We’re delighted to announce that NDCC junior players Noah Tovell and Freddie Tucker have been selected to join the Devon U15 Boys tour of South Africa later this year. The tour lasts 16 days, giving the boys a once in a lifetime opportunity to immerse themselves in South Africa’s rich culture and cricketing history.
Both Noah and Freddie have been playing club cricket at Instow for several years, and currently represent the club at U15, U17 and senior levels, as well as being part of the Devon County pathway at U15 level. In fact, in one of their early senior matches for the club, Freddie and Noah were responsible for all ten wickets against Alphington CC (Freddie 5-29, Noah 4-29, and a run out created between them!). Since then, they’ve gone on to feature regularly in the 1st and 2nd XIs for the club.
North Devon CC have been instrumental in the success of Devon Cricket’s tours to South Africa over the past 23 years, with club Chairman Mark Ansell one of the driving forces for a number of years. Mark took over as manager of the tour in 2016, building relationships in the Kruger National Park and in Cape Town, and he continued in the role until 2020. Mark commented “Massive congratulations to Freddie and Noah on being selected for the tour. The South Africa tour has been going for over 20 years and each year is an incredible and unique opportunity for the 14 best under 15 year old cricketers in Devon. Having been on the tour as a parent, as the scorer and then as the manager, from personal experience I have seen how much the boys can grow both as cricketers and people, challenging themselves and each other to grow as a team against different opposition on different pitches in new formats miles away from home in a fascinating and beautiful country”. Former NDCC players Jamie and Craig Overton both took part in the 2009 tour, while several of our current 1st XI players including Jack Moore, James Tyson, Rueben Windley and Jack Popham all have fond memories of their own Devon Cricket tours.
Naturally, these opportunities don’t come cheap, and Noah and Freddie are busy raising as much money as they can towards the cost of their trip. They are holding a Quiz Night on Friday 15th August at North Devon Cricket Club, and would love as many members as possible to support the event. In particular, they’re keen to involve the junior section, and younger team members would be especially welcome!
Entry costs £10 per person, with suggested team size of 6 to 8 people. To book your table, please contact Georgie 07833 704 777, or Emily 07554 798 174.
To make a donation to the boys’ GoFundMe pages, please follow the links:
Freddie – Fundraiser by Freddie Tucker : Raise money for a South Africa tour with Devon cricket
Noah – Fundraiser by Stephen Tovell : Noah Tovell – Devon U15 South Africa Cricket Tour