The 1s made 3 changes on the hunt for their first win of the season as Yelverton, Daldorph and Slaviero returned to the side:

D. Robbins, S. Hardwicke, M. Jelfs, S. Yelverton, H. Choules+, G. Daldorph, J. Elviss, B. Slaviero, A. Jopling, J. Choules*, J. Groves.

Heathcoat, relegated from the Premier Division last term, were the opponents as Choules won the toss for the 3rd time this season. With his 3 key seamers back in the side and some rain forecast, he elected to field. Slaviero got to work with a maiden while Daldorph was unlucky not to have Penberthy-Hutchings caught behind in his first over. The scare gave the opener some impetus who moved his feet well and brought the attack to Thors.

Slaviero also almost had an opening wicket when a catch went down in the cordon, with Penberthy-Hutchings making Thors pay with some commanding drives. He was backed up well by Bedford as Heathcoat raced to 71-0 after 10 overs. As the rain started to fall, Heathcoat didn’t let the change bowlers of Hardwicke and Yelverton settle. A couple of full tosses from Hardwicke, who was struggling to grip the ball in the wet weather, combined with some harder rain saw the umpires bring the players off. The total 113-0 from 14.5 overs.

After a lengthy rain delay, Thors returned to the field for what would now be a 40 over game. Finishing the 15th over, Hardwicke almost struck instantly when a tough caught and bowled chance went down. The skipper brought himself and Robbins on after the break, the latter striking first ball with an in-swinger that cleaned up Penberthy-Hutchings for 67 from 49 balls.

He and Choules kept things tight before the captain had his opposite number LBW, followed by W. Bucknell the same way. Heathcoat now 154-3 from 25 and early signs of a fight back from the hosts.

Onley-Gregson was the first right hander to come to the crease, joining opener Bedford who reached 50. Bedford tried to accelerate after the milestone but was instantly caught by Slaviero off of Robbins. By the time Choules and Robbins had bowled out, the score had reached 186-4 with 9 overs to go.

Pace off the ball seemed to be the way to success on a good Station Ground wicket so Jopling and Groves were tasked with closing out. Jops also struck instantly via George Daldorph’s bucket hands. Heathcoat struggled for momentum but passed 200 with 5 to go before Jopling struck again as Thompson fell LBW.

Stoneman and Onley-Gregson were more stubborn for the Knightshayes outfit, albeit without inflicting too much damage as Groves and Jopling toiled away. The latter had a third in the final over when Onley-Gregson chipped one over Slaviero at extra cover who athletically turned and ran backwards to take the catch some distance from his starting position. Jops was suddenly on a hat-trick and a 5fa when overseas player Goodrick picked out Hardwicke first ball. There was still time for a run-out on the penultimate ball as Heathcoat finished on 220-9 from their 40 overs.

After a plentiful Slaviero tea and some DLS calculations, Thors were set 236 to win. Robbins felt it best to remove the additional runs first over as he drove and hooked Goodrick for 3 boundaries in the same number of legal deliveries. With the help of a couple of extras, Thors had taken 24 from the first over.

Freddie Bucknell opened from the Pavilion End and also wasn’t allowed to settle as Robbins, already with his eye in, found the boundary twice more. Thors 34-0 from 2 and the target now just over 200 runs away.

Goodrick and Bucknell bowled with good pace and were tighter in their 2nd overs but the quicker it came, the quicker the pink ball seemed to race away on the rapid Station Ground outfield. Robbins had no intention in letting the change seamer Pugsley settle as he reached his half century in the 7th over off of just 24 balls. Hardwicke, meanwhile, still in single figures but doing a job. In the same over, Robbins had his first maximum as the score reached 75-0.

Heathcoat introduced some spin which allowed Hardwicke to rotate the strike more easily and he had the best seat in the house as Robbins started clearing the boundary riders. There were sweeps, drives and pulls as Thors batters in the hutch retrieved balls from around the EX5 postcode. 90-0 from 10.

When Hardwicke was caught for a sensible 9 from 31 balls, Robbins had reached 90* of Thorverton’s 112. The hundred came up with an aerial drive through cover point and Robbins raised the bat to his teammates dotted around Station Ground.

