Devon Cricket Board - Wood named league player of year

Wood named league player of year

PLYMSTOCK batsman Dom Wood will be picking up the Devon League player of the year award at next week’s annual meeting of clubs in Exeter.

Opener Wood racked up a magnificent 877 runs at an average of 54.81 that included three tons and three 50s last season as Plymstock went on to win the B Division title.

Some big-name players have won the award in the past, including Devon captain Neil Hancock and ex-Devon and Minor Counties XI bowler Keith Donohue.

Wood (pictured) beat off competition from established Premier stars including Neil Bettis, David Lye and Richard Baggs to win the award.

The deciding factor was sheer weight of runs. Only Devon and Exmouth batsman Lye topped 700 – and no one made as many as Wood.

However, the presentation will be a bitter-sweet affair for Plymstock as Wood won’t be with the club next season.

A new job has taken Wood to London and he intends to play cricket there.

“On behalf of the club and all his team-mates I’d like to say a big thank you to all he’s done over his time at Plymstock and wish him all the best for the future,” said Plymstock captain Dave Orchard.

“Dom has been our most consistent batter for several seasons now. The runs he has got have really helped us get to where we are.

“I don’t think you could ask for any more in a player, especially a batsman. He’s consistent, has a great attitude, always calm under pressure and always got our innings off to a great start and at a great tempo.

“I don’t think there’s a better form of recognition than the Devon League player of the year.

“It’s great for Plymstock and great for Dom. I don’t think there’s anyone who deserves it more.”

Wood modestly said he had no inkling he was in the running for the award.

He added: “I am really honoured to receive such an amazing award. When you look at some of the other names that have won this in the past, I am truly flattered to be mentioned in the same breath as them.

“Now I’ve moved away from Plymouth I’d just like to say how much I’ve enjoyed my time with Plymstock and playing in the Devon League.

“I’d like to thank all my team-mates and friends and look forward to playing with you all again soon.”

There was praise for Wood from clubmate George Barnicott, who said his consistency was crucial to the side returning to the A Division for the first time since 2005.

“The way Dom scored his runs, in an aggressive but controlled manner, taking advantage of any loose bowling, time after time gave Plymstock a solid platform to take on any opposing side,” said Barnicott.

“As many a team in the B Division in 2011 will tell you, any reprieve for Mr Wood often left the opposition with sore hands and red faces.

“Just ask Chagford who dropped him on zero and then had to watch Dom compile a faultless ton.”

Wood’s breakthough season was 2006 when he cracked a maiden league ton against Bideford.

A move to opener for the 2010 season yielded 748 runs at 49.87 including a century against Clyst St George and five 50s. His 176 against Clyst broke a record which had stood since Matt Hookway of Chudleigh made 164 against Babbacombe in 1995.

Following a winter playing cricket in Melbourne with former Plymstock overseas stars Rick James and Rhys Contessa, Wood returned to Plymstock raring to go for the 20111 season.

Plymstock play their home games at Dean Cross playing field and are always on the lookout for new players of any standard to join in with their three Saturday teams and Sunday sides. Nets have already started on Wednesday nights between 8.15pm-10pm at Plymstock Community College.

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