC clubman of the year trophy to Pat CollingPaul Scott was the 4th XI batting-award winner and also the players’ player. Ben Kay won the bowling award, Sam Harvey was the all-rounder of the season and Harry Pitman the young player of the year.

The final award of the evening was the club person of the year award, which went to a backroom all-rounder.

Pat Colling not only cuts the outfield and rolls the pitches throughout the season, he reviews the club accounts monthly on behalf of the treasurer.

“A true club stalwart who has the respect of all the membership,” said Nigel Mountford, the Bovey chairman.

Bovey held their annual meeting before the dinner when members voted for a couple of administration changes.

Alison Andrew has taken over as secretary from Colin Shute, who had been in the job two years. Mark Taylor will lead the 4th XI.