Incoming Jelfs played with great intelligence, facing very few dot balls as he gave Robbins the strike regularly after getting off the mark with a boundary himself. Jelfs had a maximum when he clubbed one through mid wicket, taking out part of a tree, and the 150 came up in the 18th over.

Heathcoat were rotating the bowling regularly by now as Robbins despatched fellow run-getter Penberthy-Hutchings over long on. He tried to go again but it was once too many when he was caught by Stoneman for a stunning 128 from 76 balls. An innings very much in the conversation for the best at Station Ground in recent memory.

Yelverton joined Jelfs and got off the mark with a boundary as the score reached 187-2. 49 runs required from 17 overs. The pair ticked things along nicely, bringing the 200 up with 12 overs still to bowl. That was until a mix up left Jelfs run out for a well-made 43. Thors still needing 15 from the last 7.

Pugsley and Stoneman didn’t give up hope for the visitors and bowled tightly. When Yelverton was caught for a patient 23, the atmosphere changed as 15 were still required but now from 5 overs. Choules and Daldorph exchanged a couple of singles before the former was dismissed, the pressure of the situation rearing its head.

George Daldorph doesn’t really feel pressure. Jamie Elviss did well to get George on strike who struck a couple of boundaries to bring Thors within touching distance going into the penultimate over. It was Elviss who drove the winning runs to save any Suspicious Minds wondering.

Scorecard

League Table

A breathless game that felt like multiple matches in one, but will ultimately be remembered for a stunning century by Dan Robbins.

19 points for Thors who go 4th in an A Division where only 5 points separate 2nd and 8th after 3 weeks.

After the abandonment at Bridestowe last week, the 1s season got under way hosting Cullompton at Station Ground. Six University of Exeter students were included in the XI:

D. Robbins, S. Hardwicke, B. Heard, J. Jacobs, H. Choules+, M. Jelfs, J. Elviss, J. Eyre, A. Jopling, J. Choules*, J. Groves.

The skipper won the toss and elected to field with Jelfs and spinner Jopling taking the new pink ball. The opening exchanges were relatively tight, Jelfs in particular looking unlucky as Everett edged through third man and overseas professional Kamunhukamwe played inside a couple.

After 6 overs though, the opening pair started to take the attack to Thors. Robbins and Hardwicke entered the attack but Kamunhukamwe made it difficult to settle as the total raced to 92-0 from 15 overs. The skipper decided to bring himself on before the first drinks break and removed Everett first ball for 39.

After drinks, Jacobs replaced Robbins, bowling seam this week instead of the leg spin that was on offer last week. Incoming King found the boundary on a couple of occasions against Choules as Cullompton continued to pile the pressure on. Thorverton rotated the bowling with little luck as the visitors reached 150 at halfway – the Station Ground outfield as rapid as ever.

Left arm tweaked Groves bowled with control from the outset and clean bowled Kamunhukamwe for 82 (67) in the 26th. King continued the momentum for the visitors and with visiting captain Parr joining him, Cullompton looked set for at least 300. However, Thors kept spirits up and started to claw things back – Jarvis Eyre standing out in the field with some great efforts boundary riding. Robbins and Groves both created half chances but nonetheless the 200 came up with 15 overs still to bowl.

Groves had a deserved 2nd in his final over when King was eventually caught behind by H. Choules for a well made 84. When the 250 came up in the 44th and Robbins and Groves bowled out, 300 was still on the cards. However, Choules from the River End this time, removed the Parr brothers in quick succession. He had a 4th next over with Jelfs making no mistake at mid off as the score reached 260-6 with 3 to go.

Tinley came in with a license and Cullompton added 20 more before he was caught off of Jopling in the final over – a stunning one handed diving catch from Hardwicke, making up for an earlier drop. Jops had another next ball and he made no mistake with a run out on the final ball as the innings ended on 281-9.

Thors therefore took some momentum into the tea break, an impressive spread put on by H. Choules and family.

The roller was requested at halfway, before Robbins impressively managed to find square leg off of his glove first ball, only for the catch to go down. As is often the way, the next ball was smashed through the covers for 4.

Cullompton also opened with spin from the Pavilion End, an experiment that only lasted 1 over when Robbins took a liking to Thorverton dweller Vincent.

