Thompson (pictured) and Hamilton bat Devon into strong position on day one against Berkshire | 'It was a great partnership, which we have to capitalise on by pressing on and setting-up a good lead' –James Horler
MATT Thompson entered on the final lap of his Devon career with another half-century on a rain-affected first day against Berkshire at Wargrave.
Devon, who were asked to bat first, closed on a respectable 211 for four from 75 overs thanks largely to half-centuries from Elliot Hamilton and Thompson.
Keeper-batter Thompson, 33, made his three-day Devon debut back in 2010 and since then has totted-up six centuries – two in the same match against Oxfordshire at Sidmouth – and now 14 scores of 50 or more.
Thompson has decided after 16 seasons and more than 140 competitive games in all three formats of the game, he has done his bit. He will be putting his kit away at the end of this campaign.
Thompson did a bit more once more at Wargrave, where Devon were none for one after seven balls and needed a bit of shoring up.
James Horler, one of Thompson’s successors as captain, got a first-baller from Charlie Dunnett and trooped sadly back to the pavilion.
“I wasn’t expecting a full-bunger first up and just lost it halfway down,” said Horler.
Thompson and Hamilton put on 173 for the second Devon wicket in stand that ended when the former pulled Josh Lincoln (2-37) to catcher Rhys Lewis at mid-wicket.
For Horler it was a job well done by the two left-handers.
“It was a great partnership, which we have to capitalise on by pressing on and setting-up a good lead,” said Horler.
Hamilton was on 87 when he got out, compiled in his typically studious way. There were 11 fours next to his name from the 184 balls faced.
Thompson exited two overs later for 68 scored in three hours and 30 minutes. Lincoln snared him lbw.
Horler had hoped to reach close of play only three wickets down, but Rhys Davies departed nine balls before time. Lawrence Walker (14no) and Callum Harvey (4no) are Devon’s not-out batsmen overnight.
Devon have 15 first-innings overs remaining to get as close to 325 and maximum bonus points as possible. It’s a situation tailor-made for Walker and Sam Read, both of whom like to get on with it when the chance arises.
