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- 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
By RICHARD WALSH
SAM Wyatt-Haines is enjoying the time of his life training alongside the professionals at the County Ground in Taunton this winter.
Wyatt-Haines, who lives near Bovey Tracey, left Blundell’s School at the end of the summer term.
The 18-year-old all-rounder has been awarded a scholarship by Somerset that will allow him to remain as part of the Academy for another year as well as be a member of the playing staff, live on site at the County Ground and train with the rest of the players.
The right-hand batsman who also bowls said: “It’s a surreal experience for me really to be sharing a changing room with the likes of Marcus Trescothick and Alfonso Thomas, who have been my heroes as I have been growing up.
“Its quite bizarre but as I get to know them better everyday they become more welcoming to me and I’m slowly getting used to it a little bit more, but I almost don’t believe it.”
Sam added” “It’s a phenomenal experience for me to be going into train and play cricket every day, having come straight out of school, and it is a great opportunity.
“It is unbelievably hard work and because I am also on the Academy programme as well I am training six days a week and its tough.
“However I am very happy to be here doing exactly what I am doing and it is the career I want to pursue so this will hopefully put me in the right direction.”
Running through his daily routine, Sam said: “I usually start with a net first thing, after which I will work on my fitness.
“Then there will be lunch followed by some more fitness in the afternoon, so it’s pretty full-on but I’m just loving it.
“I am getting a lot fitter and have been hit hard by Daz (Darren Veness the strength and conditioning coach) but it has just been an incredible few weeks for me.”
He added: “To be able to live the life that I have dreamed of for so many years is brilliant. Its just the most incredible thing that I could ever wish for!”