By CONRAD SUTCLIFFE

DEVON Lions continue their programme of development fixtures with a tough test against Warwickshire Academy at Sidmouth on Sunday (11am).

The Lions have played a mix of one and two-day games in the decade since the development programme started against similar sides from Cornwall and Dorset as well as First Class county academy sides.

Of all the oppositions on the fixture list the hardest game to win has been against Warwickshire.

Tim Western, the Lions’ director of coaching, hopes challenges like this are important part of the players’ development.

“Saturday league cricket does not unfortunately provide the required standard to develop players to be successful and National Counties level or above, which is why it is essential these fixtures are played,” said Western.

“This fixture has provided the strongest opposition that we will face and our players should relish and enjoy the test against a First Class county set-up.

Three players – Seb Ansley, Reuben Stanley and Ed Smout-Cooper – will be featuring in a Lions side for the first time.

Said Western: “It is exciting to be able to give these players the opportunity to represent the county and we are confident that they will do well and benefit from the experience.

“With the first team away in Wales then we are hoping for a good level of support at Sidmouth to watch the county's emerging talent.”

Devon Lions: M P Skeemer (Cornwood), J Wubbeling (Plympton), C F Harford (Paignton), E J Staddon (Cornwood), J C Gore (Exeter), S E H Ansley (Bovey Tracey), F Watson-Smyth (Exeter), T J Ingham-Hill (Sidmouth), W R Christophers (Bovey Tracey), R Stanley (Torquay), E Smout-Cooper (Abbotskerswell).