With the domestic cricket season coming to an end, volunteers from across Devon clubs were celebrated at Day Three of Somerset CCC's Rothesay County Championship match against Surrey.
Treated to a view of the game from The Thatchers Terrace, winners and runners-up from this year's Devon Cricket Collective awards convened in Taunton to recognise their exceptional contributions at their respective clubs.
Our special guests on the day were also presented with their awards by Somerset Men's Bowling Coach, Stephen Kirby, on the pitch prior to lunch in the Colin Atkinson Pavilion.
Newcomer of the Year
Paul Burtenshaw - Tavistock CC
Paul has become an invaluable volunteer, maintaining the ground and preparing quality grass wickets for 15 teams. He also leads Walking Cricket, organising sessions, fixtures and social activities, securing sponsorship and helping participants stay active, build friendships and feel included.
Runner-up:
Jaclyn House (Budleigh Salterton CC)
Young Cricket Collective Champion
Holly Walsh - Whimple CC
Holly is an outstanding volunteer, contributing across playing, scoring, umpiring, coaching, junior fixtures and club duties. Her enthusiasm, reliability and inclusive approach strengthen club culture, inspire younger players and provide a positive role model for women and girls, demonstrating exceptional maturity and commitment.
Runner-up:
Freddie Horrocks (North Devon CC)
Raising the Game
Budleigh Salterton CC Walking Cricket
Budleigh Salterton’s Walking Cricket team was established in 2025, growing to nearly 60 members today. Creating an inclusive, welcoming community, the programme combats loneliness, builds friendships and promotes activity. Its success continues through dedicated volunteers, competitive fixtures and Devon's first Walking Cricket Festival.
Runner-up:
Katy Horler (Yelverton Bohemians CC)
Unsung Hero
Hannah Luxton - Bideford, Littleham & Westward Ho! CC
Hannah supports every aspect of club life through coaching, team management, safeguarding and essential behind-the-scenes tasks. Her reliability, kindness and dedication keep the club thriving. Recently managing the ladies’ teams, she continues making an invaluable difference without seeking recognition.
Runner-up:
Rebecca Porter (Barton CC)
Grounds Management Team of the Year
Plympton CC
Plympton CC's grounds team have transformed the club's playing surfaces through improved groundskeeping, volunteer teamwork and investment in equipment. Their dedication has raised pitch quality, earning positive feedback and prestigious fixtures, and has provided competitive, enjoyable cricket for players.
Runner-up:
Phil Bell (Culmstock CC)
Metro Bank Champion of Girls' Cricket
Sarah Field & Ellie Eldman - Tavistock CC
Ellie and Sarah have transformed girls' cricket at Tavistock, growing participation from one player to over 50 across four teams. Through coaching, winter camps and team management, they create an inclusive, supportive environment, developing confidence, friendships and a lifelong love of cricket.
Runner-up:
Hisham El-Marazki (Chulmleigh & Mid Devon CC)
Cricket Collective Champion
Damian Baxter - Seaton CC
Damian is the heart and soul of the club, transforming it into a vibrant, family-friendly community. Despite balancing a full-time career and young family, his unconditional dedication inspires others, creating a welcoming environment where everyone can enjoy cricket without pressure or expectation.
Coach of the Year
Simon Wright - North Devon CC
Simon has transformed junior cricket at the club, developing a thriving Academy and clear pathway into senior cricket. Through dedicated coaching, leadership and team management, he has helped juniors represent all four senior teams, strengthening the club's future and creating opportunities for young players.
Runner-up:
Ben Neale (Tavistock CC)
Lifetime Services to Coaching
Richard Tidball - Hatherleigh CC
Richard has dedicated years to coaching at Hatherleigh CC, developing young cricketers into adult players. Supporting women's and girls' cricket, youth training, Dynamos and All Stars, his commitment, enthusiasm and countless hours have strengthened the club and inspired generations of players.
Lifetime Achiever
Fred Harding - Sampford Peverell Youth CC
Fred has dedicated over 40 years to Sampford Peverell cricket, coaching generations, maintaining outstanding facilities and serving in countless roles. His leadership saved the club, strengthened its community roots and secured its future. Alongside his wife Pauline, he remains the heart of village cricket.
League Legend
Chris Sleep
Chris tirelessly appoints umpires across county leagues, age groups and junior competitions, ensuring matches run smoothly. Always approachable and supportive, he has also revitalised the Devon Women’s Cricket League communications as secretary, helping clubs navigate challenges. His dedication, organisation and commitment make him an invaluable contributor to Devon cricket.
Official of the Year
Lynne Whitfield & Sarah Skeemer - Cornwood CC
Lynne is part of the 1st XI scoring team, travelling for hours and maintaining the highest of standards. When she isn't scoring for the 1st XI, she offers to score for one of our other men's teams, the women's on a Sunday, and regularly assists Devon CCC or Devon Dumplings with scoring. Lynne is also an active committee member in her role as Membership Officer, and helps manage an ever-growing membership and make sure players are registered for league cricket.
Sarah has been a club scorer for over 15 years, starting with the 2nd team when her son was playing. She then followed him up into the 1st XI, where she has continued to maintain the highest standards and concentration levels to ensure the scoring goes without a hitch. She has embraced new scoring technology over this period, evolving from coloured pens to a laptop.
A huge congratulations to all of our nominees and thank you to every volunteer across clubs in Devon, without whom cricket would not be possible.
