DEVON'S umpires have lost their long-serving chairman, who has quit following internal bickering over expenses payments.

David Moseby, who lives in Brixham, has been chairman of the Devon Association of Cricket Officials for the past 10 years. DACO's annual meeting is three months away, when a new chairman will be appointed.

Moseby said he decided to call it a day immediately as he has become disillusioned with the attitude of some of the members towards the management of the association. In a prepared statement Moseby said the management committee had endeavoured to take on board the views of area representatives to reach democratic decisions.

The statement added: "Regrettably, in recent times a small minority of DACO members have been unwilling to accept such decisions if it did not suit them personally and in some cases acted in a totally unacceptable manner.

"They are quick to criticise members of management but unwilling to put their names forward to stand. Over a period of time this sole factor has diminished my enthusiasm to carry on in the role.

"There have been numerous challenges over the years but sadly, as other chairmen know, there comes a time when the dissenters just start wearing you down. A meeting at Barnstaple was the last straw.

"It has been an honour to serve DACO during this period and I thank all fellow officers and all members, who have been supportive."

Moseby wanted to bring in a simplified method of paying umpires' match-day expenses, which some officials were dead against. He didn't want to add to his statement when asked for more details.

However, a DACO insider said: "I think he felt there was no point having a management executive and not letting them manage. His view was if the members didn't like it they could throw him and committee out at the annual meeting."

Moseby will continue to stand in matches and train new umpires.