The 1st XI visiting 2nd place Bridestowe was: A.Pitt, D.Robbins, B.Coetzee, M.Wilkinson, H.Choules+, B.Coe, G.Daldorph, B.Slaviero, A.Jopling, J.Choules*, J.Broom.

With a bit of rain overnight and aware the ground was known for low scores, the skipper elected to bowl when he won the toss. The hosts got off to a perfect start when left hander Woods pushed Slaviero down to fine leg for 4 but it didn’t take long for the Aussie-Italian to have his revenge when he dislodged Woods’ bails a few balls later.

With Daldorph carrying a side injury, Broom was tasked with bowling up the hill with a couple of looseners punished by Kian Burns. Next over Burns took the brave step of coming down the track against Slaviero but without adding to the total. He was warned by the umpire for stepping into the danger area but when Slaviero got one to nip back, it was immaterial.

14-2 became 14-3 when Broom got in on the act as opener Ewen picked out Daldorph at square leg. Things went from bad to worse for the hosts when Slaviero snicked off Penberthy first ball, safely pouched by Harry Choules.

Shaquan Glasgow and Devon Lions newbie Ethan Guest set about a rebuild for the visitors as the total reached 32-4 at the end of the 10 over powerplay.

Pitt and Robbins were introduced as things ticked along to the 17 over drinks break but after 33 balls of patience, Glasgow skied one to Slaviero off of Pitt to make it 45-5. Robbins struck immediately before and after drinks when Guest picked out Coe at short mid wicket before eventually walking off for 28. Then Fogerty snicked behind – Harry Choules really showing his quality behind the stumps by now on a difficult surface. 55-7.

It was pretty much 6 and out for the home skipper when he found a maximum against Pitt but picked out Wilkinson at backward point to give Robbins his 3rd. B Division run getter Brandon Horn came in with a clear licence but struggled to get much away despite swinging hard, particularly with the reintroduction of Slaviero up the slope. Slavs eventually had his man thanks to a blinding catch by Robbins at first slip – the pair clearly reluctant to give anybody else a game.

There was one more boundary for the hosts before Slaviero cleaned up the number 11 for his 5fa as Thors had bowled 2nd place Bridestowe out for 76.

The visitors were well aware that it wouldn’t be an easy chase against a strong seam attack on a challenging wicket – not aided by increasingly full football dug outs where you would normally expect to see sight screens.

Challenging it proved to be when Guest picked up both openers in the first over as Thors faltered at 1-2. Coetzee and Wilkinson both got off the mark with boundaries to ease the initial pressure somewhat but with the Stags throwing everything at the pair, nerves were aplenty on the sidelines.

By the time Wilkinson was caught for 11 to give Guest his 3rd, the score was 27-3. Harry Choules joined Coetzee to finish the job of seeing off the openers, he got off the mark with a well timed cover drive for 4. Thors 32-3 from 10.

Penberthy was introduced down the hill with little joy as Coetzee and Choules remained solid. With the required runs slowly ticking down, there was time for Choules to find the boundary twice more before being caught at slip off the spin of Glasgow for 16.

Coetzee continued in mature fashion, however, keeping much of the strike and punishing any rare loose deliveries. He would have been frustrated not to finish the job when he was also caught in the slips but his well made 29 from 74 balls would provide to be crucial.

With 16 more needed, Coe remained solid and Daldorph looked to be positive to edge towards the finish line. A boundary over mid off from George in particular gave Thors a rare opportunity to breathe easily. Eventually a well run 2 would mark the winning runs as Thors won by 5 wickets and pick up 18 points.

With no teas or bar at the ground and the local pub closed, Thors were able to get back to support the 2s in extra quick time.

Scorecard

League Table

Thank you to Jess Morrish for making the trip to score. It’s back to back home games next for the 1s – starting with top of the table North Devon in the stand out A Division game as 3rd host 1st.

After last week’s win over Bradninch & Kentisbeare, it was a visit to Cullompton for the t20 XI who lined up with: A.Pitt, L.Vukusic, B.Coetzee, H.Choules+, M.Wilkinson, G.Daldorph, S.Jefferson, H.Squire, B.Slaviero*, J.Broom, J.Choules.