The seam of Nazumudeen and J. Parr was more difficult to get away as the ball nibbled around, albeit Robbins stayed positive and despatched Parr for a maximum early. 20-0 from 5.

Eventually, the seamers had their rewards when Robbins walked off after edging behind and Brendan Parr took a screamer at first slip to remove Hardwicke off of brother Jason. When Heard also fell in the Powerplay, the writing already seemed to be on the wall at 42-3 from 10.

South African Josh Jacobs and H. Choules had other ideas, however, the former hitting B. Parr out of the attack after a solitary over. J. Parr tried some short stuff to Choules who was surprised by the first one but slapped the next couple towards the road. By drinks the total reached 83-3, and the target now under 200.

The partnership went from strength to strength after drinks as the visitors continued to rotate the bowling and 3 figures came up in the 23rd over. The next over went for 12, a boundary apiece, and the hosts suddenly felt in the game.

However, Arulvendan bowled tightly for the visitors and had the big wicket of Jacobs a couple of balls after he passed his half-century. Jelfs joined Choules and the pair ran well but by now Cullompton had worked out that pace off the ball and fielders out would make things difficult. However, 150 was passed in the 35th over and 130 to win from 15 overs still didn’t feel insurmountable.

A couple of overs later Choules was caught for 46 trying to get on with things. Elviss joined housemate Jelfs and the total ticked along before the latter was caught behind for 30. Thors 181-6 with 8 to go and attention now changed to batting bonus points.

There was a wobble when Eyre fell for a run a ball 8 and Jopling didn’t trouble the scores – Thorverton suddenly 8 down and still 3 runs from the 4th batting point (200). The incoming skipper attempted to bring a sense of calm and a boundary from Elviss soon brought up the 200. He then had licence to have some fun but fell for a tidily made 20.

Choules and Groves negotiated the final few overs, both finding the boundary, and not giving Cullompton a final bowling point. The hosts finishing on a respectable 220-9.

Scorecard

League Table

Thanks to Bob Rice in the scorebox and the supporters filtering in and out of Station Ground. Next week the 1s are home again as some big names return to hoepfully get the season going against Heathcoat. It’s a double header weekend as Ivybridge come to Thorverton on Sunday for the t20 cup.

On Friday 24th April 2026 an amazing team of twenty local parents and players took part in a community triathlon in aid of Thorverton Cricket Club and Thorverton Primary School.  

The day started bright and early at Lords Meadow Leisure Centre in Crediton. With this being the majority of the groups’ first triathlon, many were apprehensive about the swim and keen to get going. With the pool split into three lanes and friends and families watching on, the team dived into the 60 length, 1.5km swim. The early nerves soon settled and the team were off to a flying start, all completing within the hour time slot.  

With the bikes lined up and waiting, there was time for a quick snack and photo with the local paper before the start of the next leg. Picking up a couple of extra participants on the way, the group headed out just after 9am in their bright pink tops for the 40km cycle. 

Heading out of Crediton onto the Mid Devon lanes, the carefully planned route was kept relatively flat and included 3 laps between Shute and Newton St Cyres, somewhat cruelly passing The Beer Engine pub three times! The multi lap route did however provide a great opportunity for supporters and the press to keep in touch and cheer on the group. The riders were in great spirits with the sunshine, conversation and waves from other cycling groups all bringing smiles.  

The spirits rose higher still as the cyclists came into the Thorverton CC, greeted with applause and a plethora of refreshments. There were a few sore bums and tired legs but this was not the time to stop and seize up as there was still a 10k run to do! 

 Boosted by a couple of extra runners, the triathletes gritted their teeth and set off on the back lanes one last time. They headed out past Netherexe, turning at Stoke Cannon and through Brampford Speke before heading back for Thorverton. The hills back into the village tested the exhausted legs as the sun beat down. There was a much-needed boost in the final stretch as runners were cheered on by children at the primary school and with the station ground approaching it was an apt reminder of the two causes that the challenge was raising much needed funds for.  

The club was the finish line, and every runner made it back to rapturous applause and hugs from family and friends. A brilliant spread of cakes and pasties were put on and, with the bar open, the Station ground was once again a stunning backdrop for everyone to bask in the sunshine and reflect on their sporting achievements. 

