The 1st XI for their final home of the season was: A. Pitt, B. Coe, B. Coetzee, B. Heard, H. Choules+, G. Daldorph, D. Robbins, B. Slaviero, A. Jopling, J. Choules*.

2nd place Bridestowe were the visitors and with some rain overnight, a delayed start meant the game was reduced to 40 overs per side. The skipper won the toss and elected to bat.

Pitt got the hosts off to a good side, making the most of anything too straight from Devon Lions bowler Ethan Guest, which included a well timed maximum through mid wicket. Opposition skipper Burns had more joy from the other end and kept things relatively tight. He had Pitt dropped at cover but eventually had his man LBW for 24 as the total reached 38-1 after the 8 over powerplay.

Coetzee joined Coe as the pair made the most of some looseners from the change bowlers before Coetzee was run out for 26 on the halfway mark. Thors 80-2.

Heard, promoted up the order, didn’t get much strike as Coe looked to increase the rate which was eventually his undoing when he fell for 42. Choules came and went for 5 as Bridestowe tightened things up. Daldorph unsurprisingly went hard from the outset and was supported by some positive strokeplay and running from Heard.

130-4 with 5 to go became 162-4 going into the final over as Daldorph found the boundary regularly. Heard was eventually given caught behind on the first ball of the final over for 23 then Robbins and Daldorph (33*) could only add a few more singles.

After tea, Slaviero got Thors off to a good start in front of numerous sponsors and VPs as he snicked off both openers, safely snaffled behind by Choules. Broom got in on the act when Heard took a smart grab at cover as Bridestowe stumbled to 12-3.

However, overseas player Glasgow and pro rugby player Billy Searle fought back for the visitors and found the boundary on a couple of occasions as the powerplay came to a close. The pair milked the change bowling of Choules and Robbins for plenty of singles with Searle in particular punishing any bad balls.

The score was 82-3 at halfway when Pitt and Jopling were introduced to attempt to break the partnership. The pair bowled well but the batters took few risks in reaching their half centuries – something Searle has done in every match he’s played this season.

Going into the last 10, the writing appeared to be on the wall for Thors until Slaviero was re-introduced for his final 3 overs and cleaned up Searle for 57. With 30 more required, Glasgow and Horn sensibly continued to accumulate and brought the scores level with 4 overs still to go.

There was still time for plenty of action though when Glasgow tried to finish in style but was caught at cover for 71 off of Choules. Jopling had his old club scampering for pads when Horn skied one then Penberthy picked out the skipper at cover. When Jops bowled Pengelly, he had a triple wicket maiden and Thors has taken an absurd 4 wickets while the scores were level.

It was captain V captain when Choules bowled the penultimate over to Burns who’s side were now 8 wickets down. The first ball was defended then the second, with a bit more flight, smashed agonisingly through the hands of short mid wicket for the winning runs.

Despite some late drama, Thors lose by 2 wickets with 10 balls to spare. However, we obtained 7 bonus points to keep us in the top half and guarantee A Division cricket next season.

Scorecard

League Table

Thanks to Bob Rice in the scorebox and all of the efforts to chip in for a mammoth Sponsors and VP’s tea.

With 3 games to go, the 1s found themselves in 6th place but still not mathematically safe from relegation as the A Division relegation battle continued to hot up.

The team to host 5th place Hatherleigh was: A.Pitt, L.Vukusic, B.Coetzee, M.Wilkinson, H.Choules+, G.Daldorph, D.Robbins, B.Heard, B.Slaviero, A.Jopling, J.Choules*.

The skipper won the toss at an overcast Station Ground and elected to bat first. Thors were aided by a few early looseners which added some early extras to the total whilst Pitt & Vukusic sensibly and comfortably rotated the strike. A scrumptious straight drive from Pitt brought about the first boundary of the day as the score reached a steady 16-0 from the first 5. The openers increased the rate after negotiating the opening 5 with boundaries coming more regularly which, in turn, brought about some more erratic bowling from the visitors.

However, Vukusic holed out for 12 attempting to go over extra cover for a second time as the score reached 43-1 after 12. Pitt sportingly walked off for 27 after edging one behind a few overs later to give Nielson his second.

Coetzee and Wilkinson were therefore tasked with rebuilding which was no mean feat with overseas professional Ghosh now into the attack from the River End. The pair looked comfortable though and a cover drive from Wilkinson in particular reduced some pressure. However, another drive after drinks was his undoing and at 56-3 Choules joined Coetzee for more rebuilding.

