Eastern Counties Cup champions Cleveland County have announced the retirement of stalwart Dion Stovell from the competition.

Stovell, who was first selected by the Devil’s Hole club as a colt in 2010, retires with 1,031 runs, multiple hundreds and 31 wickets. He was the fastest player to 1,000 runs in the competition when he got the milestone against Bailey’s Bay at Lord’s, St Davids, in July 2024.

Last year, the 41-year-old scored 16 runs and picked up three wickets for Cleveland to end Bay’s reign as champions.

“Today, Cleveland County Cricket Club and Harrington Workmen’s Club pay tribute to one of our greatest-ever servants as Dion Stovell retires from the Eastern Counties competition,” the club announced.

“From playing his very first game of cricket at Cleveland County Cricket Club to becoming one of Bermuda’s finest cricketers, Dion’s Eastern Counties journey has been defined by loyalty, leadership and excellence.

“Selected as a colt in the 2010 Eastern County, Dion became a driving force behind Cleveland’s resurgence, playing a pivotal role in ending the club’s 33-year wait to win the Eastern Counties Cup in 2014.

“His unbeaten 82 against St David’s and unforgettable century against Bailey’s Bay remain among the defining performances in Cleveland’s history and helped launch one of the club’s most successful eras.

“Beyond the numbers, Dion will be remembered for his match-winning performances, calmness under pressure, leadership and his trademark ever-so-convincing, iconic appeal that became synonymous with Eastern Counties cricket.”

Courtney Trott, the Cleveland coach, described Stovell as someone who has been dependable for the club in the competition over the years.

“Dion has been a fantastic servant and player for Cleveland County in the Eastern Counties,” he said.

“He scored over a 1,000 runs and I believe he’s the highest run-getter for Cleveland in the competition. He’s done wonderful things for the club and we’ll miss him as a player.

“But this just gives an opportunity for others in the team to step up and do what needs to be done. We wish him well in his retirement.”

Cleveland start their title defence against Bay at Lord’s on July 18. If the result goes in their favour, they will face Flatts on August 15, with St David’s waiting in the final round on August 29.

Stovell is also closing his Cup Match chapter when the Annual Classic goes to Somerset at the end of this month. He is planning to retire alongside Malachi Jones, with the pair having been picked as colts in 2006.