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ROGER Moylan-Jones, who succeeded Cole as Devon chairman in 1996, said Cole's record of service to Devon cricket could not be underestimated.

     “It is difficult to think of anyone who has contributed so much to the Devon County Cricket Club, and indeed to Devon cricket as a whole, as Derek Cole,” said Moylan-Jones.

      “Starting his county career as an opening bowler and lower-order batsman, he developed through his own dedication and application into a most reliable and prolific opening batsman, and never one to give his own wicket away.

   “I first played under his captaincy as an 18 year old in the late 1950s, and a most canny, positive captain he was, leading by example   with his performance, application and enthusiasm whether batting, bowling – by then medium-pace off-cutters - or taking sharp chances in the gully.

      “He graduated from the University of Exeter – then the University College of the South West – and taught at Teignmouth Grammar School before becoming a civilian lecturer at BRNC Dartmouth.

      “Quite by coincidence, I was in his tutor group during training at BRNC Dartmouth, where he played a leading role in the running of college cricket.

      “I am not aware how many years he served at BRNC, but I believe he finished up as head of the science department, if not the deputy to the director of studies.

      “I found myself facing him when BRNC played Torquay CC within weeks of joining the Navy.

      “When I took over from him at the beginning of the ECB and county board regime, Devon's transition to the new way of business was much smoother than some other counties found it – Derek had done much to bring the Devon cricketing family together on the county committee as if in preparation for the new era.

      “It was only fitting that he should complete his Devon time as our president which ended, as it so sadly happened, just a week before he died.”

   Torquay chairman Steve Craig said Cole's death marked the end of an era for both the club and the county.

   “He had a remarkable record as a cricketer and will be fondly remembered by those of his generation who saw him play,” said Craig.

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