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We had been exceedingly fortunate in 2016 in not experiencing long trips in the mini-bus up until the final two weeks of the season. Last year we seemed to be stuck in traffic at every opportunity. However we were again not so lucky on the journey up to Coventry as it was awful! Two players were caught up in traffic which delayed our departure by forty-five minutes and it did not get any easier. What should have a three hour journey turned into five plus. We had still to travel to Staffordshire so the meeting time for that game was brought forward by an hour and even that was not sufficient as another nightmare journey was experienced. We reached the Ibis in Coventry, previously visited two years ago, late and had an exceedingly quick turnaround as we were booked in at seven at The Royal Oak which proved to be a wise choice. Normally opportunities are given to potential 2017 squad members from the under fourteen and fifteens over the last two weeks of the summer. However this year the fifteens had got through to the national quarter finals and the fourteens were down to their barest eleven for their game with Gwent so this was not possible. A thumb fracture reduced our resources even further so we left with under 14s Will Oxland and George Gibbs who not only enabled us to honour our fixtures but both played important parts, one even entering the records section of the Green Book.

We nearly found the Coventry and North Warwick Ground first time but had to repeat the 360 degree turn in a shopping precinct and when we made it the ground looked as good as ever. The Club itself are now in the second division of the Birmingham League and the Groundsman, a former playing colleague of Sandy's at Leamington, was as delightful as ever but had not wanted us playing at the ground!! Gibbs won the toss and batted. Ashley Causey and Leon Horn opened with Horn falling first. From 6-1 Causey and Jamie Khan doubled the score when Causey was caught. Once again Jamie Khan changed the impetus of his sides innings with a blistering counter attacking innings and in the company of Jamie Lathwell the pair put on one hundred and forty-seven for the third wicket. This was the highest partnership of the summer and the fifth highest third wicket partnership at this level. Left hander Lathwell was no slouch as they exchanged blow for blow. They faced one hundred and fifty-five balls in eighty-five minutes - an exceptional partnership with the benefit of a right and left hand combination. Lathwell went first when a maiden county hundred looked a reasonable bet but he was bowled for a seventy-six ball sixty-five, including thirty-eight in boundaries - outstanding. However both Jamie's need to understand when going so well they must be at the crease to get their side into unbeatable positions. The second Jamie did that as he watched Williams caught and bowled in the twenty-ninth over to leave Devon on one hundred and sixty-nine for four with one hundred and twenty-two balls remaining. In theory a score of around three hundred was possible. Devon's final total was in fact fifty-nine short as the lower order, apart from Ben Abrahams, failed to reach double figures. The major blow was the loss of Khan as he charged Hussain five short of his second hundred of the summer to be stumped by Burke. He had faced just one hundred and five balls hitting eleven fours and a six. Ben Abrahams reached twenty-four off fifty-one balls but at the end Devon were two short of even their initial target of two fifty.

Devon appeared to have this game under complete control as after thirty-four overs they had Coventry on one hundred and fifteen for seven. Gibbs took the first two, both again high quality slip catches by Ashley Causey - they are likely to be a vital combination. Causey took the third wicket but was also receiving medical attention as a nail was severely damaged and subsequently a small fracture was diagnosed. Ashley Causey performance in this game confirmed what a key player he is to the side - an outstanding fielder, more than adequate seamer and potentially a match winning batsman. In addition he is more cricket astute than perhaps he knows. He was subsequently unable to bat against Nottinghamshire and not taken to Staffordshire. Adam Creasey took his first county wicket caught behind by Tom Oxland. Causey with a catch from Williams took the fifth - 73-5 and like buses Creasey took his second and third wickets caught and bowled and bowled! However the eighth wicket put on one hundred a four taking Coventry to within twenty-nine runs of a win that had seemed highly improbable at half past four. The pair batted well, the unbeaten Toor - outstandingly on his home ground. He was unbeaten on one hundred and thirty-five but Barnard's twenty-six had been equally vital. Causey removed the latter caught by Horn but ultimately Toor and Reidy took the Midland side home. Creasey finished with figures of 3-44 off ten. The side left for Beeston for an hour's journey which was a fairly easy drive.