A huge congratulations to all those who took part in the triathlon, to supporters, friends and family and anyone who donated. A special thank you to Simon and Paul for logistics and aid-station support, Dan for on-hand support and running the bar, Penny and Sallie for the delicious refreshments and to Matt for masterminding the whole triathlon!  

The day was a resounding success and the initial fundraising target of £8,000 was smashed out of the park as by the end of the day the total passed an amazing £13,000.  

Matt Regan, the man behind the challenge reflected;  

“We would like to thank everyone in our fantastic community for supporting us and sponsoring these brilliant and worthy causes. Our amazing, ever growing total, has also been buoyed by massive company support from the organisers of Thorfest, our village music festival, Strutt and Parker, Pallex, Energy Systems SW Ltd amongst others 

To show how important your donations are, Thorverton School needs all new outdoor play equipment for the kids and this will help make this happen, and Thorverton Cricket club is planning to build a new pavilion and community space which will cost an estimated £500k, so everyone’s donations are essential.  

An incredible day spent with incredible people, in sun-soaked beautiful Mid Devon” 

Alex Jopling will also be catching up with BBC Radio Devon about the day on Monday 27th April at 7:20am. 

The JustGiving page for the challenge is still open here – https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/thorvertontriathlon2026 
All money raised will be split between Thorverton Primary School for replacement play equipment and for Thorverton Cricket Club’s pavilion project.  

Final pre-season preparations took a 1st XI to Bradninch and Kentisbeare CC on a perfect day for cricket.  

There were welcome debuts for students Josh Jacobs and Jack Groves as the side lined up as: N. Buckeridge, A.Smerdon, O.Hawke, J.Jacobs+, F. Fenner, D.Baldock, A. Khogiani, B. Slaviero*, A. Jopling, J. Groves, S.Tait.

The home team won the toss and opted to bat, beginning cautiously against Slaviero and Khogiani. Slaviero, coming down the hill, was particularly impressive early on, testing the outside edge. The experienced duo of Chappell and Hardy soon settled though, and began targeting the shorter boundary taking B&K to 40 from 8 overs.  

It was Slaviero who deservedly made the breakthrough, getting Hardy caught behind by Jacobs. New man Hard came to the crease and immediately looked to attack. Tait joined the attack and Slaviero was replaced by Jopling, who found some control. Chappell, remained steady, and he and Hard put on 40 before Jopling found the edge off Hard, with Jacobs again taking a sharp catch. At the halfway mark, B&K were 105-2. 

Triner joined Chappell at the crease and was watchful early on with Jopling finishing a good spell of 1-30 off 8 overs. After drinks, Chappell upped the ante, taking on Groves and Tait, motoring on to a well-made 100 before retiring. Groves, though, was beginning to find his rhythm and soon had Triner chopping on for 20. 

Laubscher and Badwal joined the fray, with Laubscher striking the ball cleanly through the covers, while Badwal targeted the leg side. The pair took the score over 200 before Groves struck again, finding the edge of Laubscher – Jacobs snaffling another good catch. Skipper Slaviero came back into the attack and knocked out Laubscher’s leg stump to leave B & K 209-5 with 5 overs to go. 

Not content with three catches Jacobs was soon in on the act again, parrying a wide-ish delivery and throwing down the stumps at the non-striker’s end. B & K took the momentum into the break though as new man Brookes played a blinder, striking 47 from 15 balls, taking the total up to 280 at the end of 40 overs. 

After a fantastic tea, Thorvy started the chase with Buckeridge and Smerdon taking to the crease, the latter with fond memories of a career-best 35 at this ground last year. However, disaster struck early. Buckeridge guiding one behind square and calling Smerdon through failing to remember his parter was twice his age – a despairing dive from the England international touch rugby player not enough to save him, 1-1.  

Hawke joined Buckeridge who began to play with confidence against the pace of Triner and Laubscher finding the cover boundary with a couple of sumptuous drives. The pair ticked things over but the bowling and fielding remained tight. Hawke dispatched the new bowler Hard to the fence but was gone a few balls later, clean bowled. Buckeridge joined him a couple of overs later, trapped in front to leave the chase stumbling at 34-3 after 12.  

