We debrief the season with 1st XI captain Jake Choules following the team achieving the B Division and Corinthian Cup double.

So, how’s the head after Saturday?

Surprisingly ok, Saturday was a great night. It was good to see members of all ages celebrating the season. We’ve had a good weekend of celebrations now but I’m already looking forward to building for next season.

Did you imagine that we could’ve achieved the double at the start of the season, especially in your first year of captaincy?

I knew we had the ability in the squad to do it and Andy had built such a solid platform, but we’ve had so many near misses over the last few years in the B Division, I have to admit I wondered if it would ever happen.

Our first league game was rained off and we lost the following one so it felt like an uphill battle from very early on.

With the cup, availability was pretty poor for the pool round so I have to mention the squad that went down to Paignton to get us through. Once we got to the knock outs, I always felt we had a strong chance.

Did you feel with those near misses that we would end up blowing it at the end?

I had some doubts at the start of the season but I felt really confident for the last month or so. Which is really unlike me as I normally get nervous before games.

What’s been the difference this year in comparison to other seasons?

There’s no doubt we’ve got a stronger squad. The additions of Dan Robbins, Alex Jopling and Tom Diamond have been massive. Harry Choules playing this season has been like a new signing as well.

I’ve had to make around 3 changes every week due to availability but due to the strength of the squad, it really hasn’t shown. Young players like Luke Vukusic, George Daldorph and Bobby Heard have had chances to gain more experience in the 1s which bodes well for the future.

Who’ve been the standout performers?

Possibly a cop out answer, but the pleasing thing about the season is that different games have seen different stand out performers. It really has been a team effort.

What was the most pleasing all-round team performance of the season?

There’s been a few but Heathcoat away felt like a turning point. We ground out 170 batting first when the weather wasn’t great. Chilly (Alistair Chilcott) scored 50 but the rest of the runs were about batting in partnerships.

Then our bowling unit combined to defend it despite a couple of dangerous knocks from them. We used 7 bowlers that day showing that everyone had an input.

Ipplepen at home is probably worth a mention as well. They were promotion rivals and everything we did in the field worked as we bowled them out for 69 and knocked them off after 5.2 overs

What’s been your favourite moment of the season?

6. 1lb. 6. 4nb. 6. 1. 1.

That winning over in the Corinthian Cup final and the subsequent celebrations. One to go down in Thorvy history.

And the funniest?

That’s a tough one. There are probably a few that shouldn’t be put in the public domain.

Now I look back, probably Darren’s dancing and singing during the last few overs of finals day.

I’ve no doubt there will be numerous funny moments on the fines trip to Cardiff.

Are you confident that the club can compete at A Division level?

It’s not going to be easy but I don’t think we have anything to fear. We can go and enjoy our cricket at some fantastic and new grounds (for most of us) and see where we end up.

I think the target should be survival with a focus on getting the 2nds up to the D.

What needs to happen on and off the field to achieve that?

I don’t think we need to go out and look to make a load of signings. Maybe 1 or 2 including an overseas (covid and accommodation permitting) combined with better availability will be enough. If there is better availability in the 1s, this will naturally follow into the 2nds.

Fingers crossed for fewer weddings next year!

Where do you think the club can go long term?

The most important thing is the club keeps offering cricket to the community. The colts set up is great but we need to make sure we secure this for the future. It was great to launch ladies cricket again this summer so hopefully thst can continue.

If we do this along whilst having a 1st XI playing a good standard of cricket then great.