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Devon at the Oval in 1954 for the play-off game against Surrey. Stuart Mountford is in the back row, far right. Derek Cole is fourth from right, also in the back row.

THERE aren't many of Derek Cole's cricket contemporaries around these days as he outlived most of the Devon players from the 40s and 50 who shared the dressing room with him.

   One of the few is former Bovey Tracey wicketkeeper-batsman Stuart Mountford, who will celebrate his 83rd birthday this summer.

   Mountford was one of a number of wicketkeepers who played for Devon during the 50s — when he could get time off from his uncle's car repair business in Bovey Tracey.

   Mountford said Cole's talent was obvious, but it was his hard work that made him into something special as an amateur cricketer.

   He was also a sportsman, for whom winning at all costs wasn't the most important thing.

   “If a batsman hit Derek for a four with a good shot, then Derek would be the first to applaud him,” said Mountford.

   “There was a wonderful atmosphere about our cricket in those days, none of that sledging and barracking that goes on these days, and Derek epitomised that spirit.

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