- South Dartmoor back to winning ways in cups
- Tom Allin tournament raised more than £5,000 for air ambulance
- Taverners kit bag delivered to Sri Lankan youngsters
- Devon trying to contact the class of 56
- Paceman Tshepo running in Virgin London Marathon
- Five Devon women in Western Storm squad for Kia Super League
- Registration night for all ages at Topsham on Monday
- Lots pouring in for auction at Allin Memorial tournament
- Thames Valley Gentlemen Cricket Club
- Bradninch add Argentinian flavour to Devon League
- Ipplepen youth registration night on Friday
- Final call for Groundsmans first seminar this year
- Devon League official tackling London Marathon for charity
- Bovey on familiar territory in Aaron Printers Cup
- Brockman Cup - Cup Kings lie in wait for holders
- Shepherd Trust helps Kingsbridge build for sustainable future
- DCL - Umpire Appointments 2016 (May 7th - July 2nd)
- Long standing records beaten
- North Devon see off Paignton chase
NORTH Devon skipper Rob Ayre said he wouldn’t be surprised to see Craig Overton follow twin Jamie into the England side sooner rather than later.
Somerset fast-bowler Jamie – three minutes younger than Craig – has been named in England’s one-day squad for the up-coming internationals against Ireland and Australia.
The twins have been almost inseparable on their way through the Devon Cricket Board and England youth set-ups, either that or never far apart on the ladder.
Ayre, who was in his first stint as North Devon captain in 2008 when the twins followed each other into the 1st XI at Instow, said the boys competitive nature extended to each other and not just the opposition.
“If you look back to their earliest days not only are they ultra-competitive on the field they are hugely competitive with each other and that seems to spur them on,” said Ayre.
“When they first went to Somerset they were always trying to outdo each other – and once England showed an interest the competition was even more fierce.
“Jamie was first to get picked for the Under-19s, then six months later Craig got in. Before you know it they are both playing for England in a tournament in Australia.
“It is a shame Craig has been injured this year, otherwise he might have been pressing for England place to.
“Now Jamie has been picked for the squad, that will only spur Craig on to get picked as well.
“I don’t have any money on them both playing in a full England side together, but I think I might get some on now while I have the chance.”
Ayre said it was obvious from an early age that the twins were going to go far in cricket and none of their successes surprise him.
“I can remember being at the club when the twins were no more than four and watching them playing with their dad,” said Ayre.
“Mark (dad) said ‘one day those boys will knock your block off’ – and how right he was!
“I am just glad I don’t have to face them.”
Ayre said going right back to his early days in the 1st XI, Jamie looked every inch a First Class cricketer in waiting.
“I can remember one particularly game at Torquay in that first season right at the end when they had to beat us to stay up and were well fired up,” said Ayre.
“Usman Malvi was playing for Torquay then – a quick bowler from India who has played quite a bit of first class cricket – and he was running in and letting Jamie have it!
“Was he phased? Not at all. Don’t forget he was only 14 at the time and this was big boys cricket, not a youth game.”
Ayre said the twins had attracted attention from an early age due to their ability and enthusiasm for the game, as well as they uniqueness as twins.
“It doesn’t seem to have affected them though as they remain very down to earth and still join in our Wednesday night practice sessions at the club if they are around,” said Ayre.
“As you can imagine, everyone at Instow is very that Jamie has been picked by England – and delighted for his parents Helen and Mark, who are big supporters of our club in every way.”