Both the Devon and Nottinghamshire under fifteens had reached the quarter-finals of the ECB Cup Competition and this had resulted in a request from Matt Wood to change the proposed two day game against their Academy to two one day games. Nott's fielded an older side for their first match and they proved too good for Devon. Unfortunately now due to injuries two of Devon's top order batsmen were unable to bat. Jamie Khan's wrist needed more rest and Ashley Causley's nail was developing into a fracture. Causley bravely agreed to field and critically bowl. It was a short journey to the Attenborough ground, one surrounded for three quarters of its boundary by an impressive brick wall apparently part of a flood defence scheme and courtesy of the Department of the Environment. It was a very warm welcome from the waiting Nottinghamshire Player Pathway Development Manager. It really was good to meet up with Matthew Wood who during his involvement with the County Age Group Programme provided innovation and leadership. It is therefore encouraging that his successor at sixteens and seventeens, Sandy Allen, started his own Level IV course in the autumn. The warm up was exceedingly poor on both days and bore no comparison to our opponents, we were back to Haberdashers. It was really really disappointing that we have been unable to raise the standard of the warm-ups and fielding over the summer, possible a first. Notts won the toss and batted. Jack Gibbs struck in the fifth over with Lumb, no relation, being caught behind by Tom Oxland - 9-1. The second wicket added sixty-seven one of three partnerships over fifty from their top order. Thirteen overs later Adam Creasey, who took a liking to the bouncier Midland tracks, had Wyatt, from Cornwall, held by one of the sides most reliable catchers, Ben Abrahams, for another fifty and out - so it is not just a Devon problem! Adam Creasey in his first season of County Cricket was always on an upward learning curve and it is hoped he has benefitted for the experience. Seventy-four were added by the third wicket pairing of second Cornishman Gibson and Khan. They completed this partnership in forty-four minutes off eighty-six balls. Gibson was bowled by Leon Horn in the thirty-first over with Notts on 150. Six runs later Hobson was quickly run out by Lathwell. The third top order fifty partnership followed this in just thirty-four minutes as sixty-one balls produced seventy-four runs. Parker-Cole was George Gibbs first county wicket with a catch from the plucky Causey. Apparently the ball before the bowler had voiced his opinion of Parker-Coles batting. The latter indeed also the former are both delightful off the field with the younger Parker-Cole manning the pavilion repeater score board on both days. The home sides top scorer, the excellent. Khan fell in the forty-seventh over caught Lathwell bowled Williams sixteen short of a hundred - is there something in the name that does not like tons!. Notts were then on 239 and their final four batsman needed to score as many runs as possible. They reached 257 with Adam Creasey picking up two, a catch from Will Oxland and a leg before and Williams caught and bowled Desai.

Not one catch was dropped, nor were there any opt outs in the home sides fielding practice and Devon were now up against it as fives would be a large ask for this batting line up. So it proved to be as just three batsmen reached double figures and there was also only one meaningful partnership - 89 between Horn and Lathwell. Back to basics stuff there were only four partnerships in double figures including the last when some part time bowling was on offer. Thanks mainly to fifty-two extras Devon finished one hundred and five short. One run was scored by the top three, all batting out of position because of the injuries From six for three Horn and Lathwell took Devon up to ninety-five. Lathwell was Gibson's first victim in the thirtieth over for thirty-seven and Horn was his second in the thirty-seventh over for thirty-one - 97-5. Adam Creasey created a potential hat trick - 97-6 the captain survived and went on to score twenty-one. He added fourteen with Will Oxland and then twenty-three with his younger brother, George. Chris Yabsley made a rare appearence at the crease only to be badly let down by his captain's impetuous attitude, fortunately not until they had added eighteen off fifteen in eight minutes. Taking everything into account this could have been worse but it was still another difficult day. The last Harvester of the summer was enjoyed and hopefully common sense would prevail and everyone would get in eight hours.

