Bovey Tracey
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Whitlock has told Codd to consider him from the get-
go this season – and Codd could not be happier. “A fully
fit Hugo ready for a full season is like a new signing,”
said Codd.
Nigel went on to say, “Our 2nd XI who finished as
Champions of their respective league last season will be
playing in the highest league of any 2nd XI. They will be
competing against other Club 1st XIs. With the younger
players a year older and the experience of some older
players, there is a confident optimism around the team.”
“The 3rd XI also gained promotion last season and
together with the 4th XI they will continue to develop
and bring on the young players who have progressed
through our hugely successful youth section.
“The club continues to work throughout the off-
season. Our committee work tirelessly in getting
everything ready for the new season. A new handbook,
now in A5 size, has been a major project. Additionally,
we have had a few social events which has hopefully
kept the membership interested. Work on the ground
and Pavilion has progressed. We are indebted to all of
our volunteers who give so freely of their time to ensure
we are ‘up to speed’
“Our targets are for all of our teams to be successful
and win their respective leagues. Although this is
important, especially for the 1st and 2nd XIs we never
lose sight of the fact that the development of our players
in our 3rd and 4th XIs is equally as important. ‘Winning
at all costs’ is something we do not encourage and we
are always promoting playing with ‘The Spirit of Cricket’
and respecting our opponents.
“Over the past few seasons, youth cricket at Bovey
Tracey has been an undisputed success. With nearly 150
young players registered we have been successful in all of
the age group local youth leagues. Additionally, we have
had reasonable success in the ECB youth cups where we
have reached regional finals and beyond, although we
have yet to reach a National Final.
“Ladies cricket is equally important to our Club and
this is certainly work in progress as we look to build on
the introduction of our Ladies and Girls teams a few
seasons ago.
“Obviously, playing in the Premier League of Devon
Cricket, some of our players have attracted the attention
78 Issue 49
of the Devon County Cricket Club and the Devon Lions,
the development team for the County side. Our 1st XI
Captain Toby Codd is a regular member of the Devon
Minor County team. Until injury in 2017, paceman Hugo
Whitlock was a valued member of the County side. Matt
Golding is another. Matt left us after the 2017 season to
go to Australia.
“I feel that the likes of Ashley Causey, Chris Yabsley
and Sam Taylor will soon also attract some attention
of the Devon selectors. Sam Taylor is also a promising
hockey player who has played hockey for England at the
various age levels and may not be available as much as
we would like. A few seasons ago, Sam Wyatt-Haines
got into the Somerset CCC academy, however, Sam
eventually decided on a career in Law.
“I have mentioned this before, player availability
is a concern. There are other events such as music
festivals, sporting events etc which attract the attention
of players and consequently effects selection. Continual
Improvement of the facilities is important but accessing
funding is always a challenge.
“As recognized as a ‘Premier’ Club in Devon, we want
to continue to improve all aspects of the Club, playing
strength, facilities etc. We are also aware of the need of
‘succession planning” as older members, like myself,
will want to take a step back and have less responsibility
with ground maintenance, catering, committee work. We
rely solely on volunteers and there is a need for younger
members to step forward to take on some of the tasks.”