Ottery St Mary Cricket Club will this weekend embark upon the new Tolchard’s Devon League season boosted by the securing of important sponsorship deals for their senior sides, writes Ian Townsend

The 1st XI, once again skippered by Lewis Townsend, will be sponsored by South West homebuilder, Bovis Homes who are about to embark on an exciting new development in the town. Kate Brewer, Marketing Manager at Bovis Homes commented: “We have been really well received in Ottery St Mary and it’s great to be able to support a club that’s such an integral part of the community.”

Having enjoyed a promising 2014 season, Townsend’s youthful side will be hoping to mount a real challenge as they compete in C Division (East) following closed season regionalisation of the league. Although this will generally result in more local fixtures, the campaign begins with the long trip to North Devon to face newly-promoted Filleigh.

Following a hugely successful inaugural season in A Division, 2nd XI skipper Rick Jackson will be hoping for another strong campaign from his charges who will enjoy the support of new sponsors, Hall & Scott Estate Agents. Jackson’s men will be looking for a positive start against Plymouth 3rd XI who are the first visitors of the season to Salston Field.

Meanwhile, the 3rd XI, whose impressive debut season in the league last year saw numerous, promising youngsters begin to flourish, will be sponsored by the Branscombe Vale Brewery. Club Chairman and former Exmouth and Devon star, John Tierney will continue to lead the side, who will again play their home fixtures at the King’s School playing field. Their campaign begins with an away clash with Thorverton 3rd XI.

Tierney emphasised the importance of obtaining sponsorship when he commented: “Even at our relatively modest level, running a club such as Ottery CC has considerable associated costs. We’re keen to minimise players’ subscriptions in order to encourage as many people as possible to play, so additional financial support such as this is so valuable. As a club we feel privileged to be associated with such prestigious sponsors and I know I speak for everyone at Salston Field in expressing our sincere gratitude, not just to the companies involved here, but to all those organisations and individuals who support us. Here’s hoping our teams give them something to be proud of in the season ahead!”