Invariable on the third day of such a trip you find out more about your players with regard their character, desire and importantly their commitment. Those who have paced themselves sensibly normally shine in the pre match work so it was ominous that this part of our game, hopefully, reached its nadir of our time together as two senior players were asked to stand aside and give an unbiased opinion. They both agreed the performance was unacceptable. It is not as if the standard required has not been raised from the very start of the winter programme. In harvest time it was likely that the three days in the Midlands would help sort out the wheat from the chaff. Matt Wood had selected a side of EPP and Academy players ranging from an eleven year old leg spinner to George Gibbs mate from the previous day who was now captaining. The captain called incorrectly and Nottinghamshire would bat. Another benefit of games like this is that the opposition put into practice what is preached by Devon as the right approach to the longer and shorter versions of the game. Having now witnessed it at close hand it is important the players store it for future implementation. For example the White Board is not just a gimmick but it lays out the bare essentials for success. Notts scored three hundred and thirty three runs, one player reached one hundred and forty-six, two were in the forties. There were two century partnerships - 106 and 132 and one of 48. They bowled Devon out - three batsmen bowled, two leg before, two catches, a stumping and a run out. It was fortunate they did not complete the extras tick box as that was Devon's second highest score. Sandy Allen reintroduced the White Board this summer to try and give clear objectives, taking into account conditions etc, to each game. Unless the true relevance of achieving these goals are fully understood it could be a difficult 2017. Each and every member of the side has to fully understand their role which we have tried to explain over the summer and however difficult it is to understand or implement we need the player to undertake that role to the best of their ability not a role perceived by the individual. It is essential that the correctly balanced side is in place next June initially for the one day game and then, as is likely, a slightly different three day squad for the Championship programme. Why the 2016 season has been really useful is that from our discussions with the Captain at Cannock we have a good idea now of both squads. However very rarely do they all get through the winter unscathed and there are still at least a couple of external influences which we have no control over so it will be interesting to see who does take the field for our first one day game! The Notts openers put on one hundred and six in ten minutes under the hour off ninety balls. Devon's bowling resources were further reduced by the loos of Jamie Lathwell who was both suffering from really severe flu symptoms and his knee was severely restricting his movement and he was unable to bowl. Tom Williams was also suffering although we did not know the full extent until we reached Exeter. It was brave of him to try and fight his difficulties for the sides benefit. Leon Horn struck in the fifteenth over trapping the captain Parker-Cole in front. The second wicket added forty-eight off sixty balls when a catch by Jack Gibbs gave Horn his second wicket in the twenty-fifth over. Nottinghamshire were at the halfway stage very comfortably placed on 154-2. Their top order continued to fully demonstrate what is needed to achieve success - scoring runs at a decent tempo with a partnership now of one hundred and thirty-two in the same time span as the openers off one hundred and four balls. Evison, an outstanding prospect, was now approaching his one hundred and fifty when Will Oxland struck in his second over, his sides forty-second. Leon Horn held the important catch. Evison had faced one hundred and twenty-four balls in scoring 146. Blatherwick fell next ball caught by Adam Creasey who made a simple two handed catch into a stunning one hander! It was not the second hat trick of the season but it was encouraging that Will Oxland who had played an important part in our ability to field sides this year got his just reward with deserved wickets. Nottinghamshire were now fourteen short of three hundred with fifty balls left. They added another forty-seven with Causey taking two wickets. Three Three Three would be a record one day chase and 6.66 an over a target over fifty overs only bettered once by the seventeens who one occasion scored at 6.82 but that was setting not chasing! The obvious suggestion was to just use this opportunity as batting practise and take the opportunity of trying to put in practice much that has been discussed over the past nine months.