Slaviero won the toss and elected to bat on what looked like a decent deck in the Cullompton sun. McKee gifted Thors 5 wides a few balls in while Pitt and Vukusic hit a boundary apiece in the 2nd over to get off to a good start. The first maximum came in the 4th over when Pitt hit Vincent over the rope at a ground known for its short boundaries. Vukusic followed suit next over but was caught for 14 trying to go again as Thors reached 40-1 from the opening 5.

The rate didn’t decrease when Coetzee came in with 10 also coming from the 6th over. However, when Pitt (26) and H. Choules went in quick succession, Cully tightened things up. 68-3 at halfway.

Cully continued to keep things tight in the 2nd half with Coetzee being the main aggressor for Thors. Wilkinson got in on the act in the 14th though when Rendell was pummelled for successive boundaries. However, he was to fall for 18 in the next over as the total reached 99-4 with 5 left.

Daldorph was promoted up the order to move things along and did just that as he and Coetzee found the boundary more regularly for the visitors, making use of the short straight boundaries in particular.

The pair went at a consistent and impressive 10 an over in the final 5 with Coetzee passing his half century in the process. He released the shackles even more in the final over hitting 4 6 4 6 from the last 4 balls as Thors ended on 163-4.

Slaviero and Broom set about the defence with a fine edge off of the former finding the boundary first over. Broom struck early when Tinley was dismissed but that only brought left handed Granfield to the crease who showed his intent by getting off the mark with a boundary. He took a liking to Broom and after 4 overs it was time for a double bowling change with the hosts 35-1.

Squire started well with no reward as it felt like every edge and miss hit was reaching the boundary for the youngster. Meanwhile, Granfield looked more and more comfortable as time went on and found the boundary at regular intervals.

When pantomime villain for the night Choules came into the attack, he struck almost instantly, removing Granfield for a well made 50 as he and Pitt kept things tight for a couple of overs. Cully 90-2 with 8 to go.

The host’s star man, Brendan Parr, had got himself in now though and clearly didn’t want to take it deep. He found the boundary with relative ease and had things boxed off with 4 overs still to go. Things may have been different for Thors on another night with a couple of chances going down and some maximums only just clearing the fielders but ultimately the visitors were well beaten by 8 wickets.

Scorecard

Thank you to Rich Lloyd for umpiring and Jess Morish for scoring as well as our hosts for the game. Next week the T20 XI play Exeter at the County Ground.

The fifth edition of the Covid Cup got underway at home to Bradninch & Kentisbeare last night. After winning the competition for a third time in 2023, Thors were eager to build a solid start.

Ben Slaviero won the toss and elected to bat. Thors line-up:- B.Coe, B.Coetzee, H.Choules+, T.Byrne, A.Daldorph, G.Daldorph, A.Davies, B.Slaviero*, A.Jopling, J.Stirling, O.Coe.

Thors got off to a wobbly start with Yuvraj Singh bowling Coetzee in the first over & Craig Penberthy knocking over Ben Coe to leave the hosts 12-2 after two overs. Byrne soon followed with a looping catch to Tallan Burns who somehow caught the ball jumping behind his head at extra cover. 22-3 at the end of the powerplay.

Harry Choules and Andy Daldorph started the rebuild against the slower bowlers as Tallan Burns and Holding came into the attack & the runs started to flow much more easily. The pair managed to take Thors past three figures before Daldorph was bowled by Kian Burns for 41 from 40. In the midst of all this, visiting keeper Darren Paul managed to break a thumb which allowed time for Harry Choules to relieve himself behind the river end sightscreen.

Harry had managed 43 from 36 including a couple of maximums before he was smartly stumped by replacement keeper Marsh. George Daldorph departed for a duck.

Skipper Slaviero and Davies managed to find the boundary regularly in the final three overs, the latter mainly thanks to sweep shots off McQueenie & Holding to take Thors to a respectable 160-6, which had looked well out of the host’s reach at 20-3. Davies 22* from just ten balls.

Slaviero started the visitor’s chase with a maiden before Olly Coe removed Ross Acton for 6 in the second over, caught by Brendan Coetzee.

Slaviero then chucked down another maiden with two victims, both Kian Burns and Findlay bowled for ducks. 9-3 after three.

