Rio (right) reflects on last year's tour.

Ahead of the 2023 tour, Paignton CC's Rio Koyikkara writes for this year's brochure, reflecting on last year's visit.

The tour was on the whole a very memorable experience. It gave us some great memories about new cultures and people; they were extremely welcoming and very friendly to us as well, which was great. The climate was a real eye-opener and really gave a new test in foreign conditions against new teams on different wickets. The grounds we played on were very picturesque and almost distracted us from the cricket at times!

However, we managed to win four of our six games, with our two-day fixtures versus Western Province sadly rained off. It was fantastic to spend time with my teammates at the accommodation and we really got to know each other a lot more. The nights out at the pool with my mates or in our rooms were very enjoyable.

It was a real privilege to travel abroad to play cricket and a huge thanks to the Devon Cricket Board for organising the tour. I wish the next squad all the best for the tour.

Devon Cricket U15s and Nelspruit Hoërskool pose after the game in 2022.Gherdu van Eeden, of Nelspruit Hoërskool, also reflected on the Under 15s visit to South Africa last year.

This year the Johan Rudolf Academy made it possible for me and my teammates to play against the Devon U15s touring side at the wonderful Skukuza Cricket Club on the Kruger National Park, the world's wildest cricket club.

Not only was playing at the fantastic field a great moment, but competing against the Devon tourists was one of my cricketing career highlights thus far. The players from Devon showed what dedication, teamwork and hard work meant.

We learned so much from them and made some great friendships in the process. We not only discovered what cricket is like in the UK, but also about life there as well. During the evening Braai we had a great chance to socialise with the lads from Devon and discover plenty about them.

Our coaches and fellow team members all agree that this was an experience we will never forget and always treasure. I will be grateful to yet again be able to take on the Devon team on their February tour to South Africa.

I am so proud to be part of the Nellie culture, the Johan Rudolf Academy, and to be involved in this annual event as a whole.

This year's tour begins on Sunday 12th February, with the team setting off on Thursday 9th, and finishes on Sunday 26th.

Keep up to date with the latest from the tour on Facebook, Instagram and Play Cricket.