It was down to Jacobs and Fenner to rebuild, and they did so well. Jacobs pounced on anything loose and took a liking to the slow left arm of Hard. Fenner also began to settle as the pair passed drinks and soon took the score over 100. Chappell brought himself into the attack and tied down and end but it didn’t stop Jacobs passing 50 with another powerful shot to the long on boundary.  

He and Fenner targeted the bowling of Holding and both found the boundary regularly, but the overs continued to tick by with Ninch rotating their bowlers. Fenner passed his 50 with a six thanks to a tip over the boundary as the Thorvy pair started having some fun, each trying to outdo the other with striking down the ground. 

 As the score approached 200 the win was clearly out of reach but there was an outside chance of a ton on debut for Jacobs. This was dashed though, as one destined for a maximum was plucked brilliantly above his head by Badwal. Jacobs gone for a classy run-a-ball 82. Fenner followed suit on the first ball of the final over caught for a well-made 61. Khogiani launched his first ball into the field with one hand then ran himself out off the penultimate ball to make the captain come out for the final ball at the non-strikers.  

Thors finished with a respectable 204-6. A very useful run out and great to welcome two new students to the club with Jacobs particularly impressing on debut.  

Scorecard

The league begins next weekend with the 1st XI away to Bridestowe and Belstone CC.

Pre-season stepped up a gear after last week’s intra-club when a strong University of Exeter XI visited Station Ground.

Thors gave a run out to 13 players including a return to Station Ground for former overseas player Brendan Coetzee who is now studying in the UK. Squad: A. Pitt, N. Buckeridge, B. Coetzee, H. Choules+, F. Fenner, A. Daldorph, E. Vukusic, A. Khogiani, B. Slaviero, S. Rahmani, A. Jopling, H. Choules*.

The skipper negotiated the toss to bowl first with Slaviero and Khogiani both coming close with LBW shouts early on. Tharaneetharan, who plays his club cricket at Exeter, was the aggressor for the visitors as he punished anything too full down the ground. Once he played himself in, opposition skipper Trees joined the assault, taking a liking to the change bowling of Jopling and Risdon with the teenager having the tough task of defending the short leg side boundary.

Despite some half chances for Thors, UoE raced to 90-0 from 13 overs. The skipper brought himself into the attack and removed Tharaneetharan second ball with safe hands from Jopling at cover. Risdon found some rhythm before being replaced by Erin Vukusic who had been released by Somerset for the day. The pair kept things under 5 an over in the middle overs as the score reached 149-1 with 15 to go.

Slaviero was re-introduced as Thors continued to claw things back, striking twice in his first over back including cleaning up Trees for a well made 73. Rahmani also kept things tight from the River End and had a deserved wicket in the 30th over. UoE 166-4 with 10 to go.

Fenner and Jopling had the task of closing out with the former striking early as the Uni sought to accelerate. Things became easier when Fenner removed Holbrook for a run a ball 31 as Pitt had opportunity to turn the arm over in the spring sun. There was a 3rd Fenner wicket before the innings closed at 229-7.

A challenging chase became tougher after tea when Pitt was cleaned up by Ridge first ball by a swinging yorker that you’d rather avoid in pre-season. Coetzee had a more favourable start when he punished 2 full tosses through the offside but he also fell 1st over to one that didn’t bounce as much as he hoped.

Incoming H. Choules and teenager Buckeridge re-built against relatively tight opening spells. Choules began to find some rhythm, driving well through point and cover before Buckeridge was unlucky to play on and Fenner repeated the feat next ball to give Ridge 4 early wickets. Thors reeling at 34-4.

Andy Daldorph, fresh off a flight from visiting son George in Canada, re-built solidly as Choules continued to punish anything loose. The pair ran well and the total reached 76-4 at halfway before Andy fell for 18 in the 21st.

Vukusic looked solid before getting caught in the leg side trying to accelerate. Choules then passed his half century working left arm spinner Jack Groves into the offside. Jack – who is signed on to play for Thorverton and expected to debut at Bradninch next week, removed Choules next over though. With Khogiani coming and going at the other end, Thors were on the brink at 96-8.

The tail attempted to wag, Rahmani (14*) finding the boundary a couple of times but ultimately Thors were all out for 123.

Choules concluded:
“A really valuable run out against a strong side which I hope was a good experience for some of our younger players and those on the fringes of the 1s squad. Shak and Erin impressed with the ball and fielding was decent for this stage of the season. I felt 220 was about par but the chase was always going to be tough after losing a couple early. Good to see H find some early form.”

