Thompson on last lap to retirement back on ground where he scored his first Devon century | 'At the time I was just grateful to contribute to a team full of Devon legends' – Matt Thompson

CONRAD SUTCLIFFE REPORTING

DEVON’S Matt Thompson won’t be dwelling on the past for more than a moment of two when he steps on to the ground at Eastnor tomorrow when play gets under way against Herefordshire.

Thompson, who will be 34 in December, told Devon’s management at the end of the 2024 season that 2025 would be his last.

Herefordshire at Eastnor in July 2010 was the second of Thompson’s appearances for Devon – Cornwall at Torquay was the first – and it proved to be a landmark occasion for the then 18-year-old keeper-batter.

Thompson compiled a patient century opening the batting, the first of six so far in three-day cricket.

What made it more special was that Thompson wrote himself a place in Devon history. At just 18 years and 206 days old he was the youngest player to make a Minor Counties century for Devon. Ben Green broke the record in 2015 against Cornwall at Truro.

Thompson has been a permanent fixture on Devon team-sheets ever since. He has had two stints as county captain and is the last survivor still playing of the 2011 side that defeated Cambridgeshire to win the Minor Counties title outright. 

Eastnor has an indelible place in Thompson’s Devon career, but the present is more important than the past to him, at least for the time being.

A Devon win at Eastnor would install them as favourites to win the Western Division title, which would be a dream end to Thompson’s Devon career.

Looking back to that game in 2010 and his maiden Devon ton, Thompson said: “I think at the time I was just grateful to contribute to a team full of Devon legends.

“I was always keen on leaving an impact on Devon cricket in some way, shape or form – and longevity was probably my best way of trying to do that. 

“I have only played there once since in that tied game years back, so it will be lovely to be back there. But all focus is on this game as it's a big one for us.”

The Devon ‘legends’ of the time Thompson referred to included future England player Craig Overton, run-machine Neil Hancock, ton-up appearance maker Bob Dawson, future captains Josh Bess and Chris Bradley and Chris Metters, who went on to play for Warwickshire before injury ended his career prematurely.

Also in that team was pace bowler Trevor Anning, who has played more three-day games for Devon (69 between 2002-2015) than anyone else. Thompson is on course to match that figure before he finishes.

Devon go into the game a point ahead of Berkshire at the top of the Western Division One table.

Tim Western, Devon CCC’s performance director, hopes the momentum generated by a six-wicket win over Cornwall last time out can be maintained.

“Key for us is to keep playing positive cricket and for everyone in the team to contribute in their roles,” said Western, a former Torquay team-mate of Thompson's. 

“Each session this year, the team is learning and shaping for the better.

“Herefordshire have shown they are a good side but we are confident we can grind out a positive response at Eastnor.”

[O] A comprehensive look back at Matt Thompson's Devon career will appear before his last game, which will be against Oxfordshire at Sidmouth, starting on August 31.

Devon against Herefordshire at Sidmouth in 2015 under the captaincy of Matt Thompson. Back (left to right): Rachel Tozer, Josh Mailling, Ben Williams, Ryan Stevenson, Matt Golding, Zak Bess, Max Curtis, Dom Bess, Keith Donohue; front: Harvey Sargent, Trevor Anning, Thompson, Charlie Miles, Barney Huxtable. Despite second-innings half centuries from Thompson, Golding and Ryan Stevenson, Devon lost by eight wickets.?