2018 was a most enjoyable season for me.
Throughout the previous winter, our Chairman
Neil Gamble had ‘drip fed’ information to me
and did not overburden me. It was a frustrating
start to the season in that all of our ‘warm up’
matches were cancelled due to the exceptionally
wet Spring. We all know that one of the hottest
Summers on record followed and it was Minor
County cricket on most weekends. Neil and I
travelled many miles together and discussed many things. His extensive
knowledge was a great help to me.
Everywhere we went for home and away matches we were made most
welcome and any request was never too much trouble. The volunteers
involved in Minor County cricket are all welcoming and in so many ways it
is like being part of a huge family.
The highlights of the season were in reaching the T/20 semi-finals and
Final of the Knock Out Cup at Wormsley in late August. Unfortunately we
were unable to get over the line in the semi-final against Berkshire and
lost by just two runs in the Knock Out against Cheshire. The Championship
was less successful although if a couple of close results had gone our way
it would have seen us further up the table in the Western division. In the
Championship Josh Bess’s Man of the Match performance against Dorset
at Sidmouth is the ‘stand out’ moment, in that he scored 203 n.o. in the
first innings, 70 in the second innings as well as taking six wickets and five
catches in the match.
Midway through the season Director of Cricket, Keith Donohue informed
us of his intention to step down at the end of the season. After six years in
the role, Keith felt it was the right time. Further disappointment followed
at the last match when Josh Bess announced his retirement as captain
after four years and player of eleven years. Both Keith and Josh have
played major parts in the success of the County both on and off the field
enhancing the ethos of sportsmanship and the high morale of Devon
teams over recent years. They are both thanked for their committment
and dedication.
A new system of payment for travel expenses was introduced in 2018,
which proved to be most successful with little or no problems. Our Finance
Director, Chris Theedom authorised payment promptly which made my
task very easy. In December it was disappointing to learn that Chris was
stepping down. Chris had earlier informed us that this would be his last
year due to other commitments. He kindly agreed to finalise the accounts
ahead of his departure. He spent over a dozen years dedicatedly looking
after the County’s books. He has been responsible for making all main
financial decisions, for controlling the county’s income and expenditure
and for displaying much accountancy skill in producing the annual
accounts. His efforts will be much missed and he is sincerely thanked for all
his contributions to the County club and the general committee. Hopefully,
by the time you read this we will have a new Finance Director in post.
This brochure now in its fourth year is the ‘brainchild’ of David Thorneley.
David is most pro-active in many other ways, with the introduction of
General Knowledge quizzes in two areas of Devon in the Spring. Money
raised from the quizzes is given to local charities. The introduction of a
Devon Gazebo at home matches is another of David’s ideas. David feels
we must raise the profile of Devon County Cricket Club in attracting new
members and the sale of County merchandise. We must support him in all
of these projects.
2019 will present many challenges, however, I am certain that we will
overcome the challenges and hopefully we will have a successful season.
I thank everyone who has accepted me into my role. It has been a pleasure
to be involved, and I consider it a great honour.
Nigel Mountford
Chief Executive – Devon County Cricket Club
Chief Executive’s Report
4
Minor Counties Knock Out Trophy Winners 1992 | 1994 | 1998 | 2008 | 2014
Minor Counties Championship Winners 1978 | 1994 | 1995 | 1996 | 1997 | 2004 | 2006 | 2011