Next week pre-season comes to a close with a double header against Bradninch and Kentisbeare.

DONATE HERE

Matthew Regan has put together a team together to take on a fundraising triathlon on 24th April with an aim of raising £8000! The money will be split 50/50 between the club’s pavilion project and the ongoing development of Thorverton Primary School.

The team will take on an Olympic distance triathlon, consisting of swimming 1.5km (60 lengths) of Crediton Lords Meadow Swimming Pool, 40km cycle, followed by a 10km run finishing at the club.

The team so far:- Team so far – Adam Fisher, Matt Regan, Candice Regan, Annabel Hawkes, Alex Jopling, Nic Fic, Cate Stephens, Joe Reed, Katie Greet, John Harvey, Katherine Smith, Keeley Slaviero, Sureka Khan, Toby Giles, Vicky Chamings, Kerrie and Sophie Hawkes, Lisa Price, Matt Souch, Caitlin, Lara Folland and Tash Carbines. More to join either doing all or parts of it. To join in with the triathlon, please e-mail Matthew on mattregan79@live.co.uk.

Matthew said “We hope to raise £8,000-£10,000 or more split evenly between the school and the cricket club pavilion project. Earlier this year we did a marathon raising over £6,500 for a new school building so we want to raise the same amount of money whilst raising the profile of the cricket club and the school”.

Keeley Slaviero said “ So… I’ve signed up for the Triathlon (slightly against my better judgement! ). Thorverton is a place I love dearly, and I feel incredibly lucky to have been both a pupil and now a parent at the school. Thorverton Cricket Club is also very close to my heart. When Wine & Wickets first started, it was simply about bringing together an amazing group of women and four years later it’s grown into a thriving and successful ladies cricket team. Both the school and the cricket club are such special parts of our community. They give so much to so many people. So I thought… why not attempt something amazing to help support them both! If you’re able to donate or cheer me on, it would mean the world. Wish me luck, I will need it!”

Tash Carbines:- “I’ve signed up for this triathlon to help raise vital funds for two organisations that mean a great deal to me and our community. As one of five generations in my family to have attended Thorverton Primary School, supporting its future is incredibly important to me.

I’m also proud to be a player and member of Thorverton Cricket Club, which plays a huge role in bringing people together. It’s more than just a place to play sport, it’s a fantastic social hub, and I’m excited about the plans for a new pavilion that will benefit both current members and future generations.

We’re very fortunate as a community to have both such a wonderful school and a thriving cricket club. I’d love your support in helping us make a real difference; every contribution will go a long way in strengthening these important local institutions.”

You can donate to the fundraising efforts on the JustGiving page HERE. Please support the fantastic efforts of Matthew and his team in any way you can!

We are delighted to announce the signing of Jack Groves and Josh Jacobs – University of Exeter Students who will turn out for Thors in the early part of the season.

Jack is a left arm spinner, adding a new dynamic to the already strong Thors bowling attack. Jack has experience in the Sussex Premier Division and has bowled with great control over the winter.

Josh will be classified as an overseas player due to his South African heritage so is expected to strengthen the 2s for their E East campaign, although he will be capable of stepping up should the opportunity arise. Josh can bowl, bat and wicket-keep so will be a great asset while he’s available throughout May.

The signings come following successful UoE incomings last year – Nick Chaplin, Mahir Choksi and Sam Hardwicke. Nick has now returned to the Home Counties following the completion of his studies. Sam is expected to be available until well into July this year and is just one appearance away from earning a 1st XI Cap. Mahir had a stop-start beginning to life with Thors but has committed for another season and will add some flare with the bat when available, albeit currently recovering from a wrist injury.

1st XI Captain Jake Choules comments:
“It’s been a quiet winter in general but really pleased to continue our good relationship with the Uni. The boost at the start of the season is always handy when our younger local players have school and uni commitments. Jack and Josh look to be great assets and in addition to Mahir and Sam, I am hoping to have some competition for places come the summer.”

The granting of planning permission in December 2025 marked a significant step in the process of developing a new pavilion at the Station Ground.  

