By CONRAD SUTCLIFFE

KENTISBEARE’S young cricketers are the ones who benefited most from the cut-down Devon League season that filled the final eight weeks of the season.

The mini-divisions created by Devon League bosses were a bit topsy-turvy by the play-off stage, which is how Kentisbeare moved up from level four to level three.

Shobrooke Park beat Kents in the play-off last four, which would have been likely outcome based on league status in a normal season.

Tom Martin, the Kentisbeare captain, said youngsters who came into the side took the chance to demonstrate they are ready for adult cricket. It might not be a surprise if some of the stay-aways don’t get their places back in 2021.

Said Martin: “The big positive for us, without doubt, was the performance of the youngsters. 

“We didn't get the results we wanted, or the turnout of regular first-team players, but we are really encouraged with how well the kids adapted to adult cricket.

“We had four under-18s playing most of the first-team games – and generally outperforming the rest of us.”

Martin highlighted Harvey Sanders, Jed Findlay, Cam Dennis and Jacob Lewis as the stand-out youngsters.

Opening bat Sanders played in all seven games, averaged a respectable 23.33 and top scored with 60 in the defeat by Shobrooke Park. 

All-rounder Findlay picked up five wickets and less than 14 runs each and averaged 30 with the bat.

There were runs (ave 26.25) and wickets (7@17.29) for Dennis, whose three-for-18 haul against Sampford Peverell & Tiverton had a lot to do with the game ending in a tie.

Lewis missed out with the bat, but showed his bowling potential with three for 20 that helped set up a four-wicket win over Clyst Hydon.

Said Martin: “All four stood out and we hope they continue to progress and become important players in the coming seasons.”