Tallan Burns then managed to sky one off Coe to George Daldorph at mid off. Craig Penberthy came and went, caught behind by Choules for 4 to give Coe a third wicket. Bradninch were 29-5 after the powerplay.

Stirling and Jopling came into the attack, the latter removing Marsh for 2. Stirling then bowled Bradninch’s scorer for 0 to leave the visitors on the brink at 43-7.

Yuvraj Singh farmer the strike and did hit the occasional boundary, but runs continued to be hard to come by. He was finally removed by Jopling, stumped Choules for 35 from 32. Jopling picked up a third, bowling Maddick. Despite hurting a finger and batting one handed, Holding was bowled for 9 by Ben Coe to wrap up proceedings. Bradninch & Kentisbeare all out for 72 & Singh being the only batter to make double figures.

Scorecard

Next up for Thors in the Covid Cup is a trip to Cullompton on Tuesday.

Saturday saw the Energy Systems Player of the Month for May awarded jointly to Dan Robbins & Andy Pitt. This is the first time the award has been shared, but the cricket committee couldn’t separate the two for their centuries against Plymstock.

It was fitting the award was shared between the two as they broke the 1st XI club record opening stand by posting 208. Robbins went to his maiden Thorverton century first, scoring 107 from 101 balls, including seven 4s and seven 6s. Pitt following with his first 1st XI ton, scoring 122 from 156 balls, including fourteen 4s and 2 sixes.

Fittingly, the pair also took 6 wickets between them in Saturday’s 48 run victory over Abbotskerswell.

Match report

The 1s were back at Station Ground and looking to get back to winning ways against bogey side Abbotskerswell.

There were 2 changes to the team: A.Pitt, D.Robbins, B.Coe, B.Coetzee, H.Choules+, M.Wilkinson, G.Greed, G.Daldorph, B.Slaviero, A.Jopling, J.Choules*.

Station Ground was looking like a postcard all week in the June sunshine but with grey clouds on the morning of the game, George Greed and young assistant Martha brought the covers on.

By the toss the sun was back out and Abbots somewhat surprisingly elected to bowl. They may have been regretful initially when Thors were 17-0 from the first 2 overs which included a 6 into the barley field from Robbins which meant a second new ball had to be used as a spare. He found the boundary again next over but came unstuck when he was given LBW in the 6th for 13. Pitt didn’t last much longer when he also fell LBW as Abbots began to rein Thors in at 27-2.

Brendan Coetzee timed his first ball to perfection with an on-drive for 4 to get off the mark. Following another boundary, he was also wrapped on the pad to give Abbots their 3rd of what would be 4 LBWs in the first innings as the total reached 44-3. Harry Choules joined veteran Ben Coe to set about the rebuild as the pair kept things calm until the first drinks break. They added 20 more before a mix up meant Coe was run out and it was looking like another one of those days against Abbotskerswell.

Things went from bad to worse when Mickey Wilkinson came and went and Choules snicked off for 10 as Thors found themselves 70-6. It was now time for Daldorph and Greed to start a rebuild which was looking promising as Abbots rotated their bowlers searching for wickets. The duo rotated the strike well and Daldorph found the boundary on a couple of occasions before being bowled for 13. The theme of quick wickets continued when Slaviero was eventually given LBW as the total reached a lowly 95-8.

Jopling and Greed made sure Thorverton passed the 100 mark before Jops was bowled for Nick Watkin’s 3rd wicket of the afternoon. When the skipper strolled in to meet Greed, the score was 106-9 with 20 overs remaining.

Greed began the partnership with a boundary as Choules set his stall out with plenty of defensive blocks at the other end. 5 overs later, the total had trickled along to 120-9. Choules had his first boundary in the 37th over when he squeezed one through point with the total looking more respectable over by over. At 141-9 with 10 to go, the 3rd batting point was now in site.

Abbots introduced teenage leg spinner Harrison who Greed took a liking to, despatching 13 from the over and moving into the 40s. Australian Hurse was then introduced which stemmed the flow again. There was time for the pair to hit another boundary each before Hurse bowled Greed for 48 in the 47th over. Greed and Choules (17*) had beaten the previous 1st XI tenth wicket stand record by 5 runs and given the hosts a sniff.