However, the hard work really starts now asthe club needs to source considerable funding in order to make the dream a reality.

A new working group, capital funding strategy and business plan are being developed and planning conditions are being worked on. 

Whilst final figures have not been determined the estimated cost of the project is in the region of £500,000 with over £5,000 having already been spent on planning submission requirements. 

The club are incredibly grateful to Andrew Foster and his charity, The Speranza Trust, who have recently donated £10,000 towards the project. This generous contribution is a very welcome boost to the existing club pot. 

 

How Can You Help?

Fundraising Committee – we are looking for volunteers to be part of a fundraising committee to look at club and community events over the year. 

 

Funding Expertise 

Do you have experience in writing funding strategies, grant applications or sourcing funding? We’d like to hear from anyone who could help with this.

If you are able to help please reach out to someone or email thorvertonccdevelopment@gmail.com

 

Thorverton Triathlon Fundraiser 

On Friday 24th April we’ll be completing a Thorverton Triathlon to raise funds for the Thorverton Primary School and the Pavilion Project.

A group will be taking on the Olympic distance 1.5km swim, 40km cycle and 10km run – finishing at the cricket club for a well-deserved celebration!! 

The aim is to raise £8,000 through donations to the JustGiving page, you can support the challenge here: – https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/thorvertontriathlon2026

 

Sponsorship 

Could you support the club through sponsorship? For as little as £30 you could sponsor a player or for just a little more sponsor a match or have a board up around the ground. You can find out more here – https://thorvertoncc.co.uk/become-a-club-sponsor-for-2026/

 

Easy-fundraising 

Everyone can do their bit by supporting the Easyfundraising platform. You can raise money for the club every time you shop onlineat no additional cost to you! We’ve raised almost £2,000 over the years. Please visit our easy-fundraising site – https://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/thorvertoncc/

 

50/50 Draw

Once the season starts there will be a 50/50 club draw running from the club. Pick a number from 1-100, pay £10, and be in 5 x monthly draws to win a share of £100. 

Over the season £500 will go to the club and £500 given out in prizes!

Donations

Would you like to make a donation to the project?

Anyone wishing to make a donation to the club can do so by using the following bank details:-

Thorverton Cricket Club

01257512

30-93-14

If you would like to make a donation by other means or know of any potential donors please get in contact – thorvertonccdevelopment@gmail.com.

We’re delighted to announce that South African all-rounder Shane Yelverton has agreed to return to Station Ground for the 2026 season.

Shane is no stranger to Mid Devon, having appeared as the club’s overseas player in 2019 and 2025. He also turned out for the 2nd XI in both 2023 and 2024 whilst visiting the area.

Shane was an integral part of the 1st XI’s joint highest Devon League finish last term, scoring 447 runs @ 31.93 and taking 17 wickets @22.29. A match-winning century against eventual A Division champions Hatherleigh was his standout performance.

Everyone who has met Shane will know he is also a great asset to the club off the pitch, helping with women’s and junior sessions as well as aiding the club’s bar takings.

1st XI skipper Jake Choules said:-

“Thrilled to have Shane back for another season. Securing him again was my number one target for the winter so pleased to get it done. Having a genuine all rounder as our overseas was a big part in why we finished so high in the table last year and his hard working and passionate character is invaluable on and off the field.”

Shane said:- “Guess who’s back? So excited and privileged to say I’ll be back at Thorverton this year. Last season was such a great one and I’m more motivated than ever to get the club to even higher heights this year.

So appreciative of the club & everyone else involved for wanting me back. Really looking forward to being involved with everything again – the training, games, helping with colts and all the coaching I’ll be doing again. See you all very soon!“

Shane will be staying with the Robbins family for the first chunk of the season. They are currently looking to kit out their annex with furniture for Shane – if you are in the process of getting rid of any furniture for free/cheap, please do let us know. Shane will then move on to Becky Rice’s. Our sincere thanks to both the Robbins and Becky for their support with hosting.

The draw has been made for the Devon T20 Cup, with Thors one of four teams not to receive a bye to the last 16 of Devon’s Premier T20 competition.

For the first time since 2019, Thors will play at home in one of the T20 Cup competitions, hosting B Division runners up, Ivybridge.

Ties must be played by 31st May 2026. A date and time will be confirmed in due course.