IT was quite a difficult day for me on Sunday when I played my final match for Worcestershire.

I have been at the club for quite a long time and I leave with a lot of fond memories.

If I’m honest, Sunday was a lot harder than I thought it would be. The standing ovation I got when I was out was brilliant — I was a little choked by it all.

I would like to thank everyone involved with the club — I have enjoyed my time here and I suppose there aren’t many times in professional cricket you can finish with a win or a wicket with your last ball.

Of course, it would have been so much better if I had a better season. I know I’m leaving after what was my worst-ever campaign — I wish it could’ve been different.

The senior members of the squad have disappointed this season but what I do see as I leave is optimism for the future.

I have spoken about Daryl Mitchell and his potential in recent columns, but next year he won’t be classed as a youngster any more — he is now one of the senior guys.

But there are people like Richard Jones who have impressed me. Not just for how he has performed on the pitch in recent weeks but this past year.

He went away in the winter and worked so hard in getting himself a summer contract. He has delivered this year and I really hope he continues to push on. If he keeps progressing like he has done this season you never know where it could lead.

Fellow pace bowler Chris Whelan had a great start to the season before injuries disrupted his rhythm.

Gareth Andrew has found some great form with the bat and ball, displaying the ability that he has with both. He has been leading the attack recently and that is to his credit.

These young guys have shown there is some optimism at New Road when some of us senior players, myself very much included in this, have not performed.

There have been some good times during my eight seasons, winning the Pro40, getting promotion to the First Division, even winning the Second Division in the manner we did have been just a few.

The lows have been getting to Lord’s twice and losing on both occasions.

What I’ll miss the most is the friendships I have made during my time with Worces-tershire.

The New Road supporters have been great to me and I want to thank you all for that.

I have also made some very strong friendships in the dressing room — ones that I will keep with me for the rest of my life.

I look at life as a journey and the most important part of that journey is the friendships you make along the way.

The ones that I have made with Worcestershire I will cherish forever.