A CHRISTMAS cash kitty of £5,000 has been shared between 18 clubs in Devon courtesy of the David Shepherd Cricket Trust.

The Trust, which supports youth cricket and coach development in Devon, organised a free-to-enter draw for clubs in Devon with colts’ and girls’ sections.

All clubs had to do was submit their contact information together with details of whether they were entering on behalf of their youth or girls’ departments. Clubs with more than one section were allowed to enter on behalf of both. Thirty-eight clubs entered the draw.

The prize pot was divided between 20 lucky winners, who received £250 per winning entry. There were seven further prizes of shirts signed by Trust patrons Heather Knight and Chris Read.

Read, who grew up in Paignton’s colts’ section, played more than 50 times for the full England side in all formats and skippered Notts to one-day and four-day glory before retiring from the professional game in 2017.

Knight, who played for Plymouth Civil Service and Plympton as a colt is the current England’s women’s captain. 

Although the trust’s fund-raising activities were curtailed by the Covid-19 crisis and subsequent restrictions, membership subscriptions allowed the charity to run the draw.

Gavin Lane, the trust’s financial director and competition administrator, said the intention of the draw was to spread some seasonal cheer around clubs at the end of a tough year.

In true festive fashion the draw was carried out in Christmas Eve, with a little help from the trust’s friends in high places.

“With the assistance of a very helpful Father Christmas and several elves, the draw was conducted with diligence and verve,” said Lane.

“I think this draw was well received and 50 per cent of the entries won £250.

“All winning clubs have been informed and have been asked to let us know how the funds have assisted their clubs.

“I hope we will receive some good feedback later in 2021.”

The David Shepherd Cricket Trust was set up in memory of former Gloucestershire and Devon cricketer David Shepherd (1940-2009), who found fame after his playing days ended as an international umpire. He stood in three World Cup finals.

The charity has supported youth cricket at all levels from beginners’ sessions at clubs through to county age-group sides and the Devon Lions development programme.

Trustees will consider applications for most things related to youth cricket. They have always been keen to support coach education.

To apply for a grant visit the trust’s website, which can be found at www.dsct111.org.uk

Winners: Exwick, Abbotskerswell (2), Ivybridge, Torquay, Cornwood, Ipplepen, Exmouth, Bovey Tracey, Bideford, Belstone, Barton, Sandford (2), Sampford Peverell & Tiverton, Heathcoat, Paignton, Newton Tracey, Hatherleigh, Culmstock.