After a generous Robbins tea, Thors set about defending 163. Slaviero and Daldorph began from their usual ends and it only took Slavs 2 balls to make a mess of Hill’s stumps. Hard and McCarthy showed grit to rebuild for the visitors during a good battle between bat and ball where the outside edge was missed and the rare bad ball punished. 20-1 from 10.

The change bowling partnership of Robbins and Pitt got the game moving along again as Pitt struck twice in 2 balls in the 16th over much to the delight of his entourage supporting from the corner of the ground. There was time for Robbins to get in on the act before drinks when he cleaned up Hard for a resistant 20. Abbots 39-4 at drinks with Thors smelling blood.

They were made to work hard for the next wicket though as Tyler and Watkin rebuilt for the visitors. By now Jopling had replaced Pitt while Robbins kept things tight from the Pavilion End. He had his reward right on halfway when Tyler fell LBW. Quick wickets ensued again when Jopling bowled Charlie Smout-Cooper and Robbo removed Hurse. Abbots now in trouble at 76-7.

The determined Watkin was still there though and refused to make things easy for the hosts. In Robbins’ 10th and final over he had a deserved 4th when he bowled Inder Singh – 90-8.

Watkin, who had resigned as captain that week, continued to farm much of the strike and continued to slowly tick things along for his side. Jopling, Daldorph and the skipper all had a go at breaking the 9th wicket partnership but it took Slaviero’s reintroduction to get Thorverton over the line. Once he got Watkin for 35, it was a only matter of time before he got the final wicket – 4 balls to be precise. Abbots all out for 115 and Thors take 18 points.

Scorecard

League Table

Thanks to Jimmy May in the score box who then hot footed it to the bar, then BBQ to facilitate iPod Shuffle Night. Thanks also to the numerous spectators throughout the day who made every wicket a buzz for the team.

Thors move back up to joint 2nd in the very congested A Division table after a 1 week hiatus in 4th. It’s back to back away games again next as we visit Hatherleigh followed by Bridestowe who currently have the same amount of points as Thors.

One point separated the sides as the 1st XI travelled to fellow high fliers Kilmington. The team included a debut for Mickey Wilkinson and Henry Squire was presented with his 1st XI cap as he made his 5th appearance.

The team: A. Pitt, L. Vukusic, B. Coe, B. Coetzee, H. Choules+, H. Squire, M. Wilkinson, G. Daldorph, B. Slaviero, A. Jopling, J. Choules.

The game would be played on a previously used pitch which was already showing signs of wear so the skipper elected to bat when he won the toss. Andy Pitt opened up with Luke Vukusic who had made the trip down from Nottingham for the game. Ollie Reed bowled good areas at a decent pace from the off although Pitt did find the boundary in the opening over. At the other end, Josh Cann got the ball to swing and kept things tight despite a couple of extras.

Vukusic went back to one that skidded through and was bowled by Reed in the 5th over. Coe and Pitt then rotated the strike as Thors reached 31-1 after the opening powerplay.

The spin of Seaward and overseas import Whelan was immediately introduced with Pitt getting some joy when he hit both to the boundary. He went once too often though when he skied one on 29 in the 16th over. Coetzee joined Coe and the pair ensured there wouldn’t be quick wickets with Coe finding the boundary twice in the 20th over as the total reached 62-2.

Coe eventually fell for 18 right at the halfway mark allowing H. Choules to enter with intent to up the scoring rate. He was off the mark with a 6 when Short was hit out of the ground but Short had his man when Choules tried to go again a few overs later. Thors lost 2 more quick wickets when Coetzee (21) joined Choules in the hutch and Squire was bowled for 1. The total reaching 86-6 and Thors in trouble.

Daldorph and new signing Wilkinson set about the rebuild maturely, bringing the total to 106-6 with 15 to go. They continued to steadily accumulate before going harder as we reached the final 10 overs. Daldorph eventually fell for a patient 22 as the score reached 129-7 going into the final 8.

Wilkinson took on the mantle of being the aggressor from here and slapped Short to the boundary twice in the 44th over. He went bigger again in the 46th when he hit Aussie Whelan for two 6s in as many balls shortly before passing his half century.

Whelan took 2 wickets in his following over, however, which somewhat stemmed the late Thorverton momentum. Jake Choules and Willkinson could only add another 6 runs before the skipper was caught on the penultimate ball. Thors finishing on a below par 174.

