Tavistock Cricket Club celebrated a fantastic season of junior cricket at the club recently.

Over 85 children played cricket at the club this summer, including children playing the national All Stars programme, introducing cricket to 5-to-8-year-olds, and the Dynamos programme for 8- to 11-year-olds.

The club also fielded teams for the first time since before the COVID pandemic in the West Devon Youth Cricket League.

Children competed in the softball Under 10’s league and the Under 11’s hardball league, with plans to also submit teams in the Under 13’s league next season.

The club also hosted an Under 9’s cricket festival for the younger players who had their first competitive and very fun matches against teams from other clubs.

The end of season family celebration included a visit from Twinkle the All Stars mascot, cricket themed games, a BBQ and for the parents the generous donation of a cask of Jail Ale from Dartmoor Brewery.

‘It was like a cricket themed village fete’, explained the club’s colt’s coordinator Steve Cox. ‘It’s been a great summer of cricket from our youngest All Stars, through to our senior 1st X1. Our children gained new skills, made friends and learnt to play cricket. We also had the double celebration of the first team winning the Devon T20 Corinthian Cup and gaining promotion to the A Division of the Tolchards Devon Cricket League.’

All players received a medal from the club to recognise their cricketing efforts. In the Under 10’s Team Awards Dan Smith won Most Improved Player of the Year, George Downham was Batter of the Year, Isaac Thomas was Bowler of the Year, Oliver Neale was Player’s Player of the Year, Edward Adams, Coaches Player of the Year and Jasmine Cox won the Spirit of Cricket award.

In the Under 11’s Team Awards Josh Brooks won Most Improved Player of the Year, James Adams was Batter of the Year, Nelson Stanley was Bowler of the Year and Player’s Player of the Year, Albert Manning was Coaches Player of the Year, William Chappell was All Rounder of the Year and Frankie Cox won the Spirit of Cricket Award.

‘We have had a fantastic season’ explained Dave Manning the club chairman, ‘it’s been a great sight on Friday evening to see so many children and their families, having fun and enjoying playing cricket. We have already started planning for next year.’