SECOND team cricket will be back on the fixture list at Lewdown CC this summer as the club plans to start moving forward again.
The West Devon side disbanded their 2ndXI in 2018. Under league rules in force at the time, Lewdown 1stXI had to demoted from the A Division of the Tolchards Devon League. Lewdown will be playing in the E Division West in 2021.
Thanks to the recent success of Lewdown’s junior programme, club officials view the season ahead as the perfect time to re-instate their 2ndXI under new captain and junior coach Mike Maynard.
Maynard’s side will enter the Tolchards Devon Cricket League in H Division West and will look to give opportunities to those experiencing adult cricket for the first time.
The 1stXI also has a new captain with lifelong villager Jack Williams taking over from younger brother Harry, who reluctantly stood aside after landing a teaching job in Brighton.
Harry led the team throughout a difficult period last season. While he will be sorely missed, Jack cannot wait to pick up where he left off.
“In 2020 Harry oversaw some of the best team spirit I have seen in years,” said the new skipper.
“We all enjoyed our cricket. Although winning is important, carrying on that feel-good atmosphere will be the principal objective in 2021.”
Williams, like most club cricketers, began his adult cricket in Lewdown 2ndXI, and knows reviving it is a vital cog in the development of the club’s younger players.
“Giving our juniors an opportunity to play cricket and go through different experiences at an adult level is crucial for their development, not just as cricketers, but also individuals,” said Jack.
“We are very proud of our junior programme, which has absolutely thrived through this tough period for the club.
“We have worked alongside neighbouring teams and have seen participation and interest skyrocket. It is imperative we now give them an opportunity to shine where possible.”
Nick Hayden, the club chairman, said Williams is a natural fit to take over the role and brings a high degree of continuity.
“Jack was a big influence on his brother last season and having him available to continue the welcoming, accepting environment we have created was crucial,” said Hayden.
Hayden is a firm believer in the benefits of team spirit and has used the work of the local community throughout the last year as motivation
“Throughout the pandemic the community came together to keep the ground in good shape, with groundsman Charlie Hughes working tirelessly to allow the surrounding area to use our space as a facility for exercise and communal gatherings,” said Hayden.
“With the lack of cricket last year, we’re hoping our loyal followers will be there with us every step of the way and can feed off the positive energy provided by the team.
“We will also have fundraising events planned as usual, aimed at getting everyone together and involved with the running of the club.”
It won’t be long before Lewdown get in the nets and start preparing for the season ahead. Potential recruits of all abilities should contact new skipper Williams (07745 600865), second-team captain and youth organiser Maynard (07974 756136) or chairman Hayden (07779 668598) to find out what the club has to offer.