Kilmington set about the chase in their usual positive fashion, Gooding finding the boundary in the opening over. Rockett took 10 off the second over as Slaviero and Daldorph got to grips with conditions. George had his revenge when Rockett was caught behind for 11 and the flow of runs slowed when Whelan acted more defensively for the hosts who reached 40-1 after the opening powerplay.

The skipper went to Pitt and Jopling as the first change bowlers with the former’s opening over going for 16 as the pressure piled onto Thorverton. The duo eventually found their rhythm and Jops had his reward when Gooding was caught behind for a well made 37. Kilmington 70-2 from 15.

Thors we’re convinced they had another when Jopling struck Seaward on the toe the very next ball but the umpire’s finger stayed in his pocket. Undeterred, Jopling removed Whelan for 20 on the final ball before the drinks break to give Thors a sniff.

Seaward and Cann rebuilt for the hosts by taking very few risks as Thors kept things extremely tight in the middle overs. There was a change of ends for Jopling when the skipper came on who was unlucky not to have Cann who skied one that landed in a gap. Seaward gave another chance he was dropped at backward square leg and with 20 overs to go, the score reached 113-3, so, despite some good cricket by the visitors, Kilmington retained their advantage.

With wickets required, Daldorph replaced Jopling after a tight 10 over spell and struck instantly when Seaward was finally out – a 3rd catch for Harry Choules. 127-4 with 15 to go.

Incoming Josh Short was more aggressive and ensured things stayed in the host’s favour as Slaviero was now also reintroduced. He also had an instant impact when he removed Cann LBW. Slavs and George continued to apply pressure for Thorverton and some excellent fielding in the ring by Vukusic and Coe in particular also aided the cause. With 10 to go, Kilmington were 5 down requiring 29 more to win.

Short and Garner rotated the strike well and the writing appeared to be on the wall for Thors. With 7 to go, Daldorph was now bowled out and Killy only required 18 more. Thors weren’t for giving up though as the skipper snuck through a maiden. Slaviero put some panic into the home ranks when he took 2 wickets in the 45th, 162-7.

However, Kilmington amassed 10 from the next 2 overs and were in touching distance. With the skipper bowled out, Squire was somewhat cruelly introduced at the death but was unbothered as he picked up his first 1st XI wicket with help from Coetzee’s safe hands. Short was still there for the hosts however and despite a wicket maiden, they needed just 3 runs from the final 2 overs.

The winning runs came 4 balls later when Short hit Pitt to the mid on boundary much to the relief of Kilmington who finally had a win over Thorverton and replaced their opponents at the top of the league. A useful 7 bonus points meant we didn’t slip any lower than 4th in the ladder.

Scorecard

League Table

Thanks to Bob Rice for making another long trip to score.

Next week the 1s host bottom side and bogey side Abbotskerswell at Station Ground ahead of the iPod shuffle night. Contact Jake ASAP to get your songs on the playlist.

Ben Slaviero is set to make his 100th appearance for the 1st XI on Saturday. Slavs made his 1st XI debut at Axminster all the way back in 2012 as the club’s overseas player for that year. Slavs was tempted back as an overseas in 2018 and has since settled permanently in the village with wife Keeley.

Opening the bowling for the 1st XI, Slavs has racked up 158 league wickets at an average of just 18. He was an integral part of the double winning side of 2021, returning his best figures that season of 6-18 against Heathcoat. He is a popular character locally and has embedded himself in the club & village; he can often be found behind the bar or helping with the ladies when not playing.

We sat down with Slavs to discuss his 99 appearances for the 1s so far.

Congratulations on making it to 100 1st XI appearances for Thorverton. What have been your favourite memories along the way?

The obvious one is promotion to the A division for the first time in 20 odd years, it’s something that I’m quite proud I was apart of and to see us be holding our own for the last 2 and a bit seasons is amazing to see.

Most memorable game would have to be Broomy hitting a 4 to win us the game against seaton is something I’ll never forget.

Off the pitch being involved with the womens team was a very rewarding experience, it’s great to see it growing and more people getting involved. Also great to see how far they have come on with there skills.

