A FORMAL signing of a memorandum of understanding between Devon Cricket and Somerset County Cricket Club has brought the two counties closer together.
Neil Gamble, chairman of Devon County Cricket Club plus Devon Cricket development manager, Matt Theedom were joined by Somerset County Cricket Club’s strategy director Sarah Trunks, SCCC commercial director Suzanne Roper and SCCC director of cricket Andy Hurry to sign the document.
The signing took place during Somerset’s final home game of the season, the rain-ruined championship decider against Essex.
Devon and Somerset have enjoyed a very successful and collaborative working relationship over many years with a number of players progressing through the Devon system to go on and play for Somerset and England.
Hurry is delighted that this agreement has been formalised. He said: “With the introduction of the new County Partnership Agreement, this now presents an outstanding opportunity for Devon and Somerset to form an even closer working relationship,” he said.
“Where feasible, the two organisations will share expertise and best practices in order to safeguard the future of the game at all levels, from the recreational game through to the professional game.
“There will also be a collaborative approach to growing the game off the field through commercial, marketing and ‘cricket for social good’ opportunities.
“The new agreement therefore serves to formalise an already effective relationship by defining strategic objectives, governance and a programme of shared activity.
“Somerset CCC would once again like to thank Neil, Matt and all from Devon Cricket who have been actively involved in shaping this agreement, and we very much look forward to an even more effective partnership with Devon Cricket in the future.”
Neil Gamble said: “Devon CCC is very pleased to be involved in a partnership agreement with Somerset CCC, with whom it has had excellent relations over time.
“We are especially proud that six present Somerset players, two with Test honours, began their careers with Devon. It is hoped that the player and performance pathway will continue to operate to mutual advantage in the future.
“Devon is also looking forward to benefiting from closer co-operation with Somerset in commercial, marketing and communications areas.”
Matt Theedom said: “We have entered into a very exciting partnership where we will both see the benefits of sharing resources, knowledge and expertise.
“This formal agreement represents a collaborative new approach to working together and will certainly benefit talented players as well as the wider cricket family in Devon.
“In the performance pathway, Somerset CCC coaches working more regularly with the most talented players in Devon as part of our Emerging Player and Academy programmes can only be good for everyone.
“Devon Day at Taunton was very successful in 2019 and together we hope to make it bigger and better for 2020. Along with some other really exciting events, we hope to offer schools and clubs in Devon more opportunities to watch and follow First Class Cricket.”
It’s not just on the field that this initiative will have a positive impact, as Trunks explained.
“We are delighted to have formalised our relationship with Devon County Cricket Club and Devon Cricket Board,” she said.
“This new MOU will ensure we share best practices across the region and provide support off the field for their commercial, marketing and communication activities.
“The agreement will allow us to better support our counterparts in Devon and, most importantly, reward those who both volunteer and play the game from national county to recreational and participation levels through ticket offers such as Devon Day and All Stars Reward and Recognition.
“Hopefully this will ensure that the Cooper Associates County Ground will be accessible to all, and that our plans will be aligned both on and off the field in order to safeguard the future of cricket across the South West.”
