NICK Rogers, of Hatherleigh CC, has been appointed as the new chairman of the Tolchards Devon Cricket League.  He will officially take up his post at the league annual meeting on November 24, subject to the approval of member clubs.

Four expressions of interest were received for the post, which became vacant following the death of the previous chairman, Stuart Munday, in May. 

Not all of the expressions of interest were converted into formal applications.  However, a panel of three members of the Devon Cricket League board, chaired by the acting chairman, Phil Bees, interviewed two candidates and unanimously agreed that Rogers was their man.

Nick Rogers - new chairman of the Tolchards DCLProfessionally, Nick is chairman and managing director of Torridge Vale Ltd, a farmer owned co-operative, trading milk on behalf of its supplying members. Torridge Vale is an organisation whose structure replicates that of the Devon Cricket League, in that it is there to act in the interests of its members.

He has been involved with Hatherleigh CC since 1986, when he moved with his family to North Devon.   Since that time, he has undertaken a number of roles including first team captain, colt’s manager and committee member. 

Having played more than 500 Devon League games for Hatherleigh across many tiers of the league, ranging from Premier to E Division 2nd XI, he has had considerable exposure to Devon cricket at all standards. Nick is currently captain of Devon Over-60s first team, a post he has held since 2016.

‘Stuart will be a hugely difficult person to replace’ said Rogers, ‘However, we have to find a way to encourage more people to take up cricket and that will be the key theme during my tenure as chairman.

“The restructuring of the DCL will hopefully provide opportunities for this to happen, by encouraging more clubs to participate.

“The DCL is well placed, as the largest provider of organised cricket in the county, to make representation on behalf of its member clubs.

“I am looking forward not only to getting to know and working with the people involved in running the league, who clearly share my passion for the game, but also partnering with the other cricket organisations within the county, for the benefit of all cricket enthusiasts.

“Gratitude should also be expressed to Phil Bees for holding the fort during the intervening period. His experience and knowledge will be a valuable asset to understanding the workings of the league.”