The pair patiently saw off Ghosh and Nielson and the score reached 93-3 with 20 overs to go. Hatherleigh continued to keep things tight as Coetzee (29) struck a reverse sweep to the fielder attempting to increase the rate after the second drinks break, but was run out when he was called through for the single.

Daldorph joined Choules and the duo ran well from the outset, taking on the single from more defensive strokes. It wasn’t long before George struck a couple of boundaries with the 38th over being struck for 14. Thors 124-4 with 12 to go.

Daldorph continued positively as Choules was understandably happy to give the youngster most of the strike. Three more boundaries came in the 40th over as the total approached 150 and the 3rd batting bonus point. Missing a sweep was eventually the undoing of Daldorph but a destructive 27 from 16 balls put the pressure back on the visitors.

Robbins picked up where Daldorph left off much to the frustration of Hatherleigh as he struck the ball with both timing and power from the outset. By the time Choules played on for 33, the score was 170-6 with 6 to go.

Bobby Heard continued where Choules left off, getting bat on ball to rotate the strike and put pressure on the fielders by running hard. Robbins appeared to have clubbed another to the boundary but a smart catch from Presswell put pay to another destructive innings as Robbins had to depart for 25 from just 17 balls.

Slaviero joined Heard with the pair needing around a run a ball to reach 200 but with the field spread, did so comfortably. A strike for 4 off the final ball from Slaviero gave Thors a decent 209-7 from their 50.

After a great tea from Alex Jopling and his many helpers, plus a quick team photo, Slaviero had new ball in hand for the defence. He immediately undid his strike for 4 off the last ball with 5 wides but soon found his areas other than one over-ptiched delivery that Quick got away for 4.

With a reoccurrence of Daldorph’s side strain, Vukusic was given the new cherry at the River End and strode in with enthusiasm from the outset. He was rewarded after just 4 balls when he wrapped opener Fishleigh on the toe who had to go, LBW.

Ghosh joined Quick at the crease with Thors and the ever increasing number of supporters at Station Ground aware this would be a key partnership. Ghosh ran well to put pressure on the ring fielders whilst Quick looked to take the attack to Vukusic in particular. Hatherleigh 22-1 from 6.

There was a huge appeal for caught behind in the 7th when Slaviero thought he had Ghosh but the umpire’s finger stayed in his pocket. However, the very next ball, with an extra spring in his step, Slaviero wrapped Ghosh on the pad and now had the key wicket. Pace, bounce and swing followed with Presswell doing well to negotiate the rest of a phenomenal Slaviero over.

When Quick played on to Vukusic in the 10th, Thors smelt blood early on. Solkin saw his off stump removed next ball with Hatherleigh suddenly 30-4 and Vukusic on a hat trick. The hat trick ball was a good one, a well directed yorker but it was handled well by Cockwill. However, he went next over when a jaffer from Slaviero dislodged the top of middle and off. 42-5 became 42-6 when Slavs picked up his 3rd and it was time for Jopling and Robbins to join the attack.

Both hit their areas early on to keep the pressure on the visitors and a smart catch behind from Choules gave Robbins an early wicket – with Leahy sportingly walking off as Pitt did earlier in the day.

Jopling deservedly dealt with the tail when a caught and bowled from a full ball removed Nielson then straight ones with a bit of extra flight were enough for numbers 10 and 11. There was another hat-trick ball for good measure.

A ruthless Thors performance left Hatherleigh 47 all out from 16 overs as we leapfrog the visitors into the top half of the table. Thanks to Jess Morrish in the scorebox, Matt Godfrey behind the camera lens and all of the supporters.

Scorecard

League Table

Next week is the final home game of the season for the 1s as Bridestowe visit Station Ground on Sponsors & VPs Day.

Sunday 28th July saw our annual community cricket day take place.

Andy Davies’ side with Exeter Chiefs connections took home the Denise Lesniak trophy after a fun-filled day in the sunshine. Four well matched sides with a blend of youth & experience battled it out with the following results.

Results:

The Butterleigh beat the Club 

Chiefs beat the Village 

Chiefs beat The Butterleigh

Cricket Club beat the Village

Finished with a friendly match between a butterleigh/club side and the village 

There were some fantastic performances, notably the youngsters from Butterleigh and the bucket hands of many of the Chiefs side. There were plenty of sixes on the shortened boundary.

