Hazelle Garton wheeling away for Devon

DEVON’S long-serving left-arm spinner Hazelle Garton has announced her retirement from county championship cricket.

After eight years of committed and loyal service to her adopted county, Devon Women’s leading wicket taker has decided to call it a day.

Garton, who is 31 and a lieutenant commander in the Royal Navy, started her career with Nottinghamshire. She joined Devon after being posted to the south of England and played around work commitments for Plympton Ladies up to 2015.

During her career with Devon the left-arm spinner has taken156 wickets, her best return being six for 20 against Derbyshire in 2017, which was one of many match-winning performances. 

Hazelle Garton at the Devon Cricket awards night in 2016, when she was named Women's bowler of the yearIn each of the last five seasons Garton has taken more than 20 wickets in a championship season, her best return being 26, also in 2017.

Despite a serious knee injury Garton has maintained high performance standards while managing a busy career in the Royal Navy. 

It is fitting that Garton signed off as the leading wicket taker in Division Two of the county championship, her 22 wickets in 50 over cricket only placing her sixth in the 2019 list of leading wicket takers. 

Garton’s tally of 134 wickets places her ninth in the all-time list, her economy rate of 2.85 can only be bettered by retired international Holly Colvin (2.72), who is also the only bowler to take more five-wicket hauls.

Warren Carr, team manager to the Devon Women’s squad, said Garton’s dedication and commitment to the team is an example to all.

“Hazelle regularly made trips from Portsmouth, Yeovil - and for one year Edinburgh - on Friday evenings to attend training,” said Carr.

 “Devon will be hard pressed to replace both her wickets and leadership.

“All of us in Devon wish her well in her career and that she will be able to represent the service to which she is dedicated for many years to come. Thank-you from all of us.”

Team-mates past and present will get the chance to say their farewells to Garton at a testimonial game planned for 2019.

Garton will continue to captain the Royal Navy and UK Armed Forces Ladies at cricket. She also represents the Royal Navy at golf.