This is what the openers, Abrahams and Horn, achieved as they put on eighty-four off one hundred and sixteen balls. Horn went first in the eighteenth over and the first ball after drinks! The under 12 leg spinner Ahmed was on and although his googly was causing confusion it was being read by the coach in the comfort of the pavilion. He ended with the more than useful figures of 10-1-41-3. Ben Abrahams was stumped off Ahmed for twenty-seven four less than his opening partner. Once again Devon had not built on a decent opening partnership (add on two) from 84-0 they were now 84-2. Lathwell was now fit enough to bat, a Biblical transformation, and put on twenty-nine with the equally under the weather Williams. Devon were now on 113 when Williams the second leg before victim for seven. Tom Oxland hit two fours in his partnership of thirteen. Oxland had undertaken his duties all summer in a determined manner and the County have been incredibly fortunate to be able to call on his keeping services this summer. Jack Gibbs and Jamie Lathwell put on sixteen and Lathwell and Will Oxland added ten. Oxland was bowled in the thirty-fifth over and Devon were on one hundred and fifty-two with six wickets down. Lathwell was on thirty-eight. Enter George Gibbs and the pair proceeded to put on the second county age group century partnership against Nottinghamshire. The first was between David Lye and John Cruft in the nineteen's semi-final victory at Worksop College in 1998. This partnership demonstrated superbly the importance of guts and determination. Whereas Lathwell was playing with complete freedom of movement batting splendidly it was actually all made possible by the stubbiness of Gibbs. Their reward is their partnership of exactly one hundred now enters the records of Devon County Age Group Cricket. The partnership just evolved with not a little early mirth. In reality this was one of the highlights of the summer as Gibbs confidence grew so did Devon's total. Lathwell was playing the shots, some exceptional but Gibbs was occupying the crease, critically at both ends the strikers and non strikers. If the message did not get home that partnerships require at least two people to contribute the North Devon duo were a brilliant example of a real partnership. Again it was a case of one hundred and out as Gibbs was run out for a forty-one ball twenty which took up fifty-six minutes and included two fours and a knock on the lid. Lathwell had contributed fifty-five and extras twenty-five, never underestimate the value of extras. The applause George Gibbs received on returning to the pavilion was genuine and well deserved. Lathwell was on ninety-three but without individual scores available on the board. To tell or not to tell that is the question. The coach decided not was the answer. He had fourteen balls left in the game and his current scoring rate should surely get him home. However he was told and on ninety-eight patted back the simplest of caught and bowled. Huge disappointment all round not least from the picture framer as only two would be required this year as opposed to last year's six. This fact alone clearly demonstrates the difference with this year's seventeens who scored another six hundreds this summer. Next year some of this year's fifteens and fourteens will have to stand up and deliver tons. Lathwell had faced one hundred and three balls, nelson in minutes and he hit fourteen fours and two sixes. With Devon again only batting ten it would be good if they at least could hold out the full fifty overs. They did not as Creasey hit a four and a towering six only to miss the next one and Devon were all out off the penultimate ball fifty-five short which not really indicates the difference between the two sides but what can be achieved by sticking at it. Devon were a tired group who returned home but the traffic had eased and it was a reasonable return journey. Pizza's were closed so it was Harry Ramsden, Kentucky and Burgers The Captains First Class career was to continue the next day as every Holiday Inn in Taunton was visited! However it was all worthwhile as Jack Gibbs deservedly gained a place on the Gloucestershire Academy. For some it was a deserved rest and conclusion to their summer to enable us to give opportunities to others.

Maybe too late in the day but at last the group that travelled to Staffordshire fully bought into the Devon ethos. This was the first time this summer, at sixteens, that the side started to reach the required standards essential for 2017. This group was an interesting mixture, including for the first time this summer a reasonable representation of the fifteens and fourteens. They all made a good impression and fitted in well. It was therefore reassuring that there will be real competition for places not just this winter but for next summer. It is every players prerogative to decide how they approach their county age group cricket but at this level there are some requirements that are simply not negotiable and up until the trip to Cannock we have witnessed but not accepted players being late, not listening, showing a lack of interest and intensity in warm ups and fielding exercises and not understanding the importance of the team ethos. There have been other noticeable traits such as selfishness which is an important ingredient in some young aspiring cricketers but it has to be tailored to the benefit of the whole. Realistically Devon's success over the years has been the ability of their sides to work together, the successful sides are normally stronger than their component parts. With such an approach the actual balance of the side is vital and may result in some talented players who do not necessarily agree with such a philosophy not being selected. Traffic again was dreadful and despite leaving on time, an hour earlier than normal, it still took five hours to reach Staffordshire. A closure on the M6 was a major contributory factor as a early detour through Wolverhampton was undertaken to avoid, successfully, the lengthy tailback.

