Match Report – Sandford (A) – Pre-Season Friendly – 16th April

On a sunny day at Creedy Park and as if it had never been away, cricket was back.

In our first pre season friendly of the year, Thorverton lined up with: Pitt, Chilcott, A. Daldorph, Porter, Diamond, H. Choules+, Robbins, G. Daldroph, Jopling, J. Choules*, Tait.

There was a debut for Jay Porter, winter signing from Hatherleigh as Choules won the toss and elected to field.

Ryan Glass and ex pro Jackson Thompson set about positively for Sandford as Thorverton bowlers struggled to get to grips with the slope. Diamond dismissed Glass and Robbins got Thompson, both thanks to smart catches from Andy Daldorph.

Alex Jopling bowled with great control up the hill to provide some much needed control for the visitors and Sandford reached 121-2 at drinks.

The run rate ebbed and flowed in the second session as Lawrence Walker retired on 50 and Devon wicket-keeper Adam Small fell for 41 to Choules.

Harrison Jones (68*) accelerated and Sandford finished on 238-4.

After eating tea and discussing how much we had missed this part of the game, Pitt and Chilcott set about the Thorverton chase. Chilcott missed a straight one and was out LBW. Pitt followed soon after trying to go after Jack Ford (3-21), a player Thorverton know well from his Bideford days in the B Division.

A collapse ensued with A. Daldorph, Porter, H. Choules and Robbins falling without reaching double figures thanks to some tight bowling from the hosts, although a couple of tough decisions also went the wrong way from a Thorverton point of view.

Tom Diamond and George Daldorph counter attacked and took the score from 45-6 to 151-7 as Daldorph fell for 65.

Jopling and Choules stuck around with Diamond to ensure he reached his first half century for the club. There was a mix up between Diamond and the skipper resulting in a run out, quickly followed by the former being stumped. TCC finished on 189AO.

Full scorecard available here

Overall it was a useful first run out for Thors including stalwart scorer Bob Rice who got to grips with online scoring, a requirement for the A Division. Thanks to Jimmy May for his support with this and to our supporters and hosts on the day.

The game was played in good spirits between sides that had not faced each other at senior level for some years, but watch this space for some exhibition T20s between the clubs.

Thorverton look forward to two pre season friendlies next weekend as we host Bradninch and visit Cullompton. Early team news sees a return for Ben Slaviero and George Greed and a welcome for Jason Van Der Meulen.