Many thanks to:-

Keith Cudby and Isaac May for umpiring 

Bob & Ben Rice in the scorebox

All the volunteers who took a stint on the bar 

Noel Tancock for cooking up bacon rolls in the morning 

Andy Pitt and Sam Fice for arranging the day 

The Exeter Inn for running the BBQ

Andrew Baker for the use of the car parking field

Matt Godfrey for the photographs

All the teams – Paul Thomas for organising the Butterleigh team and Andy Davies & Jack Yeandle from the Chiefs.  

We hope to see you all again next year!

There were 2 changes to the first XI hoping to end the winless run at home to Kilmington: A.Pitt, D.Robbins, L.Vukusic, B.Coetzee, H.Choules+, G.Daldorph, D.Baldock, S.Jefferson, B.Slaviero, A.Jopling, J.Choules*.

After improved performances with the bat last week and in mid week, the skipper elected to bat at the toss. There was life in the pitch early on and some movement in the air before the clouds cleared. Ollie Reed in particular made things happen for the hosts and got one to nip back and clip the bails to remove Pitt 3rd over after Robbins got off the mark with a pull for 4 the previous over. There were a couple more boundaries for Robbins while Rockett struggled to find his areas but eventually Reed removed him too when the opener was unlucky to play on. The score 18-2 when Coetzee joined Vukusic at the crease.

The pair rebuilt well, rotating the strike and finding the boundary regularly enough when the spin of change bowlers Seaward and Crabb was introduced. Another pull for 4, this time from Vukusic, brought the total to a solid 67-2 at the first (17 overs) drinks break. The pair continued steadily and moved into the 30s as the visitors rotated their bowling and Thors approached 3 figures at the halfway stage. Vukusic fell just before the milestone, however, for a well made 39 when he was trapped LBW by Garner. The wicket didn’t halt Thors steady progress though as Choules joined Coetzee and continued to rotate the strike and punish any bad balls.

The visitors re-introduced strike bowler Reed to try to break the partnership but it was to no avail with the strike continuing to rotate and Choules getting away some well timed drives. A well run 3 gave Coetzee his half century in the same period as the total reached 130-3 with 17 overs to bowl.

Crabb thought he had Coetzee caught behind soon after when one turned and bounced but the South African eventually fell to Garner when he holed out to mid off. Choules then became the aggressor as Daldorph was able to play himself in and the score ticked into the 160s going into the final 10.

There was plenty of joy for the increasingly familiar partnership in the closing overs with the boundary being found regularly by both. Choules brought up his half century in the 45th and the 200 came up the following over which allowed the pair to free the arms even more. A pull for 6 from Choules followed by a wristy flick for 4 from Daldorph were signs of great Thors momentum. The latter was eventually caught and bowled by Seaward for a more than useful 36 as veteran Baldock joined Choules for the closing stages.

A slap over mid on by Choules for 6 more followed up by a Baldock cut for 4 brought Thors close to full batting points in the final over. Choules (85) finished the job with 2 6s into the field before being caught last ball as the hosts finished 252-6.

Thors supporters would have been pleased to see the opening bowling partnership of Slaviero and Daldorph return after tea albeit the ever aggressive Gooding found the boundary a few times early on. However, he went once too many when he sliced one to point off of Daldorph and Jopling eventually juggled it in. George was very much back, albeit on a shorter run up, when he removed opposition overseas Whelan caught and bowled as the score reached 33-2 at the end of the opening powerplay. That became 33-3 when Slaviero cleaned up Rockett next over to put the hosts very much on top.

Robbins kept things tight when he replaced Slaviero as Daldorph continued to bowl through on an ever decreasing run up. At drinks the score was 42-3. After the break, the visitors upped the attacking intent but not without casualty when another Rockett holed out to Coetzee at mid on off of Robbins. 72-4 became 85-4 at the halfway point with incoming left hander Seaward timing the ball well from the outset.

Jopling was bowling with great control at the River End and had his rewards when a frustrated Garner picked out Daldorph at long on and a wrongun removed Fuzzard the very next ball. 100-6 became 100-7 when the skipper bowled Reed with his first ball at the Pavilion End.