Devon arrived at the Cannock Cricket and Hockey Club with the mini-bus requiring special attention to gain access. This week the club was also being used for the England Hockey age group Midland Trials. Some of the Worcestershire female contingent attracted interest from our younger players. The conditions were overcast and oppressive indeed ideal seam bowling conditions, add in a long moist outfield this was a more important toss to win and the Captain failed and Devon would bat. This would be an interesting exercise as the general consensus of the players was to bat and here was their opportunity! Abraham Kopparambil, back in the side after a successful Under 15 campaign, opened with Leon Horn and the pair put on an unlucky thirteen after six overs when first Horn was bowled and seven balls later Kopparambil was also back on the balcony with Devon fifteen for two. The Exeter pairing of Jamie Khan, now nearly over his wrist sprain but such an essential member of the side, and Ben Sapiecha who had impressed in the T20 added fifty-eight. Although this was the first of Sandy Allen's tick list it should have been even better if the pair had batted longer than their one hundred and nine balls. Sapiecha's contribution was twenty-five but in 2017 he needs to be hungrier and looking at three figures. Khan was reassuringly looking good and he then featured in the innings best partnership with Under 14 skipper Jack Moore. For the second match Moore was confronted with a difficult pre lunch twenty minutes which he survived. Lunch was taken, curry, with Devon on ninety-three for three just off a par 120-3. The Coach had met up with one of his UOE players, now hockey captain at the club and it seemed to have been a mutually enjoyable catch-up. The UOE are fortunate to have Sandy now looking after their cricket on a permanent basis. Moore and Khan built on their partnership post lunch taking Devon up to two short of the notional first batting point. Moore was out in the forty-eighth over eight short of a maiden fifty. The pair had put on seventy-five and had recovered their sides position. Unfortunately from 148-4 Devon fell away badly, not a new occurrence this summer. Key batter Jamie Khan went six balls later for fifty-seven that had taken his personal tally for the season to an impressive 512 just eighty-eight runs short of the highest individual aggregate for a season by Neil Bettiss in 2000. He is however only the second batter after Bettiss to score 500 runs in a season, the next best being Chris Read on 440 in 1994. The highest partnership of the final five was between the Gibbs brothers putting on eighteen. Devon were all out in the sixty-sixth over on one hundred and eighty-six. Even taking into account the bowler friendly conditions this was a sub-standard return - under three an over. However all was forgiven as an outstanding fielding performance was put on over the remaining twenty-two overs. This was high quality stuff, tremendous activity all round -led by keeper Morison the team ran between overs -well sprinted, the ball was retuned at pace to the keeper - every ball and the side was exerting real pressure through authentic intensity. Compared with previous fielding performances and the decision by some not to undertake these fundamental requirements this was a fantastic period. The players left the field for a short rain break but the real disappointment was that the home side would not have any suitable adults after 6.00pm and they were therefore unable to provide the duty of care. Discussions were held about starting earlier the next day to make up the overs and this was declined by us so it was reluctantly agreed that if there was a potential result on the second day we would stay on until 7.00pm - a decision regretted almost immediately! Two wickets were taken by the opening bowlers both bowled and good, economical and encouraging spells were undertaken by Simmons and Sutton - both looked bowlers good enough for next year. After twenty-two overs Staffordshire had scored at just over twos. The sides social secretary, George Gibbs, had considered many ideas for the sides last evening together. He discounted the coaches suggestion of a Murder Mystery, although it was believed Sandy had an ulterior motive for the proposed victim and Songs from the Shows although Gibbs had an above knowledge on potential tunes that surprised the proposer. He decided on a Quiz and delegated this to Horn, Khan and Yabsley and to everyone's surprise and their great credit they came up with the goods and it added to the final meal. The winners were the under 14s.

More traffic jams, another diversion and we were not too late at the ground. The second day was almost the total opposite to the first with wall to wall sunshine, high temperatures and the outfield had been cut. Tiredness can play an important part in players contributions and one of the objectives of going away before the seventeens season is to demonstrate its affect whether through exertion on the field or limited sleep. The latter is not acceptable if it is self inflicted. Sandy reported a tired squad and chose Plan B the most intensive warm up possible. Such a decision clearly shows which players have the right attitude and overall this group were truly exceptional even if some had difficulties with the instructions. This was the pre match preparation to end the season on a high and received complementary comments by a totally independent observer. This was the standard required and the group proved it is possible, in 2017 nothing less will be acceptable or indeed tolerated.

