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- Tom Allin tournament raised more than £5,000 for air ambulance
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- 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
DEVON have turned to off-spinner Chris Bradley as their new captain following the resignation of Neil Hancock, writes Conrad Sutcliffe.
Bradley, 30, was the red-hot favourite to succeed Hancock having stood in for him twice last season.
When Hancock was unable to play in the Minor Counties play-off final against Cambridgeshire in September, Bradley led the side to victory in his absence.
Bradley (pictured) was captain of club side Bovey Tracey from 2005-2009. leading them to promotion into the Devon League Premier Division before handing over to younger brother Peter.
He was a late arrival on the Devon scene in 2010, having won his place as a regular wicket-taker in league cricket rather than being groomed in the county youth set up.
Director of cricket Roger Newman is an unashamed fan of Bradley’s describing him in the past as a ‘natural leader’ and ‘captaincy material in the making’.
The person most surprised by his appointment is Bradley himself.
“Two years ago I wasn’t even in the side and had started to think I would never get the chance even to play,” said Bradley.
“Suddenly I have become captain, which is a tremendous honour and also a challenge and an opportunity.”
Taking over a successful side as captain can be a mixed blessing as the pressure is on to keep performing right from the outset.
Bradley knows he still has a bit to learn about Minor Counties cricket, such as the strengths and weaknesses of opposing sides, but feels he has a good support network around him.
“I feel I am lucky to have inherited a good side from Hanks with some seriously experienced players in it.
“David Lye and Trevor Anning are the senior pros now Bob Dawson and Neil have retired, then there are players like James Burke and Rob Woodman who have been with counties and played for England at youth level who have a lot to offer.”
Devon have also been talking to former Somerset and Notts batsman Matt Wood about a possible return to his first county and the signs are encouraging.
Wood, released by Notts in 2010, could not play for Devon while ex-Gloucestershire star Dawson was around as teams are only allowed one player with 40 or more First Class games to his name.
Now Dawson has called it a day, Wood (pictured) is free to play.
“Matt has been coming to indoor nets during the winter and is keen to play for Devon,” said Bradley.
“A player of his ability and with his knowledge of the game can only be an asset to Devon.”
For the time being Bradley is wisely making no predictions for the summer ahead, which starts with a pre-season friendly against the Devon Lions U21 side on April 1.
“Devon have been a successful side for many years – long before I came on the scene – and I would hope I can carry on in a similar vein,” said Bradley.
Bradley clearly has the 100 per cent backing of the county management, which elected him unanimously.
Neil Gamble, Devon’s chief executive, added: “Chris has played very well for the county over the last two years, making him an automatic team selection.
On the two occasions he captained the side in 2011, including the Championship final against Cambridgeshire, he showed considerable leadership and tactical ability, and commanded the full confidence of the team and the management.”
