Devon’s Jonathan Mears (below) picked up one of the most prestigious cricket awards when he received the ECB OSCA for the Leagues and Boards Award which is given to a volunteer from the 39 County Boards who is active at local league, County Board or County age group levels. Jonathan was nominated for the way he has worked tirelessly in developing, promoting and making the West Devon Cricket Development Group work as well as organising courses for coaching, umpiring and scoring. He was instrumental in setting up the West Devon Coaches Association and although relinquishing the reins this winter has organised the West Inter District winter programme for a number of years having had a system in place prior to Active Sports vital involvement. He has run the Devon U14s side since 1997 and sadly 2006 will be his last season in charge. Mears represents West Devon and the counties Coaching Association on the Board and received his award from England internationals Vikram Solanki and Claire Taylor

West Devons seventeen year old coach James Carr was short listed for the Young Volenteer of the Year and was highly commended. Other Devonians reciving the plaudits at the luncheoon were Warren Carr for his sterling service in the West, Exmouth’s outstanding groundsman David Fouracre and Axminsters long serving fixture secretary Les Haynes.

The OSCAs took place at Lord's in the Nursery Pavilion on Monday October 3, with a glittering lunch for 350 guests - including OSCAs nominees, press, public, cricket personalities and voluntary and private sector representatives. The OSCAs (Outstanding Service to Cricket Awards) are aimed at recognising those volunteers who give so much of their time to the game of cricket. Jonathan is the second Devonian to be honoured – Ted Ashman –picked up an award in 2003.

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