Flashback! St James' captain Edd Kirby with the cup<br>credit: Sheila Harding

DEVON League chairman Nick Rogers has hailed the new Richard Tidball Insurance Services Devon Cup competition as a huge success.

Devon League clubs in the upper echelons of the 15-division league have had the Servicemaster T20 Devon Cup and Corinthian Cup to compete for since the 1960s.

Clubs at lower levels – and second teams – were denied the chance of cup glory until this season when a new competition was introduced for team completing from the E Divisions East and West down to the H Divisions.

Nick RogersTopsham St James triumphed over Honiton 2nd XI in the final at Shaldon to become the inaugural winners of the trophy, donated by the Hatherleigh-based insurance broker.

Richard and Sue Tidball, two of the company’s directors, attended the festival finals day to watch the action and had over the silverware to winning captain Edd Kirby.

Rogers said the new cup competition was long overdue and had been well supported by clubs.

“Teams at lower levels had been denied the chance to enjoy the cup format until now and were enthusiastic competitors,” said Rogers.

“The concept of playing festival rounds with three games at one club on the same day worked well.

“It was a great delight that Richard and Sue were able to attend finals day and hand over the their trophy.

“I was pleased to hear from them that they feel they have had good value for their sponsorship.”