Jack Stirling, Sallie Hayes, Mary Ette, Lynne Butler, Jan Birmingham, Jason van der Meulen and Alex Jopling with Mark King, founder of The Oliver King Foundation
We were delighted to welcome Mark and Dave from The Oliver King Foundation to Station Ground today to deliver our defibrillator and public access box following a successful crowdfunding campaign. Mark and Dave had travelled from Liverpool to personally deliver the defibrillator and defibrillator and CPR training to the 9 attendees.
The public access box will be installed on the pavilion wall as a matter of urgency and the defibrillator will be registered on the national circuit of defibrillators as soon as this has been completed.
Mark set up the foundation following the tragic death of his son Oliver in 2011. Oliver was just 12 years old and suffered a cardiac arrest during a swimming lesson at his school in Liverpool. A defibrillator was not available in the area and an ambulance didn’t arrive for 20 minutes.
Mark has tirelessly campaigned for defibrillators to be mandatory in schools. He has personally placed over 6,000 defibrillators across the UK and trained over 135,000 individuals. Over 60 lives have been saved by the defibrillators placed by the foundation.
You can read more about the foundation and their fantastic work on their website – here.
On a sunny day at Creedy Park and as if it had never been away, cricket was back.
In our first pre season friendly of the year, Thorverton lined up with: Pitt, Chilcott, A. Daldorph, Porter, Diamond, H. Choules+, Robbins, G. Daldroph, Jopling, J. Choules*, Tait.
There was a debut for Jay Porter, winter signing from Hatherleigh as Choules won the toss and elected to field.
Ryan Glass and ex pro Jackson Thompson set about positively for Sandford as Thorverton bowlers struggled to get to grips with the slope. Diamond dismissed Glass and Robbins got Thompson, both thanks to smart catches from Andy Daldorph.
Alex Jopling bowled with great control up the hill to provide some much needed control for the visitors and Sandford reached 121-2 at drinks.
The run rate ebbed and flowed in the second session as Lawrence Walker retired on 50 and Devon wicket-keeper Adam Small fell for 41 to Choules.
Harrison Jones (68*) accelerated and Sandford finished on 238-4.
After eating tea and discussing how much we had missed this part of the game, Pitt and Chilcott set about the Thorverton chase. Chilcott missed a straight one and was out LBW. Pitt followed soon after trying to go after Jack Ford (3-21), a player Thorverton know well from his Bideford days in the B Division.
A collapse ensued with A. Daldorph, Porter, H. Choules and Robbins falling without reaching double figures thanks to some tight bowling from the hosts, although a couple of tough decisions also went the wrong way from a Thorverton point of view.
Tom Diamond and George Daldorph counter attacked and took the score from 45-6 to 151-7 as Daldorph fell for 65.
Jopling and Choules stuck around with Diamond to ensure he reached his first half century for the club. There was a mix up between Diamond and the skipper resulting in a run out, quickly followed by the former being stumped. TCC finished on 189AO.
Overall it was a useful first run out for Thors including stalwart scorer Bob Rice who got to grips with online scoring, a requirement for the A Division. Thanks to Jimmy May for his support with this and to our supporters and hosts on the day.
The game was played in good spirits between sides that had not faced each other at senior level for some years, but watch this space for some exhibition T20s between the clubs.
Thorverton look forward to two pre season friendlies next weekend as we host Bradninch and visit Cullompton. Early team news sees a return for Ben Slaviero and George Greed and a welcome for Jason Van Der Meulen.
We sat down with 1st XI skipper on the eve of the season for a preseason interview.
How’s the buildup to the season been? It must be nice to have had a chance for substantial preparations after the last couple of years?
Yes, it’s been nice to be able to have a proper indoor net programme this year for the first time in a couple of years. We were at the Buzz about Cricket centre which was a nice change.
We were lucky enough to be joined by a couple of new players indoors with Jay Porter signing on.
We’ve started training outdoors now on a Thursday from 6-8 and the turn out has been encouraging. Availability is decent for the pre season games and we’re looking forward to getting going starting with a trip to Sandford.
What’s the goal for the season & how do we get there? Any changes in approach for this season?
From a 1st XI perspective, it will be about staying up and consolidating in the A Division. I’m under no illusions that that won’t be easy, particularly looking at how other clubs have strengthened. We have added to the squad too of course with Jason and Jay.
I don’t think we need to change too much from last year in terms of our approach to games, but one thing I have said to the boys is that we are likely to win fewer matches, so for those games that we don’t win, we need to focus on bonus points.
I’ve made no secret about wanting to get the 2nd XI promoted. This also won’t be easy with the likes of Bobby Heard and Luke Vukusic away travelling and will depend a lot on availability; but if availability is strong then I don’t see why we can’t compete.
Have you identified any areas we need to work on from last year?
This is difficult considering how strong we were last year, but making the change from 45 overs to 50 overs will make batting the overs that bit more difficult. Batting the overs is something I talk about a lot and I don’t see that changing this season.
Who are your ones to watch for the season?
Another difficult one given how much of a team effort last season was. Obviously everyone is excited to see what Jason can do. I’m also looking forward to Dave Hooper’s first full season. I’d also mention George Daldorph who performed well in the 1st XI at the back end of last season and in the Corinthian Cup. I’d expect him to have plenty of opportunities this summer.
