By CONRAD SUTCLIFFE

BRADNINCH CC has a new chairman for the first time in nearly three decades following the retirement of long-serving Derrick Foan.

Foan’s replacement in the Kensham Park hot seat is Chris Dean, a retired international business manager at the University of Exeter who is a former Bradninch CC secretary and player.

Dean, a keeper-batsman in his playing days, turned out for Exeter and Cullompton prior to joining Bradninch in the 1990s. He was club secretary between 2003-2011 and still turns out for the 2nd XI when needed. 

Foan was unable to attend the annual meeting that confirmed Dean’s appointment, which was one of a number of changes ratified by club members.

Roy Nott stood down after 18 years as president and has been replaced by John Freeman, a former captain of the 1st XI and club chairman who was instrumental in building new changing rooms and a clubhouse at Kensham Park during the 70s and 80s.

Freeman served three terms as Bradninch captain and was skipper when the club won the Whitbread Cup in 1970 (pictured, right). He played on until the early 1990s before he joined Heathcoat, where he was 2nd XI captain.

Paul Nott stepped aside as vice-chairman at the annual meeting and Robert Harris stood down as secretary. 

Steve Birley, an ex-Bradninch player, 2nd XI captain and committeeman in numerous capacities since the late 1970s, was voted in as Dean’s number two. Birley has been the club’s fixture secretary since 2015. Paula Rovira, a member of the Bradninch ladies section, is the new club secretary in succession to Harris.

All three adult sides will be captained by members of the Acton family next season: Eliot remains in charge of the men’s 1st XI, sister Megan will skipper the ladies team and dad Chris is the new captain of the men’s 2nd XI.

Foan was the longest-serving chairman in the Tolchards Devon Cricket League, outlasting South Devon’s Barry Widdecombe, whose 27-year tenure ended in 2018.

Cricket was in the Foan family as dad Lionel played for Cullompton on Saturdays and back garden matches with sons Derrick and Mike on Sundays. Brother Mike went on to play for Bradninch and in his spare time ran the clubhouse and prepared the ground. Derrick also took a turn as groundsman.

During an association with Bradninch dating back to the age of eight, Derrick Foan went from keeping the score to 12th man for the 2nd XI by the age of 13 to 1st XI captain at 21.

Foan played for Bradninch in the North East Devon Cricket League, the East Devon League and finally the Tolchards Devon Cricket League from 1984 onwards.

Mike Birley, Steve’s late father, was chairman of the club prior to Foan’s appointment in 1991. 

Bradninch moved up and down the Devon League divisions until 2003 when they were the unbeaten champions of the old C Division. Two more promotions followed in quick succession, taking the Ninch into the Premier Division for the 2009 season.

Five seasons of Premier cricket ensued, followed by three years back in the A Division. Bradninch took three years to regain top-flight status – and when they did in 2017 they finished runners-up.

For Foan reaching the Premier Division and staying there was ‘an achievement to be proud of’, as was finishing runners-up in 2017.

The 2017 season also brought a brief highlight when Matt Foster’s brilliant 177 off 128 balls helped Bradninch reach 328 for seven batting first against Sidmouth.

Foan, who was scoring the game said: “Things quickly changed to disappointment when Sidmouth chased them down, but it was three hours of glorious stroke play before tea.” 

Bradninch failed to build on their 2017 successes and were relegated again the following season. They were a close third in 2019 and tipped to go back up had the 2020 season played out as planned.

Foan never intended to stay on as chairman for as long as he did and paid tribute to all the committeemen who supported him.

“The fact we are still here and the club is flourishing, pays tribute to those that have given their time to seeing it through, despite all the setbacks and uncertainty,” said Foan.

“Their devotion is quite extraordinary when we remember it is mostly voluntary, with personal lives and earning a living continuing alongside.”

“Throughout all the ups and downs, we have retained the spirit and togetherness, that makes our club so special and it is testament to this that we have some longstanding members keen to step in and take on the running of the club.”

Foan added: “Thirty years is a long time, but one season rolled in to planning the next, like being on a roller coaster that never stops. 

“This year was different, as with little cricket being played, there was time to give notice for others to consider taking the club forward.

“We have great leadership on the field, with well-run and respected playing sections and are in excellent shape off the field, as confirmed by last season’s ECB Clubmark re-accreditation and DCL pitch inspection. 

“Add to this, a hugely impressive new clubhouse for the whole Bradninch community to enjoy and everything is set for future success.

“Looking back, I would have done some things differently, but I have done my best and know that those that follow will do the same.”

Foan has a business to run and a family he would like to spend more time with, but he won’t be lost to cricket.

“I will be keeping fit enough to continue playing for Bradninch and Devon Seniors, when the opportunity arises,” said Foan.