The days play was not a great advert for cricket. The home side reached lunch , baked potatoes, on one hundred and fifty-eight for four. Devon had bowled forty-two overs, Staffs had scored at 2.69. Chris Yabsley, the senior pro of the side, took the two wickets both inside four balls, a leg before and caught Khan. After thirty-nine overs the home side were 98-4 and Devon on top. Staffordshire took a first innings lead in the seventy-first over, still four down and it was anticipated that the home side would turn the screw and maximise their chances of an outright win. As we had against Somerset they failed to accelerate and get to the nominal fourth batting point as soon as possible. Horn caught and bowled the home side's captain Davis two short of his fifty in the seventy-fourth over 196-5. The partnership had yielded one hundred runs. The opportunity was taken to speak to all our players both old and new to discuss the season and the future and this proved most beneficial. It was particularly interesting to speak to the fourteens and fifteens and much was learnt.. The new ball was taken in the eightieth over and it brought an immediate result when keeper Morison held his opposite number Wilcox off Gibbs. There was a general view that the batsman had been fortunate to still be at the crease when on twenty apparently his helmet rubbed with something simultaneously with the ball hitting his outside edge going through to the keeper to be caught in front of first slip. He was out for a one hundred and forty-two ball sixty. Staffs were now on 226-6 off eighty. We were advised that they were going for three hundred and then bowl again, the message went out to let them get them by tea! In fact the captain, an independent character, chose to try and bowl them out with his own leg side theory - Jardine and Larwood would have approved well not the latter as he did not agree with the approach. Creasey had Mack well caught at short leg by Khan and it nearly worked a few balls later this time off the captain. Creasey then knocked Hussains stump back and it looked like the captain would be proved right. Adam Creasey in his first County season was subject to a steep learning curve but it is hoped he learnt from his involvement. However tea was taken with Staffs still twenty-five runs short of three hundred with eight wickets down. They were still scoring at less than threes and at the same time severely reducing the number of overs left in the day. Hopefully the importance of a slow batting tempo would now be fully understood by the Devon batsmen for 2017. It took the home side another seven overs to reach three hundred and in the final over that batting points are available they reached their target - finishing on three an over. Devon would have to bat for forty some overs if hands were not shaken earlier. This was an opportunity for some batting practice and one batsman to get nearer six hundred for the season. Alternately, as was the secret fear here was the prospect for the side to fold. It was a combination of both with three important stands for the fourth, sixth and unbeaten seventh wickets. Both openers were showering by the third over 11-2. Ben Sapiecha had another chance to show his ability but was caught in the fourth over and given a minor send off which would indicate something! Jamie Khan was now the batsman who could take Devon up and beyond the one hundred and thirteen needed for Staffs to bat again in his natural free flowing way or it could be a dog fight. Unfortunately it was the fight. He first put on twenty-seven with the impressive Jack Moore taking Devon up to forty-nine in the fifteenth over but the Thorverton batsman was caught for seven. He should be exceedingly pleased with his summer and a decent average of around 58 will place him at six in the charts between Martin Gear and Richard Baggs. Morison got off the mark but could not stay with his under fourteen captain and Devon were back in some real trouble on the dreaded 58-5. The sides outstanding Captain Jack Gibbs, now took root and proved he is the all-rounder the side needs. He and Moore put on a critical forty-two in forty-four minutes but importantly using up seventy-seven balls. Gibbs lost Moore to a disappointing shot six short of his second potential fifty of the match. The Barnstaple batsman has the ability to provide the batting stability that this side needs and add in his energy he could prove to be over the next three years an important member of the side. He does need to understand that he should not be happy with forty but with one hundred and forty. Enter Tom Simmons whose batting we had discussed earlier in the day and he stayed with the captain until Devon went into the black and the seventeen overs of the last hour had been bowled and the belated nod came! It was now past seven and four hours on road even if conditions were good. Fortunately the journey to Gordano's was trouble free, the captain departed to one of his three first class counties with real thanks and appreciation for what he has achieved. He had an outstanding summer learning all the time and he should be delighted with his first year in charge. We also lost our social secretary, George Gibbs, whose presence over the last two weeks has been as important as anyone's. With fractured fingers, thumbs, bad knees, flu symptoms et alia it had been a difficult time but George had been truly exceptional. It is hoped he now will really believe what he can achieve on the cricket field. Again no pizzas so it was fish and chips again and the end of the season. This had been an interesting one, there had been ups and downs, some moments of real frustration but it should not be forgotten who had been lost to this squad. If greater responsibility can be taken on by the new senior players, who are undoubtedly good enough, there is every chance that all the lessons learnt this summer can be implemented. However even in deepest winter there is still a real concern about our fielding particularly compared with the 2017 under sixteens which is so high. The good news is we now know that we will have sufficient players with the right attitude and desire to start the one day programme against Hampshire in June.

Jack Gibbs with twenty-one wickets was named both Bowler and Player of the Year and the stand out batsman Jamie Khan was the Batsman of the Year. The backroom team of Sandy Allen and Elizabeth Webb were their normal incomparable selves, they do so much unseen work. Our thanks to Sidmouth, Axminster, Brixham, Exmouth and Exeter Cricket Clubs for looking after us so well in increasingly difficult times.