The 8th wicket partnership was a frustrating one for Thors as the Killy attention appeared to turn to bonus points rather than the chase while Seaward and Olive rotated well but without risk. The former passing his half century shortly after being put down by the captain in a perhaps too simple caught and bowled chance. It wasn’t to prove too costly though when the left hander picked out Robbins at mid off a few overs later and Thors finally had the breakthrough. Kilmington 138-8 with 10 to go.

Slaviero was introduced hoping to clean things up but Olive and youngster Trott negotiated the onslaught of quick bowling well and Olive began to find the boundary in the latter stages as Thors searched for the final wickets with attacking fields and rotating bowlers. With Slavs bowled out, Robbins got the job done with help from a smart catch by Harry Choules running in front of square and 4 and out from Crabb at number 11 just as Jefferson was primed to bowl the final over.

Scorecard

League Table

Thors pick up maximum points and jump back up to 6th in the 10 team division, leapfrogging Kilmington.

Yesterday saw the Energy Systems SW Ltd Player of the Month awarded to Dave Baldock for his 115* in the 2nd XI fixture against Barnstaple & Pilton 1st XI. Balders reached his 115* off just 86 balls, including 18 fours and 1 six.

Since joining the club from South Devon in 2012, Baldock has racked up nearly 4000 DCL runs at an average of 28.10. This is his fourth century in league cricket for Thors, following a couple for the 1st XI scoring 126* v Shobrooke Park in 2013 & 101* v Ipplepen in 2019, plus 104* for the 2nd XI against Topsham St James in 2022. All four of Balders’ league centuries for Thors have been unbeaten.

So far this term Balders has stuck 309 runs at an average of 28.09 & has captained the 2nd XI for the majority of the season.

Well done Balders!

Premier Division high fliers Sandford stepped in at the last minute to give Thors a T20 fixture after Cullompton unfortunately pulled out – and any spectators would be glad Sandford stepped in as what followed was a thriller.

Thors lined up with: A.Pitt, L.Vukusic, B.Coetzee, G.Daldorph, H.Choules+, B.Heard, A.Khogiani, A.Smeardon, B.Slaviero*, A.Jopling, J.Choules.

The mid week skipper negotiated the toss without a coin being flipped for takeaway related reasons and Thors would be fielding first in the afternoon sun. The skipper kept things tight first over as Daldorph turned his arm over from the River End as he worked his way back to fitness following a side strain that has kept him from bowling for over a month now. Promoted up the order, Jamie Palmer found the gaps from the get go as Sandford sought to make the most of the early fielding restrictions. Devon keeper Adam Small got going third over, flashing hard into the offside and finding the boundary through point and third man.

After just 1 over, Daldorph was replaced by Vukusic but the Sandford openers continued the onslaught and were 62-0 after the 6 over powerplay. Khogiani replaced Slaviero at the Pavilion End and looked the most threatening when the pink ball jumped when bowled short of a length. Anything full, however, was despatched. He got the deserved breakthrough though when Small snicked through to Harry Choules.

Jopling replaced Vukusic and his first over was tight. It included the run out of overseas pro Larka at the non strikers end after dropping a Palmer drive onto the stumps. Khogiani kept things tight next over and Thors had pinned Sandford back to 76-2 from 9 in their best period with the ball.

Choules had the task of defending the short leg side boundary which Palmer continued to attack with success as he approached his half century – but eventually fell for a well made 48 from 34 balls when Daldorph caught him on the rope. By now left hander Prasian Alias who played a pre season game for Thors in April was scoring more freely too. He was joined by Ryan Glass as Sandford accelerated again – 138-3 from 14 overs.

Choules had a second next over when Alias skied one to Coetzee at long off for 36. Gidney joined Glass and the pair benefitted from an inexplicable 6 overs-throws as they continued to push hard for the visitors. Vukusic replaced Jopling at the River End and dealt with Gidney first ball but that only brought Lawrence Walker to the crease who was fresh off a century for the county. He got off the mark with a single before reversing one through point and hammering one over mid off. Sandford 187-4 with 2 to go.

Khogiani was tasked with finishing off at the Pavilion End but there was a brutal onslaught from Walker who smashed 2 into the (thankfully recently cut) wheat field. Khogiani had his man though when Daldorph pouched another. There was still chance for 2 more wickets in the all action over when Heard took a grab and Khogiani (4-31) cleaned up Jack James.

