Devon Cricket Board - Green named youth player of year for second time

Skipper Archie Farkins (with cup) and member of the South U10s team who won the District Competition
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EXETER all-rounder Ben Green was named Devon’s young player of the year for a second time at the annual youth awards presentation night.
More than 350 people – young players, parents and officials – packed into a function suite at Exeter Chiefs for the event.
Guests of honour were Somerset’s Craig Overton, widely tipped for a Lions tour this winter, and Jodie Dibble.
Ms Dibble, who comes from Sidmouth, plays for England Ladies at U19 level.
Green, who started his cricket career with Clyst St George, won the Buller Bowl for youth achievement in 2013 having broken into the England U16 development programme through his performances for Devon and Wales and West.
The Exeter School pupil (pictured receiving his award from Craig Overton) spent last winter attached to the Somerset Academy and the work done there and with England served him well in 2014.
By the time the season ended Green had played for Somerset 2^nd XI, the full Devon Minor Counties side and England U17s.
Matt Theedom. Devon’s cricket development manager, said Green appeared to have a bright future in the game.
“Ben has had an outstanding season by any measure, culminating in playing for England U17s,” said Theedom.
“He set himself targets at the start of the season to play for Somerset 2^nd XI and Devon and achieved them both.
“Previous winners of this award include Lewis Gregory (Somerset), James Burke, who has just left Somerset for Surrey, Heather Knight, who is being talked about as the next England Women’s captain, and the Overton twins.
“Let’s all hope Ben achieves as much in the game as they have.”
Awards across all the age groups were handed out at the ceremony, as well as some thank-yous and recognition for jobs well done by coaches, team managers and officials.
Ted Ashman, a retired primary school headteacher who has driven Devon’s youth system forward for three decades was given a special award by one of his discoveries.
Matt Wood went through the Devon system from 11 upwards to play for England U19s, Somerset and Notts, scoring more than 5,000 First Class runs and another 3,500 in limited overs cricket.
Ashman gave up his team management roles at the end of last season, but is staying involved as the first president of the Devon Youth Cricket Association. The appointment was announced by Wood at the awards evening.
Wood paid tribute to Ashman, saying: “Ted and his son Giles were running the U11 cricket when I started and over 30 years the work they have done cannot be underestimated.
“Ted is old school, but the basics he instilled have always stayed with me, and no doubt many others who have been under his wing.
“Ted and Giles have had an amazing impact on cricket in Devon and deserve our thanks.”
Everyone in the room agreed with Wood, rising to their feet for a standing ovation as father and son were handed mementos marking their years of service. Ted and Giles are pictured with Craig Overton at the awards evening.
The Brian Hayter award for services to youth cricket was awarded to scorer Jean Pascoe from Broadhempston.
Jean has wielded the coloured pens over ten years for the U10 and U11 sides, as well as looking after the book on Saturday afternoons for club side Ashburton.
Among the surprises on the night was an announcement by Richard Wyatt-Haines on behalf of the David Shepherd Cricket Trust of new funding for clubs.
The charity – formed last year by a merger between the DCB’s own youth foundation and one set up in memory of former Devon player and Test umpire Shepherd – gave away £20,000 in grants last year.
Further grants of £600 per club to 10 clubs are being offered to help cover the costs of colts’ winter coaching.
The first 10 clubs to enroll 10 new members of the Trust will qualify for the grants.
AWARD WINNERS
10s: Batting: Rory Medlock, Bowling: Eddie Butler, POY: Archie Farkins.
11s: Batting: James Tyson, Bowling: Taylor Ingham Hill, POY: Joshua Farley
12s: Batting: Jack Moore, Bowling: Max Hancock, POY: Max Hancock.
13s: Batting: Ben Sapiecha, Bowling: James Onley-Gregson, POY: James Degg.
14s: Batting: Kazi Szymanski, Bowling: Chris Yabsley, POY: Tom Lammonby, Players’ player: Kazi Szymanski.
15s: Batting: Joe Hagen-Burt, Bowling: Harry Ward, POY: Harvey Sargent.
16s: Batting: Dan Pyle, Bowling: Dan Goodey, POY: Dan Pyle.
17s: Batting: Reid Mawdsley, Bowling: Ollie Dawe, POY: Dominic Bess (pictured, right).
13s Girls: Batting: Daisy Meadowcroft, Bowling: Rose Ball, POY: Daisy Meadowcroft.
15s Girls: Batting: Imogen Beasley, Bowling: Stephanie Hutchins: POY: Lauren Bowden.
17s Girls: Batting: Sophie Mackenzie, Bowling: Lydia Clements: POY: Cait O'Keefe.