Joint Tour Managers Matt Cooke and Matt Theedom reflect on this year's trip, fresh from returning from South Africa earlier this month.
Overview of the Tour
The 2025 South Africa Tour marked the 23rd occasion that a Devon age group squad has travelled to Kruger National Park and Cape Town, a tradition now spanning more than two decades and involving more than 300 young Devon cricketers.
As always, the tour offered a blend of cricketing challenge, cultural discovery, and personal development. This year's group embraced every aspect of the experience and return home stronger as players and individuals.
On-Field Performances
Across seven fixtures, the squad delivered an impressive return of five wins, one draw and one defeat, a heavy loss against the strongest opposition on the tour during a two-day game. While results on paper are important to us, the true purpose of this tour has always been player development, echoing the philosophy of Alan Swift, the tour’s founding father.
The objective of the tour is not to dominate every match but to prepare players for the challenges of cricket across the summer, equipping them with skills for longer formats like two-day and three-day games. The hope is that these young cricketers are not only better players, but also more well-rounded individuals.
Individual Highlights
As with any tour, there were highs and lows for the players, and it’s essential to note that this was not about statistics alone. However, some individual performances merit special recognition:
- Albie Bradley set a new personal best in the Kruger, with his steady 110 rtno anchoring the first innings against Hoërskool Nelspruit as the Under 15 Boys hit 342 in 60 overs. Albie also hit 89 at Pinelands as the boys made it three wins from the opening three games in Cape Town.
- Alex Tipper also impressed with the bat. In a reverse of Albie's highlights, Alex hit a quick-fire 64 in the opening innings against Hoërskool Nelspruit, before going on to make 101 from 78 balls at Pinelands.
- Connor Trott also hit a rapid 55 against Hoërskool Nelspruit in the Kruger, facing just 45 balls.
- Leo Raichura bagged a match-winning five-wicket haul at Rondebosch CC as the boys comfortably defended their 123 total. Memorably bowling left-arm spin over the wicket, Leo's impressive figures (10-1-20-5) culminated in a big team celebration, testament to the strong bond the side developed over the course of the tour.
The squad can all be commended for performing admirably in challenging conditions and creating an excellent team atmosphere throughout the tour. The next step is ensuring consistent contributions from all players, which will be vital heading into the 2026 season and as they move into older county age groups.
While statistics provide an outline, the real value of the tour lies in the growth of each individual. Some players thrived on this trip; others faced challenges. But every single one returned home with lessons learned and memories to cherish.
Off-Field Experiences
While match results provide talking points, the wider purpose of this tour is far more significant. We aim to help players grow as independent young people, as responsible teammates, and as more rounded and resilient cricketers
The exposure to Kruger's landscapes, wildlife, and history, coupled with the culture and energy of Cape Town, creates a powerful educational experience. The boys face challenges that build perspective and character, learning how to handle adversity, how to support each other, and how to carry themselves as representatives of Devon Cricket. These lessons last far longer than any match scorecard.
Acknowledgements
A tour of this magnitude would not be possible without the extraordinary efforts of our hosts and supporters, and we would like to extend our sincere thank you to:
- Frik Roussow and Petro Roussow for their warmth and hospitality in Skukuza.
- Edward Ndlovu for his outstanding guidance in Kruger and around the reserve.
- Camillah Adams and Clinton Du Preez for their continued support and organisation in Cape Town.
- Shaheem and Shamiel for exceptional transport, local knowledge and support around the city.
All of the above contributions are absolutely vital to the success of the programme, and these longstanding partnerships help truly make the tour to South Africa a completely bespoke experience.
Special thanks also go to the parents and staff who supported the tour and, crucially, to our headline tour sponsors:
| 2025 Headline Tour Sponsors | ||
| Welden & Edwards |
Michael Spiers |
Short Run Press |
| Pro:Direct Sports |
Gater Contractors |
Ideal Commercial Laundry Ltd |
| Lions Sports Travel | Plymouth College | |
Their contributions were vital in keeping the tour accessible and affordable for participants despite rising costs.
Reflection
South Africa continues to offer a profound mixture of challenge, culture, and inspiration. Its passion for sport is infectious, and its history provides a perspective that extends far beyond cricket. The boys return having faced conditions and situations that tested them, taught them, and ultimately strengthened them.
With the experiences gained this year, and with the lessons learned from both success and difficulty, this group has all the potential to build a standout 2026 season. If they apply those lessons, the future is bright, not just for their cricket but for their personal development.
We look forward to returning again in 2027 and continuing a tour tradition that remains one of Devon Cricket's most valuable developmental journeys.
