Hundred up for Slavs

Ben Slaviero is set to make his 100th appearance for the 1st XI on Saturday. Slavs made his 1st XI debut at Axminster all the way back in 2012 as the club’s overseas player for that year. Slavs was tempted back as an overseas in 2018 and has since settled permanently in the village with wife Keeley.

Opening the bowling for the 1st XI, Slavs has racked up 158 league wickets at an average of just 18. He was an integral part of the double winning side of 2021, returning his best figures that season of 6-18 against Heathcoat. He is a popular character locally and has embedded himself in the club & village; he can often be found behind the bar or helping with the ladies when not playing.

We sat down with Slavs to discuss his 99 appearances for the 1s so far.

Congratulations on making it to 100 1st XI appearances for Thorverton. What have been your favourite memories along the way?

The obvious one is promotion to the A division for the first time in 20 odd years, it’s something that I’m quite proud I was apart of and to see us be holding our own for the last 2 and a bit seasons is amazing to see.

Most memorable game would have to be Broomy hitting a 4 to win us the game against seaton is something I’ll never forget.

Off the pitch being involved with the womens team was a very rewarding experience, it’s great to see it growing and more people getting involved. Also great to see how far they have come on with there skills.

Obviously all the amazing people involved in this great club. Some of my best mates are here and wouldn’t have that if it wasn’t for the club.

What does the club mean to you?

It’s like a second family. It has been there for me in ups and downs.

Met my wife at a cricket club event and also had our wedding party there! Having my family involved and loving the club in the same way I do is an incredible feeling.

What has been your standout performance in the 1st XI?

I think it would have to be my 6 fa against Heathcoat in the promotion year. I think that’s the last time I got more the 4 wickets in the league so I need to step my game up.

What’s the funniest moment from your 99 games so far?

One that always makes me laugh is Jack Stirling getting hit for a 4 at babacombe which rolled back down the hill and to the top of his mark without a fielder touching it.

What’s the main difference between playing here and playing in Australia?

The weather obviously, playing 2 days games of 80 overs a day in 30 odd degree heat is never fun. Get a lot less balls directed at your head here which is nice. I think the biggest thing is the the length I had to bowl back in Aus to here was the biggest learning curve is probably half a metre fuller here but was a hard thing to change, if you bowled that Aussie length here would just go for runs all day.

How much has the club changed since your debut in 2012?

Besides people coming and going. The heart of the club still very much the same. Still very family orientated, play hard on the field and enjoy our time together off it. It’s things that the club has never lost which is why it’s such a great place to be around.

Do you have a favourite wicket you’ve taken?

Up until last weekend it would have been first ball of the game against filleigh in 2018. Massive in swinger which clipped off stump. Or breaking a stump in a T20.

But out of sheer luck the wicket I got on the weekend where it popped up hit the batsman’s shoulder and on to the stumps is one I had never witnessed before and probably never will again.

Can you pick an all-time XI of players you’ve played with at TCC?

Paul Fielder, Alistair Chilcott, Jack Geraghty, Jason Van Der Meulen, Harry Choules, Will Denford, Andy Pitt, Shane Yelverton, George Daldorph, Nick Barton, Jake Choules. 12th man – Jacob Broom. Pitty pips Dave Baldock as he wouldn’t want to bat at 6.

Lastly, do you think you’ll be able to reach 200 league games?

Definitely something I’d like to do. Whether it be in the ones or in the threes. I’m not going anywhere.