Obviously all the amazing people involved in this great club. Some of my best mates are here and wouldn’t have that if it wasn’t for the club.

What does the club mean to you?

It’s like a second family. It has been there for me in ups and downs.

Met my wife at a cricket club event and also had our wedding party there! Having my family involved and loving the club in the same way I do is an incredible feeling.

What has been your standout performance in the 1st XI?

I think it would have to be my 6 fa against Heathcoat in the promotion year. I think that’s the last time I got more the 4 wickets in the league so I need to step my game up.

What’s the funniest moment from your 99 games so far?

One that always makes me laugh is Jack Stirling getting hit for a 4 at babacombe which rolled back down the hill and to the top of his mark without a fielder touching it.

What’s the main difference between playing here and playing in Australia?

The weather obviously, playing 2 days games of 80 overs a day in 30 odd degree heat is never fun. Get a lot less balls directed at your head here which is nice. I think the biggest thing is the the length I had to bowl back in Aus to here was the biggest learning curve is probably half a metre fuller here but was a hard thing to change, if you bowled that Aussie length here would just go for runs all day.

How much has the club changed since your debut in 2012?

Besides people coming and going. The heart of the club still very much the same. Still very family orientated, play hard on the field and enjoy our time together off it. It’s things that the club has never lost which is why it’s such a great place to be around.

Do you have a favourite wicket you’ve taken?

Up until last weekend it would have been first ball of the game against filleigh in 2018. Massive in swinger which clipped off stump. Or breaking a stump in a T20.

But out of sheer luck the wicket I got on the weekend where it popped up hit the batsman’s shoulder and on to the stumps is one I had never witnessed before and probably never will again.

Can you pick an all-time XI of players you’ve played with at TCC?

Paul Fielder, Alistair Chilcott, Jack Geraghty, Jason Van Der Meulen, Harry Choules, Will Denford, Andy Pitt, Shane Yelverton, George Daldorph, Nick Barton, Jake Choules. 12th man – Jacob Broom. Pitty pips Dave Baldock as he wouldn’t want to bat at 6.

Lastly, do you think you’ll be able to reach 200 league games?

Definitely something I’d like to do. Whether it be in the ones or in the threes. I’m not going anywhere.

Following last week’s rain off, a youthful Thorverton team that consisted of 5 teenagers made the trip to Premier Division Exmouth in the Devon T20 Cup.

The line up that would face a full strength Exmouth XI was: B.Coe, B.Coetzee, J.Baker, H.Choules+, H.Squire, T.Byrne, O.Hawke, J.Meredith, B.Slaviero, S.Tait, J.Choules*.

The skipper lost the toss and the hosts unsurprisingly elected to bat in what looked to be favourable batting conditions. Slaviero got Thors off to a good start, bowling opener Morrison in the first over but the site of overseas professional Jason Niemand strolling in to join England Deaf captain George Greenway was enough to keep celebrations muted.

Greenway took a liking to Tait, striking 3 boundaries in his first over before Slaviero removed him, also bowled, in his second over as the score raced to 21-2 from 3 overs – the hosts aided by some aggressive running. Niemand then took the role of the aggressor, striking Tait then Slaviero for a couple of boundaries apiece whilst taking full advantage of the early fielding restrictions. There was frustration for Thors when Slaviero did find the pro’s outside edge but even that ran away for 4.

Squire closed out the Powerplay reasonably tightly from the Pavilion End albeit left hander Dan Pyle struck his first boundary of the evening. Exmouth 45-2 from 6.

Pyle then had the first maximum when the skipper brought himself on as the former Shobrooke man went big over mid off. The skipper nearly had Niemand when he skied one into an agonising gap but Thors were made to pay instantly as it was followed up by a couple more boundaries.

All the while, Squire was toiling at the Pavilion End and had his reward when he bowled Pyle for 32 from 19 balls at the halfway stage. Exmouth 102-2 and 200 very much on the cards.

The skipper was replaced by Coetzee who had the task of a now full throttle Niemand who passed his half century with a maximum. Squire closed out his 4 over allocation with figures of 1-33 before Coetzee struck twice in the 13th over which included the prize wicket of Niemand with help from safe hands by Tom Byrne. Exmouth 134-5, Niemand 69 from just 37 balls.