With Sandford 199-8 going into the last, Slaviero closed out almost perfectly as Glass took a single frost ball. Rhys James was bowled a couple of balls later and when Glass tried to get back on strike for the last ball by running a leg bye, Harry Choules picked the ball up and knocked the stumps over with a direct hit to end the Sandford innings exactly 200 all out with one ball unbowled.

Despite the short boundary and pinging pink ball, 10 an over felt a daunting chase for the hosts. The required rate instantly snuck up when Jeacock bowled a sharp and tight first over which only went for 2. Vukusic had other ideas though and timed the ball with perfection from the off to take Palmer for 13 from his first over.

Jeacock continued to be tough to put away but anything that did beat the inner ring flew away for 4 on the rapid Station Ground outfield. Pitt mainly dealt in singles in the early exchanges but with Vukusic already going well, the total reached 46-0 at the end of the powerplay.

After the powerplay, Pitt also got going as Larka, tasked with defending the short boundary, and youngster Sebi Gibbs felt the full force of the Thors openers. Vukusic brought up his 50 in just the 8th over when he struck the first maximum of the innings into the field. Thors 64-0 so still behind the rate, albeit going well.

The middle overs were some of Thors most brutal though as Vukusic in particular increasingly smashed the boundary including some beautiful straight shots – not just relying on the short boundary. The period included taking 15 from Alias’ first over and 19 from Larka’s third as we raced to 134-0 from 13 and were ahead of the rate for the first time.

Alias did trap Pitt LBW in his second, however, who had to go for 26 from 36 balls. Thors now 145-1 from 15 as Coetzee joined Vukusic with a licence. There were a couple more Vukusic boundaries as he entered the late 90s. The field came up and Jack James kept things tight to put pressure on Luke but eventually a misfield gave him and his teammates what they were desperate for as he lifted his lid and raised his bat for an incredible 100 from just 57 deliveries.

In all the excitement, the run rate had slowed then Coetzee was stumped for 1 trying to get things going again. At 157-2 with just 3 to go, any sensible money would have been on the Premier champions.

The nonchalant Daldorph presumably does not bet sensibly though and took a ridiculous 24 off the 18th over as he smashed Larka into the field 3 times, scrambled a 2 and struck a further boundary. An additional wide gave 25 from the over and now 19 were needed from the last 12 balls.

A well run 2 followed by a sensible single from the centurion gave Daldorph the strike against Alias who struck 4 more as if it is the easiest thing in the world. Another single, followed by a final boundary for Vukusic left 7 needed from the last over.

Jeacock, the most economical bowler of the night, was tasked with bowling it and it was a quiet start with just 2 singles from the first 2 balls. 5 from 4 required became 3 from 3 when Daldorph found the boundary rider but got back for 2. There was time for a bit of stress and panic in the hutch when Daldorph tried to scoop Jeacock over fielder-less fine leg but was caught by Walker behind the sticks. 3 runs from 2 balls needed as Harry Choules joined Vukusic. The delivery was slightly over-pitched and Choules was able to confidently drive through extra cover for 4 to give Thors a memorable win with a ball to spare.

Vukusic finished with a superb 115 not out to get Thors over the line, helped by a brutal 33 from just 13 balls by George Daldorph.

Scorecard

Huge thanks again to Sandford and their volunteers for getting a game on at short notice. Also to Keith Cudby for umpiring fresh from a long day helping on the ground.

Saturday belatedly saw the Energy Systems SW Ltd Player of the Month for June awarded to Ben Slaviero. Slavs becomes just the fourth player to win the award twice since it’s inception in 2017, following in the footsteps of Paul Fielder, Andy Daldorph & George Daldorph.

Slavs was picked by the cricket committee for his 5-15 away against Bridestowe, which helped Thors skittle the hosts for just 76.

Slaviero is enjoying another golden year with the ball, taking 28 wickets in DCL competitions so far this term at an impressive average of just 14.61.

Ben also surpassed 100 1st XI league appearances for Thorverton in June. In his 103 appearances to date, he’s claimed 172 wickets at an average of 17, with 20 more in the DCL cups. A reminder that we interviewed Ben about his 100th appearance which you can read HERE.

Congratulations to Slavs!

There was 1 change to the first XI that should have played Tavistock last week when the 1s hosted high flying Torquay: D.Robbins, A.Pitt, L.Vukusic, B.Coetzee, H.Choules+, G.Daldorph, B.Heard, H.Squire, B.Slaviero, A.Jopling, J.Choules*.