Which sides do you think will provide the sternest tests during the season?
There won’t be any easy games that’s for sure. Naturally, Exmouth and Exeter coming down from the Premier Division will be strong and I know the boys can’t want to visit those grounds. Torquay sound strong too so that will be a tough opening day. It looks like Plympton have some guys around the Devon set up too. I’ve never played there so looking forward to that one as well.
A tough draw in the Devon T20, but it must be nice to test ourselves against some of the toughest opponents in the county?
Yes, it’s a shame in some way that we can’t attempt to defend the Corinthian Cup but looking forward to making the next step. We also have the covid cup with Bradninch, Clyst St George and Exeter so plenty of top quality T20 cricket for spectators to see at Station Ground.
What do you think the main differences will be in comparison to the B Division?
Naturally, I’m expecting a slightly higher standard of cricket. I think teams are likely to bat a bit deeper, particularly those at the top end of the table.
The extra 5 overs per innings will be an interesting change too, as previously mentioned. There will be some challenges like batting for longer but I’m looking forward to being able to use some of my strike bowlers for 10 overs instead of 9. It gives more opportunity for 3 spells rather than 2.
Finally – you often delivered on your promise that if the 1s and 2s both won on the same Saturday, you would get the beers in. Can we expect the same this season?
Yep absolutely! 2 wins and the first jug is on me.
We are pleased to announce the signing of 20 year old wicket-keeper batsman Jay Porter from Premier Division Hatherleigh CC.
Jay is set to make his Thorverton debut on Saturday in the first friendly of the season at Sandford.
Jay will be sponsored by Shires Construction for the 2022 season. You can learn more about Jay in his player profile below.
Player Profile
Highest score?
72*
Best figures?
4/35 or Two stumpings, 4 catches in a single game
Favourite cricket moment?
Pulling a Sarah Taylor moment and catching a batsmens reverse sweep one handed over my right shoulder, getting him out on 85 odd
Worst cricket moment?
Making my Premier Division debut only to leave the first ball I face, letting it hit my pad outside off, only for it to be caught of my pad and be given out!?
Funniest cricket moment?
Catching a screamer during a friendly fielding out deep mid on only to run it over the boundary and into/through a fence
Favourite cricket tea food?
Has to be quiche
Song recommendation?
Since you said you’d be mine, Lou Ragland
Tv or film recommendation?
The Last Duel
Cricketing idol?
Ben Foakes
Most used emoji?
💀
Other clubs played for?
Hatherleigh CC
What attracted you to Thorverton?
Seem like a great quality side with some great quality lads where I feel I’ll fit in socially and position wise really comfortably. I’ve got some big plans for my season where I hope to really get myself somewhere and see a lot of improvement in my performances and by joining an already strong and skilled side, Thorverton is the place I’ll be able to do that.
Jake Choules “Jay approached us as he wanted a fresh start somewhere and has impressed with his enthusiasm at nets. He’s 20 so a good age to be in and around the squad providing some extra depth to the batting and back up with the gloves”.
Some incredible news this morning, we have hit our target of £2150 and will now be able to order the defibrillator and public access cabinet!
We have decided to end the Crowdfunder early (tomorrow) so we can withdraw the monies and get the defibrillator installed as quickly as possible. Thank you so much to you for your kind pledge towards the defibrillator. We hope that we never have to use the defibrillator, but it does make the club and Thorverton a safer place to be; we are really grateful.
We will be liaising with the Oliver King Foundation over the coming days in regards to the purchase and installation of the defibrillator and public access cabinet, and also arranging the training session. As soon as the installation is complete, we will register the defib on “The Circuit”, the national network of defibrillators. Further updates will be provided on our website.
Thank you so much to all of our members, colts parents, sponsors & members of the public who donated. We hope that we never have to use the defibrillator, but it does make the club and Thorverton a safer place to be. Our sincerest thank you.
We are crowd fundraising to purchase a defibrillator & public access cabinet to be installed at the club. More information on this is available on the below link. The defibrillator will be accessible by all 24/7 and connected to the national defibrillator network, the circuit.
If you are able to support us to help make the club and Thorverton a safer place in any way, we would really appreciate it.
The draw for rounds 1 and 2 of the Sunbelt Rentals Devon T20 have been made. We will face Bovey Tracey 1st XI away at The Rec. The fixture has to be played by 6th June.
We will be entering the Devon T20 for Premier & A Division clubs instead of defending our Corinthian Cup Crown.
Details on the date of the fixture will be announced in due course.
Our senior indoor net sessions have been confirmed for 2022. These are as follows:-
Sunday 27th February – 3pm-4pm
Sunday 6th March – 3pm-4pm
Sunday 13th March – 3pm-4pm
Sunday 20th March – 3pm-4pm
Sunday 27th March 3pm-4pm
All of these sessions are to take place at Buzz About Cricket, Unit 14, Kingsford Business Centre, Cullompton, EX15 2AU.
Nets are open to all current members and anyone who wishes to join them. New players of all abilities are welcome. If you are considering coming to nets for the first time, please email seniors@thorvertoncricketclub.com.
Thorverton Cricket Club 