SP&T youngsters take advantage of mini-division hiatus to show how much they have learned | Devon talent spotters take notice of youth system products

By CONRAD SUTCLIFFE

SAMPFORD Peverell & Tiverton’s young cricketers got the chance to show what they can do thanks to the cut-down nature of the 2020 Tolchards Devon League season.

A six-game season in mini divisions, capped off by play-offs, replaced the traditional 18-week format of home-and-away games.

Tom HattonWith no promotion or relegation to worry about at first or second-team level, SP&T were able to pitch their youngsters into senior sides.

Tom Hatton and Sammy Broomhead were ever-presents in the first team, who went all the way to the Tier Four play-offs where they lost a fractious game against Bridestowe.

Keeper Broomhead had a tidy season behind the sticks and bowler Hatton claimed 13 wickets at less than 18 runs each.

Hatton and Broomhead toured South Africa with Devon under-15s development squad in 2019, which helped prepare them for the rigors of adult cricket.

Harry Southgate, the captain of the Devon under-14 side, was given a run in the 2nd XI, which reached the Tier Five final, where they defeated arch rivals Cullompton.

Southgate could not play in the final, but it was his unbeaten 53 against Shaldon in the semi that had a lot to do with getting SP&T there. He will be going on the 2021 South Africa tour, if it goes ahead.

Fred Harding, a level-two coach who works with Jack Bradbury and voluntary helpers running the youth section, said the colts cricket is thriving at Whitnage Road.

“Around 40 youngsters – boys and girls – regularly attend our club nights,” said Harding, who has been involved in the youth section since it was formed 12 years ago.Sammy Broomhead

“At the younger end we start with All Stars and we go through Dynamos then up to three sides in the East Devon Youth League.

“Last season we were able to play quite a bit of cricket at under-10, under-12 and under-14 and are starting to see talented young cricketers emerge.”

Devon’s annual tour to South Africa, which started in 2002, is where the cream of the county’s young talent gets to showcase its skills.

Previous tourists have included future First Class players Dom Bess, Lewis Gregory, Ryan Stevenson, Ollie Sale, Ben Green, the Overton twins, Adam Dibble, James Burke, Tom Lammonby as well as Devon captains Matt Thompson and Josh Bess.

Harding said the SP&T must be doing something right with their colts to attract the attention of Devon’s age-group talent spotters.

“To have two players from a small club such as ours selected to go to South Africa – and then have another one on the next tour – is something we are very proud of,” said Harding.

DESPITE the uncertainty caused by the Cornavirus pandemic, Devon have selected a squad to visit South Africa next February in the hope that the tour goes ahead.

Tour organisers will rely on Government advice whether to tour or not. A decision is expected in mid-December. If the tour is called off there is a plan to re-arrange it for October 2021.

Jed FinlayThe tour party includes Kentisbeare’s young all-rounder Jed Finlay, who graduated from 2nd XI cricket to the first team in the season that ended last month.

Finlay hit a maiden league half-century for Kents in a four-wicket win over Clyst St George in the Tier Four competition. And he took five wickets at an average below 14.

Scott Chapple, the Kentisbeare chairman, said he expects Finlay to come back from South Africa as an improved player.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity for Jed to go to on tour to a beautiful country where he will learn a lot about his game and have his skills tested,” said Chapple.

“It is recognition for all the hard work that he has done and I have no doubt he will come back an even better player than he already is.”

Tour party: Harry Southgate (Sampford Peverell & Tiverton), Fin Hill (Exeter), George Tapley (Ipplepen), Harry Mount (Chagford), Harry Williams (Exeter), Surya Suresh (Plympton), Otty Yip (South Devon), Ben Kay (Bovey Tracey), Jon Triner (Ottery SM), Morgan Couch (Shaldon), Jed Finley (Kentisbeare), Rohan Cross (North Devon), Julian Hayter (Bideford), Will Popham (North Devon).