We sat down with Jake Choules to dissect the 2022 season.
You mentioned in your interview after last season that staying up was the goal – are you content with how things have gone or do you feel we ended up short of where we could’ve been?
I can have no complaints with the way it’s gone. We set out to stay up and get the 2nd XI up and that’s exactly what we did. 6th is a respectable finish and when you look at the tight games, there’s no reason why we can’t push on a bit further in future.
There were a few tight fixtures we came out on the wrong side of – what went wrong and what have you learned from them?
They were just down to fine margins really, a couple of catches being held or decisions going your way can change things a lot in those games. Going forward, the lesson is to know we need to be at a high level for the whole 100 overs.
What’s been the biggest difference in the step up to the A Division?
The standard of opposition has been a step up as expected. Teams bat a lot deeper in this league and some of the overseas players have been a nightmare to play against.
Talking of overseas players – how impressed were you with Jason Van Der Meulen?
He was absolutely brilliant, we couldn’t have asked for anyone better. You never know what to expect, especially with opting for somebody so young, but his stats speak for themselves and his commitment off the field has been exceptional. We would love to have him back if the opportunity arose.
Who else has stood out?
Lots of strong team performances just like last season but Chilly scoring over 500 runs was brilliant. Tom Diamond rose to the challenge of batting at 3 at the start of the year which was great to see. Some strong performances with the ball too with Slavs really impressing with some of the big clubs trying to tap him up!
Can you see any signings being made in the off-season? Are there any youngsters you’re tipping to make the step up in 2023?
We used 4 teenagers in the 1s last season (Sam Jefferson, Bobby Heard, Luke Vukusic & George Daldorph) and they’re only going to get better after that experience. Unfortunately they’ll all be at uni at the start of the season but I back the squad to be strong enough.
Our signings last season approached us as they can see we’re doing things properly. I won’t be out desperately looking for people but if people approach us again I won’t be complaining.
There seems to be a lot of discussion about potential changes in the Devon League – what would you like to see?
Yeah – there’s been conversations between captains which can only be a good thing. I don’t think the league is really broken so wouldn’t suggest complete overhaul but I do think we will move towards coloured kit and pink or white ball which I think is a good thing.
You must be happy to have won the Covid Cup again? It must be disappointing we didn’t get past the first hurdle in the Devon T20 after our recent T20 record?
The covid cup win was brilliant. I can’t take any credit as I didn’t feature at all but those that played did a great job against some really top sides. Lots of young players featured which is really encouraging. It’s a good competition and I’m looking forward to it continuing next summer. It needs a name change though so if any sponsors are out there who’d like the opportunity then do get in touch!
Unfortunately we had an availability crisis for the first round of the County Cup and I’m still not quite over it as I think we could’ve caused some upsets in that competition and gone pretty far, particularly when you look at the Covid Cup win this year and Corinthian Cup win last year.
What are the aims for next year?
Ultimately the underlying aim is to stay in the division but if everything goes to plan and we don’t lose anybody then there’s no reason why we can’t push for the top half and disrupt some of the bigger clubs.
Can we expect you to still be at the helm?
That’s something I’ll discuss with the squad but happy to carry on if voted in!
Thorverton Cricket Club 