The pitch looked a good one and confident it wouldn’t deteriorate much throughout the day, the skipper elected to bowl at the toss. With Daldorph still recovering from a side injury, teenager Henry Squire opened up with Slaviero. The pair beat the bat a couple of times but it wasn’t long before the Torquay openers took the attack to Thors. Chris Kelmere doing most of the damage by using his feet to great effect. Harry Choules helped pin things back by coming up to the stumps but Torquay still reached 34-0 from 6.

Struggling from illness, Squire was replaced by Vukusic at the River End and by now Slaviero had found great rhythm and beat the bat more regularly. Meanwhile there was a chance for Vukusic when Kelmere hit one slightly too high and hard for the skipper to cling on at Mid On. After 6 overs from the Pavilion End, Slaviero was replaced by Robbins who got the breakthrough when he cleaned up Tim Western. 55-1 from 13.

After a couple of tight overs, South African professional Roux joined Kelmere in finding the boundary regularly. With the total reaching 96-1, Jopling and Choules were introduced to try some spin. There was a boundary ball an over, however, and Kelmere passed his half century as the score reached 134-1 at halfway.

Desperate to slow things down, Slaviero bowled a couple of overs from the Pavilion End before being replaced by Robbins again and Choules tried his luck from the River End. It was a tighter period for Thors but was overshadowed by a few more tough chances going down. With 12 overs to go, Torquay brought up their 200 and Kelmere passed a well deserved century.

With Robbins bowled out and Roux starting to take a liking to Choules, Squire and Vukusic were reintroduced going into the last 10. Vukusic’s overs in particular were eventful with a couple of boundaries, overthrows and eventually the demise of Roux for a run a ball 85 as the skipper held on at Mid On this time. Opposition skipper Passenger waited a long time to come in but was cleaned up by Vukusic 2nd ball after snicking his first for 4.

255-3 became 255-4 when Squire got in on the act cleaning up Blaise Baker for an uneventful 0. He had another next over as he snicked off the number 6, albeit Kelmere was still finding the boundary regularly at the other end. Slaviero finally dismissed the centurion in the penultimate over for a punishing 149 from 156 balls who received applause and handshakes all round as he left the field. Torquay finished 294-6.

After a plentiful Heard tea, Pitt and Robbins got on with the challenging task of chasing them down. Robbins showed intent sticking his first ball for 4 but was caught out trying to go again 2nd ball.

Incoming Vukusic and Pitt were undeterred and kept the scoreboard ticking along, finding the boundary regularly and aided by plenty of extras from the visitors. The total was 53-2 when Vukusic played on in the 10th over.

Coetzee got off the mark with a well timed boundary and followed up with another to keep things moving along. Pitt was also looking comfortable, timing and running well. Coetzee seemed to only be dealing in boundaries when he despatched Hearn for a couple more boundaries. Unfortunately the encouraging partnership couldn’t make it to the first (17 over) drinks break when Pitt played on to, you guessed it, Kelmere who was having some day. Pitt with a well made 42 to put him back to the top of the Thors run scoring table for the season. There was time for another Coetzee boundary before drinks – 94-3.

Harry Choules understandably tried to give Coetzee most of the strike but a good turning ball from Passenger was his undoing as the total reached 123-4 approaching halfway. Coetzee brought up a well deserved half century at the halfway mark but was bowled next over in a damaging blow for Thors.

Heard and Daldorph had plenty of time to show their talents, however, using their feet well to show off their full range of shots. With 20 to go Thors reached 148-5. That became 167-6 when Heard fell with 15 to go as attention started to turn to bonus points as opposed to the significant target for the first time.

Torquay would have remembered Squire from runs in the return fixture and he supported Daldorph well as the total approached 200. The milestone was reached in the 45th over and Daldorph attempted to get on with things after that, but was caught on the edge of the ring for a well made 37. Slaviero came and went the same over – 200-8.

It was Jopling’s turn to support Squire who found the boundary a couple of times including a 6 over square leg – until Jops was caught trying to copy. The skipper and Squire (31*) negotiated an uneventful final couple of overs as Thors finished on a respectable 221-9.

Scorecard

League Table

An improved batting performance from Thors and if one of the starts had been able to push on, you feel we would have run Torquay close. A useful 7 bonus points and a bit of confidence were gained as we prepare to host Kilmington next week.

