DEVON have named a provisional squad of 13 players for the 17-day tour to South Africa next Spring.

The tourists have a mixed programme of games in Johannesburg and Cape Town in February.

Seven matches are planned, including a two-day fixture against Western Province B.

The tour has been running for 15 years and is seen as a stepping stone for promising young players.

A number of tourists, among them the Overton twins, Ben Green and Plympton’s Lewis Gregory, have gone on to join First Class counties and make a career in the game.

All four have represented England at either age-group or Lions level.

Dom Bess, this year’s Devon young player of the year who has recently won a two-year contract with Somerset, toured in 2012 when Chris Read was one of the tour coaches.

Ex-England keeper Reed started out in the Devon age-group sides himself. He started out in the Under-11 side in 1989 before graduating to the professional game.

Many more tourists have graduated to play in Devon’s Minor Counties side.

Mark Ansell, the tour manager, said the value of the tour for the players on it is immense.

“All the players selected will have represented Devon and are the best players in their age group in the county,” said Ansell.

“To play overseas against quality opposition is a unique extension to the experiences gained by playing county fixtures.

We believe this tour plays an important part in helping our very best players to maximise their potential.

“Several graduates have represented England at various age groups, a number are now playing first class cricket and others have been selected to play for Devon in the Minor Counties Championship.”

All 13 tourists now have to raise nearly £3,000 to cover their touring costs. Players are encouraged to find personal sponsors at £50 each, all of whom will receive an acknowledgement in the tour brochure.

There is also the potential to place adverts in the brochure at £200 each. Around 3,000 brochures are printed and circulated widely in Devon and further afield

Anyone willing to make a donation to any of the tourists costs should sent a cheque to Ansell at Pillhead House, Bideford EX39 4NF. Cheques should be endorsed on the back Devon SAT and include the player’s name.

Advertising enquiries should be directed to Kat Hampton, tour brochure editor.

The provisional touring party is: Cole Harford (Barton), Freddie Ford (Kingsbridge), Ollie Hannam (Bideford), Max Hancock, Tom Simmons (both Sidmouth), James Horler. Louis Morison, Ollie Pugsley  (all Exmouth), James White (Tavistock), Jack Moore (Barnstaple & Pilton), Luke Medlock (Paignton), Sam Read (Clyst SG) and Abraham Kopparambil (Ivybridge).