SKIPPER Matt Thompson is back to lead Devon in the Minor Counties Championship game against Oxfordshire at Exeter.

Devon didn’t use the County Ground last season while the new £800,000 pavilion was being constructed.

Devon promised to return when the pavilion was fully open and have been as good as their word.

Thompson missed the defeat by Cheshire at Alderley Edge last week as he had a job interview during the game.

Justin Yau kept wicket in Thompson’s absence and Josh Bess, who was captain in 2013-14, skippered the side.

Devon have named 13 for the game, adding Thompson, Liam Lewis and Exeter all-rounder Dom Bess.

Lewis has to be rated as doubtful as he has been plagued by back and groin injuries recently.

Missing from the squad at Alderley Edge are Yau and 12th man Reid Mawdsley.

Devon finished bottom of the Western Division last season without a win to their name – their first wooden spoon for more than 30 years.

They go into their penultimate game of the season 22 points and three places ahead of Oxfordshire, who are this season’s wooden spoon candidates.

Devon: M W Thompson (St Fagans), L J Lewis (Sidmouth), D J Wolf (Paignton), M H Curtis (North Devon), D R Pyle (Exmouth), J J Bess (Sidmouth), M C Golding (Bovey Tracey), J F S Dart (Heathcoat), D M Bess (Exeter), Z G G Bess (Sidmouth), J R Popham (Brislington), J V King (North Devon), J A Stephens (Falmouth).

Oxfordshire: H R H Darby, B G Charlesworth, M A Beard, L M Sabin, J A Cater, H D Ward, R I Kaufman, C B Keegan, H E Eltham, L M Bethell, W S Rooney, P P White.

Umpires: R C Hampshire & P Wheeler.