Thank you to Bob Rice for a busy day in the scorebox and Louise Heard on teas.

Our community cricket day will take place on Sunday 28th July, with teams from Thorverton CC, Butterleigh CC, a Thorverton Village XI & an XI put together by TCC player & Exeter Chiefs strength and conditioning rehab coach Andy Davies.

The teams will again play for the ‘Denise Lesniak Trophy’ which was kindly donated in memory of Denny, a devoted Thorverton and Exeter Chiefs supporter.

Please join us for what is always an enjoyable day of cricket & friendship. The bar will be open thoroughout the day, bacon butties available from 9am-11am and BBQ between 12pm-4pm.

There will be at least four ten over per side matches.

Order of Play (Subject to Change)

10am – Cricket Club v The Butterleigh

11.45am – Village v Chiefs

1.30om- Chiefs v The Butterleigh

3.15pm – Cricket Club v Village

5pm – Potential Final

A much changed 1st XI arrived at Plymstock with the sun just about breaking through the clouds. Team: B.Coe, L.Vukusic, B.Coetzee, G.Greed, G.Daldorph, B.Heard, P.Stirling+, B.Slaviero, A.Jopling, J.Choules*, J.Broom.

The skipper lost the toss and the hosts unsurprisingly elected to field in bowler friendly conditions. Billy Gibson in particular made use of the conditions, getting the ball to swing as well as move off the pitch. After surviving a couple of scares, Vukusic was eventually given LBW in the 4th over when he was wrapped on the foot.

Coe and Coetzee saw out the opening 10 overs as the total reached a steady 18-1 which may well have been more but for the slow outfield. By the time Coe fell 8 overs later, only 9 more runs had been added to the score thanks mainly to tight bowling from the hosts. As we approached the halfway mark, Coetzee looked to take the attack to Plymstock but was caught on the edge of the ring for 15.

The partnership of Greed and Daldorph arguably looked the most promising for Thors as the pair began to rotate the strike more freely. Daldorph then took Zimbabwe international Masvaure to the sword with a four then a straight maximum but then next ball one kept low and Thors were 59-4 with 20 overs to bowl.

Plymstock continued to keep things tight with plenty of maidens although Greed capitalised on a couple of rare full tosses. He and Heard were able to increase the rate more easily going into the last 10 when the field was spread but a mistimed strike from Greed (25) followed by the loss of Heard in quick succession halted any momentum at 84-6.

Slaviero came and went before Broom was promoted up the order with a welcome licence and things looked promising when he flashed at one hard enough to get 4 behind square. He connected next ball but was caught on the rope hitting into the wind. 90-8.

All the while Paul Stirling was looking comfortable but when Jopling was also caught on the rope, Stirling and Choules had a bit of work to do to get to three figures. They weren’t able to add many more to the total either when Stirling was unlucky to be run out for the final wicket. Thors 97AO.

A rare tea away from home was enjoyed before Slaviero and Broom got to work for the defence. The pair hit the pitch and signs were promising with Broom coming close to bowling Masvaure a number of times with shorter deliveries. In the 6th over Plymstock struck their first boundary but Slaviero got one to nip back next ball. 11-1.

Mitch who scored a century at Station Ground earlier in the season set about a counter attack while Slaviero removed
Masvaure LBW at the other end as the total reached 24-2 after 12 overs.

Mitch got a couple boundaries away to remove the pressure for the hosts who were also aided by a few too many extras. By the time Mitch was caught by Daldorph off of Choules for a run a ball 22, Plymstock only required 43 more. The skipper and Jopling found some rhythm to keep things tight with the latter taking a deserved wicket when Whalley went LBW for 12. The decision given by umpire David Hawke who was standing in his 1000th game.

Experienced campaigners Nicholls and Kerton took no risks as Plymstock edged towards the total. Slaviero was reintroduced as a last throw of the dice to complete his 10 over allocation and seemed to beat the bat almost every ball but couldn’t find the edge. With Slaviero seen off and the total a couple of strikes away, some attacking fields were set to the spinners to try to prize another wicket or 2 but Plymstock reached the total with no further scares and 18 overs left – just as Greed was getting loose.

Scorecard

League Table

It’s a third 3 point loss of the season for the 1s who slip to 6th in the A Division. Next week is another long away trip to Tavistock.