By CONRAD SUTCLIFFE

DEVON skippers past and present have been paying tribute to team-mate Matt Thompson, whose county career is coming to an end.

Thompson, a veteran of 69 three-day National Counties matches, 55 one-day games, 18 Twenty 20 fixtures and two stints as captain, confirmed at the start of this season that it would be his last.

The 33-year-old keeper-batsman, who made his Devon debut back in 2010, had intended to bow out after the ongoing game against Herefordshire at Sidmouth. That was before Devon moved in at the top of the Western Division table, which gave them a chance to qualify for the NCA play-off against the Eastern champions this weekend.

Whether or not Thompson has one more game in him, or not, the formal farewells took place before day one against Herefordshire got under way.

Guy Curry, the Devon chairman, delivered a thoughtful speech praising Thompson’s contribution to the county club. And he left the door open for a change of mind, should reconsider his decision to retire.

Jack Davey, the Devon president, awarded Thompson with the Stuart Munday Memorial Trophy, given annually to a person or player for service to the county club.

And current captain James Horler, on behalf of the players, presented Thompson with an engraved tankard to mark his retirement.

Horler led off the tributes to Thompson with the comments: “Matt has been a superb individual throughout his tenure.

“His devotion to the county has been brilliant and deserves all the praise. 

“It would be great for him to finish by winning the Western title and, possibly, the championship.”

Neil Hancock, a future Devon captain, was a regular in the side when Thompson made his debut.

Said Hancock: “Thommo has been a very dedicated and successful cricketer for Devon over the years. He always played the game in the right way, and gave his all every time he crossed the white line.

“Matt will be a big loss to Devon cricket, and it will be a tough challenge to find a replacement to take over the gloves who will also score the runs that he's scored.

"I wish him all the best going forward, and hope he remains in the game.”

Chris Bradley was the Devon captain who led the side to the outright Minor Counties title in 2011. Thompson is the last member of that team still active for the county.

Bradley said Thompson had numerous qualities that made him such a success in Minor Counties and National Counties cricket.

“Matt has enjoyed a brilliant career with Devon CCC over many years, representing the county in most batting positions as well as behind the stumps,” said Bradley.

“His commitment and passion for the sport has been exceptional, particularly given that he has been living, working, and playing cricket in another area. 

“Matt’s dedication and service to Devon Cricket are truly worthy of recognition.”

The last word goes to Josh Bess, with whom Thompson worked closely when the two alternated the captaincy during the mid 2010s.

Bess was a team-mate of Thompson’s back in 2013 when he scored a hundred in both innings of the game against Oxfordshire at Sidmouth.

Said Bess: “Thommo has been a huge part of Devon cricket for so many years and it will be strange to see a team sheet without his name on. 

“With the bat, his determination dug us out of trouble more times than I can remember, and he’s set up some really special wins – those twin centuries at Sidmouth were a particular highlight.

“He’s worked continually to improve himself and his keeping speaks for itself. Well done, Thommo, you’ve been outstanding, and Devon have been lucky to have you.”