Tait was reintroduced from the Pavilion End and almost instantly removed Adley to give Thors a 6th as the run flow finally showed signs of slowing, albeit Devon captain James Horler was strolling in at Number 8. Tait and housemate Coetzee bowled well in tandem though until Coetzee had his 3rd when Kidd was removed for 14.

Senior players Choules and Slaviero were tasked with closing out the final 3 overs. Horler dispatched the skipper for 6 before being caught on the square leg boundary thanks to safe hands from Coetzee.

Lawrence Greenway made the mistake of running down the track to Slaviero who soon found his off stump dislodged. With Exmouth 9 down, Choules put a small amount of pride into his figures when he restricted the final over to 4 runs and picked up the final wicket on the penultimate ball thanks to sharp work behind by brother Harry.

After a quick turnaround, Coe and Coetzee set about the required 178 to win. George Greenway had other ideas and bowled with good pace to keep things tight, albeit pushing the offside wide line on occasion.

Can Kidd also kept things tight for Mouth and the first boundary didn’t come until the 3rd over when Coe ran Greenway down to fine leg. Exmouth showed real quality in the field and had probably already saved 10 runs from fielding alone by this point.

Coe went in the 4th over as Kidd got one to move off the seam so in strode Baker fresh from his 66* in the 2s on Saturday. He and Coetzee rotated the strike as the change bowlers were introduced, Baker finding the boundary at the end of the Powerplay as Thors reached 22-1 with a lot of work to do in the remaining overs.

Former skipper Lawrence Greenway in particular kept things tight for Exmouth as the total reached 43-1 at halfway. When brother George and Cam Kidd were reintroduced before the light became an issue, Thors were aided by a few extras and a boundary apiece from Coetzee and Baker who appeared more at ease by now. Eventually L. Greenway had Coetzee for 21 in the 13th over which was quickly followed by the removal of Baker by Brenton next over. The writing appeared to be on the wall at 69-3 with 6 to go.

There was positive time in the middle for H. Choules and H. Squire though, with the latter continuing his good form, timing the ball well and running hard until he was caught in the 16th over after a short cameo. Byrne then came and went as the total reached 85-5.

Choules didn’t take too kindly to the introduction of usual wicket-keeper Horler who was suitably dispatched over the square leg boundary. Choules followed up with a 4, then a single to give Ollie Hawke some good experience in the middle.

Choules (26*) had another maximum in the penultimate over when Morrison was hit over extra cover. It was followed up by a couple of singles apiece for he and Hawke before the latter was bowled on the penultimate ball of the innings. Meredith saw out the final ball as Thorverton finished up 69 runs short of Exmouth’s total.

Scorecard

The youthful XI showed great character to pull things back first innings but ultimately the experience and quality of Exmouth showed including some high level fielding in the second innings.

T20 action will return in a few weeks time when Thors seek to yet again defend the Covid Cup.

We are delighted to announce the signing of Mickey Wilkinson from Blackheath CC in London. Mickey has previously played in the Devon Cricket League for Torquay, Shaldon and most recently Ottery St Mary.

You can learn more about Mickey here:-

Highest Score?

187 not out up in Manchester during uni at a local club.

Best Figures?

6 wickets for 1 run against Totnes. Hilariously the 1 was a wide where the guy got stumped.

Best Cricketing Moment?

My first hundred for Devon (U17s) against Bedfordshire. I’d been run out on 95 the game before so it was extra sweet.

Worst Cricketing Moment?

Gloving the ball to 1st slip from Neil Hancock and not walking and being given not out. Then spent the rest of the innings being bounced and abused by the Paignton Team.

Favourite Cricket Tea Item?

Scones with jam and cream all the way.

Favourite Song?

Journey – Don’t Stop Believing

Favourite Film?

Gladiator

Cricketing Idol?

Shane Warne – he’s why I started bowling leg spin

Most used emoji on your phone?

Let’s check … apparently this 🤩

Other teams played for?

Torquay CC, Ottery St Mary, Blackheath, Shaldon, Stokeinteignhead, Old Parks Sports Club (South Africa), University of Queensland (Australia), Stockholm Cricket Club (Sweden), Devon U11 – U19, can’t think of any others.

What attracted you to Thorverton?

