Nathan Stone presenting a new T20 junior shirt to Ipplepen’s junior chairman Andrew Maynard, supported by junior members (left to right) Max Stone, Zoe Maynard, Maggie Winslow and Edward Winslow

IPPLEPEN’S young cricketers will have a colourful new look this season thanks to a sponsorship deal with Stonehaven Care Group.

Backing from the company, which runs care homes all over Devon from its head office in Buckfastleigh, has allowed Ipplepen to obtain coloured shirts for games in the new-look Wollen Michelmore South Devon Youth  League.

The league is following the lead set in pro cricket by adopting coloured clothing, pink balls and flashing bails to replicate T20 cricket.

League managers have dubbed the initiative ‘Having a Blast’ and Pens are one of the first clubs in the competition to sign-up for it.

The deal with Stonehaven means that the club's eight hardball and three softball junior teams will all be playing in the new kits when the cricket season starts in April.

The financial injection means that every player aged 5-18 joining the club this season will receive a colourful T20 playing shirt for free as part of their membership package.

Andrew Maynard, junior chairman at Ipplepen, said “This agreement not only allows us to provide each junior member with a T20 playing shirt as part of their membership, but also increases the funds we have available for purchasing new junior coaching and playing equipment.

“We are very grateful for the support from Stonehaven and we look forward to promoting their name around the county in 2017.”

And Stonehaven are looking forward to their involvement with youth cricket.

“We are delighted to support the junior section at Ipplepen Cricket Club through shirt sponsorship this season,” said director Nathan Stone, whose son Max plays at Ipplepen.

“My son enjoys playing at the club and as a parent I continue to be impressed by the energy and enthusiasm that the club's leader and coaches demonstrate in their dealings with the young players.

“I feel fortunate to be part of a company that is able to provide financial support to organisations such as Ipplepen Cricket Club who both need and deserve it.”

Ipplepen’ junior coaching program for 2017 launches with an open night at their Moor Road ground on Friday, April 21 from 6pm. New and returning players are welcome to bring their families to meet club officials, take part in taster coaching sessions and find out more about the plans for the season.

More information about junior coaching and membership is available from Andrew Maynard on 07794 498 206 or see the club website www.pitchero.com/clubs/ipplepen.