There were 2 changes for the 1st XI to host Torquay and Kingskerswell, lining up with: A. Pitt, D. Robbins, A. Kingdon, S. Yelverton, H. Choules+, G. Daldorph, B. Heard, F. Fenner, B. Slaviero, A. Jopling, J. Choules*.
In the final home game of the season, Choules won the toss and elected to field once again. Slaviero started tightly as in-form Thompson sought to take the attack to Daldorph from the River End. George had his man in his second over though when the opener skied one into the leg side, safely caught by Henry Squire running in from square leg.
The pitch looked flat and the outfield rapid in the early exchanges, Western and overseas player Roux making the most of the extra pace, however, there was enough in it to keep Thor’s spirts up, backed up by some solid fielding in the ring. The change bowlers of Yelverton and Robbins started relatively tightly but the scoreboard kept ticking over as Torquay reached a solid 63-1 at the 17 over drinks break.
The over after drinks was eventful with plenty of wides as the ball started swinging, but Robbins had Western caught at slip via his outside edge on the last ball of the over for an important breakthrough. With opposition skipper Passenger joining Roux, Torquay managed to continue to move things along steadily despite the seamers finding some consistent areas.
As the 100 came up around the halfway mark, the home skipper may have been questioning his choice at the toss. Perhaps even more so when Roux took his first over for a couple boundaries. However, in his next over, Choules brought the boundary riders up to tempt opposite number Passenger who duly obliged – Yelverton taking a fantastic catch running backwards from mid off.
Choules had another key breakthrough next over when Roux (40) holed out to Slaviero at long on – giving the skipper his 300th 1st XI wicket in just over 200 games.
Things went from bad for worse for the visitors when Robbins had dangerman Kelmere LBW and was on a hat trick after dislodging Western junior’s off stump first ball. As hat trick balls generally go, it wasn’t a bad one from Robbins but Emdad survived. There was still time for a 3rd in the over though, an edge behind safely caught by H. Choules.
In the space of 4 overs, Torquay had gone from 117-2 to 123-7 with most of the key names removed. The stubborn Baxendale remained and despite surviving an early caught behind scare off of Choules, dug in well for his club as he had done in the return fixture.
Daldorph had another burst either side of the second drinks break to no avail before Jopling and Choules bowled some tight overs in tandem. After 8 overs himself, Choules chucked the ball back to Slaviero who cleaned up Lillywhite first ball after a patient 12 from 40 balls. After surpassing the 150 mark and third batting point, Baxendale was given the nod to free the arms and did well to squeeze a couple of boundaries through the off side. However, when given the opportunity to bowl at 10 and 11, it didn’t take Slaverio long to clean up. Torquay 161 all out.
After a superb Slaviero tea – Keeley also putting on a cream tea afternoon to raise over £100 for Breast Cancer Now – Thors got on with the chase. Torquay opened with the spin of Baxendale, always an awkward proposition, but a boundary second ball from Pitt instantly eased any early anxiety. The seam of Thompson was easier to get away, Robbins taking 10 from his first over – aided by a no ball for the visitors having too many fielders outside of the fielding circle.
In Thompson’s next over, Robbins launched one over the road into the Secret Garden as Thors raced to 30-0. Pitt failed to execute his sweeps and eventually fell LBW to Baxendale. Whilst the introduction of more spin in the form of Passenger didn’t slow Robbins down, taking 12 off of the skippers first over, Baxendale had another when teenager Squire was caught behind for 1. There was time for 2 more dismissive Robbins (32) boundaries but he also had to go when he was caught by Baxendale off of Passenger. A high octane opening 8 overs leaving Thors 55-3.
H. Choules and Yelverton brought a sense of calm to proceedings much to the relief of most inside Station Ground. Yelverton also took a liking to Passneger though, making the most of the rapid outfield to drive a couple of boundaries through the offside. Choules made the most of some early Kelmere looseners and a tiring Baxendale to strike 3 boundaries of his own as the score reached 101-3 from 17.
Just as it looked like Thors were back in control, Choules (23) was bowled by one that skidded a little low to give Torquay another sniff post drinks. After a couple of balls to have a look, Daldorph decided not to hang around and an array of wristy flicks and sweeps brought us quickly into the 130s. Yelverton backed George up well until he also had to go – bowled by Passenger for 33. Thors now 136-5.
Heard knew he didn’t have to take any risks with Daldorph somehow finding another gear but he ran well with his teammate to bring the 150 up at the halfway stage. A couple of wides meant it would be impossible for George to bring up 50 without hitting 2 maximums. He went close when he slapped one over extra cover for a one bounce 4 – then finished things off with minimal fuss, going leg side this time for 4 more.
Another comprehensive 20 point win for Thors by 5 wickets with 22 overs remaining.
Elsewhere, Hatherleigh beat Tavistock in what looked to be the title decider. Thors are now 13 points behind Tavistock going into the final round – the gap closing dramatically in recent weeks. Mathematically, there is still a chance of a promotion to the Premier Division but with Tavistock hosting bottom side Barton, 20 points at Kilmington and a significant slice of luck are needed…
Thorverton Cricket Club 