Alex Jopling did the hard sell once I mentioned I was keen to get back into it after a long long hiatus. Plus I’ve heard the deck is a road.

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Skipper Jake Choules “Very happy to have signed Mickey who has previously played Prem cricket for Torquay and has more recent DCL experience with Shaldon and Ottery. He’s living in the area now and has heard good things about the club and deck at Thorverton which is a credit to our volunteers. Excited to see him bolster the batting line up and I’m sure his leg spin will also be handy in a division that relies heavily on spin. He’s set to make his debut for the club on Saturday.”

The third XI headed east this week to the village of Luppit to take on Upottery 3rd XI, who were also new to the league this year. The skipper called incorrectly and was put into bat. With a couple of Thorvy league debuts in the side, the line up was: J.Meredith*, D.Mead, N.Buckeridge, C.Winzer, N.Taverner, A.Lea, I.May+, D.Buckeridge, J.Matthews, D.Mirfin, E.Coe.

After losing Meredith in the 4th over for a duck, Mead and N. Buckeridge put on a healthy 58 for the second wicket on a pitch which proved tricky to bat and time the ball on. Mead did manage to score a few boundaries, taking the total to 66 when he was bowled by the experienced Wakefield for 29 on the stroke of drinks. 

It wasn’t long before two became three when N. Buckeridge was caught and bowled by Maynard for 6. The more senior heads of Winzer and Taverner were tasked with putting together another partnership, but it was not to be as Winzer was trapped LBW by Wakefield for 6. Wakefield then bowled Lea first ball in the same over to leave Thors 76-4 off 26 overs.

Taverner didn’t last too much longer either as he became Wakefield’s fourth victim of the afternoon for just 4. D.Buckeridge joined May at the crease, with I.May looking to attack some of the bowling. It was one shot too many though for May as he was caught at mid-on as Wakefield completed his five-wicket haul.

Debutant Matthews strode out and ran well with D. Buckeridge to form a helpful 22-run partnership before Buckeridge was bowled by Dawkins. Matthews then dealt some lusty blows to the Upottery attack, finding the hedge on a few occasions with some welcome boundaries. A handy partnership with Mirfin at the end took the Thors score to 135 off the 40 overs.

Thorverton 3XI 135-8. D.Mead 29, J.Matthews 24, extras 45

Following the break, including some lovely homemade cookies from the opposition, N.Buckeridge and Matthews opened the bowling. The first wicket came in the 7th over when Buckeridge got one to jag back and castle Bright. Upottery 37-1 after the first 9 overs.

A double change in the bowling as Mirfin and Lea came into the attack. It was the latter who struck in their first over when Long hit the ball straight to Mead at square leg. The potentially dangerous Pulman was next to go when he pulled a short ball from Mirfin straight to N.Buckeridge at deep mid-wicket – much to the amazement of the batter from not seeing the fielder in the deep.

Another two wickets were to fall before the drinks break. Lea first bowled Rich for his second of the game before Meredith took over bowling duties at the same end to have Thomas caught by D.Buckeridge at mid-off. Upottery 72-5 at the halfway point.

After some tight overs, it was the young off-spinner Mirfin who dismissed the stubborn opener Strawbridge with his last ball to finish with a wicket maiden and figures of 2-19 from his 8 overs. Coe carried out the good work of Mirfin by keeping things tight, leading to a run out with Mead scoring a direct hit from square leg. Meredith had the next wicket the following over when May smartly stumped Matthews.

With the Upottery requiring 54 off 12 overs, Thors needing 3 wickets and the possibility of rain coming in, Maynard and Machin started to form a partnership. When the skipper finished his allotted 8 overs, he brought Lea back into the attack but his first over went for 10 taking Upottery to 120-8 with 5 overs to go. Five more runs off the next over and the momentum was with Upottery, but Lea had other ideas. He first bowled Machin and then Maynard in the same over for a double wicket maiden and to finish with 4 wickets, a great effort for the youngster.

Upottery 3XI 126 ao. A. Lea 4-20, D. Mirfin 2-19, J. Meredith 2-22

A first win of the season for the 3rd XI with a great all-round team performance, with the juniors doing well. Thanks to Jimmy May for coming out and umpiring the game. Next week sees them return back home to take on Cullompton 3s.