Vernon Coon (left) during one of his coaching sessions at Lustleigh. Vernon won the competition's services to youth cricket award in 2008. Photo: Herald Express
DESPITE the difficulties caused by yet another wet summer, managers and coaches worked overtime to ensure a high percentage of games were played.
Although a lot of games were played on tracks that were much damper than the players would have liked, plenty of good cricket was played.
Bovey Tracey scored a perfect ten out of ten wins to claim the U11 crown, edging out nearest challengers Kingsbridge.
The U13 Flintoff Division title went to Torquay, who had a much improved season all round. Their success hinged on reversing an earlier defeat by Paignton, who eventually finished as runners-up.
Paignton B scooped the U13 Pietersen Division title ahead of runners-up Stoke Gabriel.
Paignton, who had another great season, also ran out as champions of the U15 Collingwood and U17 divisions. The U15s were undefeated all season.
Dartington, champions in 2007, were the U17 runners-up. Ipplepen claimed the runners-up spot in the Collingwood Division.
Kingsbridge, who continue to impress, were champions in the U15 Bell division ahead of Paignton B.
Pride of place amongst the individual award winners were the recipients of the prestigious Herald Express young player of the year awards.
The U11 award went to one of Bovey's young bowlers Ben Roberts, who took 11 for 56 towards his side's championship winning season.
The U13 award went to Torquay's George Luxton who contributed 147 runs and five wickets towards his team's championship season.
Shaldon's Todd Ballman scooped the U15 award, He scored 242 runs despite his team finishing bottom of the division.
Finally, the U17 award went to Barton's all-rounder Sean Adderley, who scored 141 and took five wickets in an improving side that eventually finished fourth in the league.
The award for services to youth cricket went to Ashburton's Vernon Coon who has put in many years of coaching with the South Devon District sides, including running trials, and for several years combined this by being chairman of the South Devon Youth Cricket League.
His has been an important contribution to the development of youth cricket locally, and Vernon continues to be active, currently coaching youngsters from Lustleigh.
ED THOMPSON
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