I am excited to welcome everybody to another new season and pleased that once again the 1st XI will play in the A Division. I think I am right in saying it is the longest time we have spent at this level so well done to everybody involved in a successful period for the club.
Last season wasn’t without its challenges, however, with the 2s going down and the 1s finishing just 1 place above the relegation places. After a flying start, availability issues from the middle of the season made life hard work although I felt we were never in true danger of being relegated.
We have recruited fantastically well this winter to put this right and I hope it will also make life easier for my fellow captains. I am pleased to see the 3s continue and hope the 2s can bounce back with promotion. I won’t use up my word count by listing the signings but hope you soon have opportunity to be introduced at the bar. I’m sure those at the intra club match will agree that the new faces have been refreshing.
No doubt there will be some tough selection calls as a result but we will do our best to be as fair as possible, putting the best interests of the club first. In return, I would ask people to update their availability on Spond as early as possible to save us badgering you.
One signing I will name is the return of Shane Yelverton as our overseas. Shane is a genuine all rounder who had a good season with us in 2019 and has featured for the 2s when visiting the area more recently. I am really pleased to have him back and thank Becky Rice for doing the initial hosting. I’m sure Shane will be a great asset to the juniors as well as the seniors and I would encourage anybody to help out with the juniors so we can be sure they are getting the best possible coaching. Products of our junior system still play a big part in all of our senior sides.
I look forward to catching up with everybody over the summer – hopefully on a Saturday night after 60 points.
The 1st XI kick things off on 3rd May with a trip to Cricketfield Road to take on B Division runners up Barton.
Thorverton Cricket Club 