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.

The unbeaten 1st XI travelled to promotion favourites Torquay in what was probably the highlight A Division fixture of the afternoon.

With a couple of changes from last week’s win, the line up was: A.Pitt, D.Robbins, B.Coe, B.Coetzee, H.Choules+, A.Chilcott, G.Daldorph, H.Squire, B.Slaviero, J.Broom, J.Choules*.

In his 175th 1s league game for the club, the skipper won the toss and elected to bat. It was a nightmare start for Thors when Pitt was unlucky to be given caught behind down the leg side and Robbins holed out to mid off. 3-2. Dabhade with both wickets.

Somerset staffer Blaise Baker kept things tight at the other end as Coe and Coetzee set about the rebuild. A couple of boundaries apiece took some early pressure off and Thors were grateful to receive 5 penalty runs when the ball struck the keeper’s unused helmet. The pressure was further reduced in the 10th Over when Dabhade bowled a no ball to Coe who clattered the free hit for a maximum. 30-2 at the end of the first powerplay.

The change bowling for the hosts stemmed the flow of boundaries but the more defensive field allowed the batters to rotate the strike as Thors reached 61-2 at the 17 over drinks break.

Coe was caught a couple of overs later for a well made 27. Harry Choules joined Coetzee but the duo could only add 5 more runs before Choules was adjudged LBW with the wicket keeper moving down the leg side.

Another rebuild was in order as Chilcott joined Coetzee, the pair both looking solid on a relatively true wicket. At the halfway stage the score was 85-4 and things seemed to be in the balance.

Just as Thors started to relax and the 2nd batting point had been reached, Coetzee was bowled for a solid 40. Daldorph added 6 runs but was caught in the ring and Thorverton were in bother again at 115-6.

Squire joined the ever present Chilcott and dug deep to survive some early nervous moments. It was when Baker was introduced that Squire got going, crunching him through the covers and rotating the strike well with Chilcott who was now finding some joy with a selection of sweep shots.

The pair took the score past 150 with 10 overs to go and for the first time in the afternoon, 200 looked like a feasible target for the visitors. Both batters were looking more than solid now and things were on track as we reached 175-6 in the 46th over.

Dabhade was reintroduced for a 2nd spell and had his 3rd wicket when he removed Chilly for a more than useful 42. Slaviero and Squire followed with a boundary each and some hard run singles as we reached 192-7 going into the final over.

With Henry falling for 41 trying to force the next batting point, Thors finished up on 196-8. A solid total given the scores at 3-2 and 115-6 but probably under par.

With no teas on offer on the English Riveria, there was a short break to watch United’s 2nd goal in the FA Cup final before the 2nd innings commenced.

With rain now threatening, it was clear Torquay had a plan to get on with things with Kelmere in particular using his feet to put the pressure on Daldorph and Slaviero. Thors aided the cause with a few extras but Kelmere’s striking had us under real pressure at 40-0 from 5.

The skipper stuck with the reliable opening pair who started to find some rhythm in the Torquay drizzle. In the end it was a full toss that was the undoing of Kelmere when a leading edge was claimed by Harry Choules. Torquay 57-1 in the 10th and with the DLS Par score shooting up by 15 runs due to the wicket, Thors had a glimmer of hope.

Slaviero and Daldorph closed out their opening spells tightly but left handed Western and South African professional Roux stayed solid.

Robbins replaced Slaviero and Broom replaced Daldorph, the latter picking up the wicket of Western first ball with another claim behind by Harry Choules. Torquay 76-2 after 16 but still comfortably ahead of the required rate.

The rain continued to threaten and Thors were aware that if less than 20 overs were bowled, there would be no result and a useful amount of bonus points would’ve been amassed for both sides. The ball was becoming damp and difficult to grip for the bowlers which made bowling to the positive Torquay batting challenging. However, the rain was never hard enough to leave the field and after 20 overs, Torquay only required another 90 runs to win.

The skipper rotated his bowlers from here, knowing wickets were the only hope now and at the very least would add some bonus points. He went close himself when an LBW appeal was turned down off his first ball only to see the next sail over his head via the impressive Roux.

Torquay skipper Passenger was also going after it and finished the job with a couple of boundaries in the 29th over just as Chilcott was getting loose.

Scorecard

League Table

Thors well beaten by 8 wickets by a strong Torquay outfit with another tough test on the horizon as we travel to last season’s runners up Kilmington next week.

With the weather forecast much changed from last week’s run-fest at Station Ground, the visit of Tavistock was to pose a new set of challenges for the unbeaten 1st XI.

There were 2 changes to the side which was – A.Pitt, D.Robbins, B.Coe, B.Coetzee, H.Choules+, A.Chilcott, D.Baldock, G.Daldorph, B.Slaviero, A.Jopling, J.Choules*.

Visiting captain Sean Cleave won the toss and as is common practice with rain forecasted, elected to bowl. Centurions Pitt & Robbins opened up with the latter picking up where he left off last week with some punishing strikes to the boundary from the get go.

Anything short of a length offered by the opening bowlers raced to the boundary until veteran keeper Dave Manning took a sublime catch when Robbins inside edged one in the 4th over. The score had already raced to 26-1 and there was time for incoming Ben Coe to flick 4 more before the first rain delay of the afternoon ensued.

Only a couple of overs were lost before Pitt & Coe were back it it, the pair turning the strike over nicely against the opening bowlers as the first batting point came up.

Shortly after, Barriball got one to nip back to remove Coe for 15 and the the change pairing of skipper Cleave and Sri Lankan import Sandaruwan were introduced for the Moorlanders. Pitt struck a maximum as the 100 approached and Brendan played himself in, but the spinners had begun to stem the run flow.

Pitt eventually went for 28 when he skied one off of Sandaruwan with the total reaching 92-3.

The following period was a good one for the visitors as the Thors middle order found it difficult to get going with the pace off. Choules came and went for 8 and just when he was looking comfortable, Coetzee was also gone for 25.

Chilcott and Baldock attempted to resist in difficult conditions but a bizarre Baldock dismissal followed by the end of Chilly left Thors in some trouble at 113-5.

With the most damaging Tavi bowlers coming to the end of their allocated overs, Daldorph and Slaviero looked increasingly comfortable in the middle. The pair turned the strike over positively and Slaviero (18*) in particular began to find the boundary regularly.

However as Thors sought to increase the rate in the final overs, the rain came back and we were left stranded on 156-7.

An early tea was taken and the game was revised to a 39 over affair – DLS setting a target of 171 to win for Tavistock.

After a plentiful Choules/Bastin tea, Slaviero and Daldorph got on with the defence from their usual ends. As we have become used to, the pair looked threatening from the off with Daldorph cleaning up opener Gray for 0. After beating his outside edge on numerous occasions, Slaviero eventually had other opener Scott-Munden caught behind with help from a sharp grab from Choules.

When the rain came once more, Thors were in the ascendancy with Tavi 16-2. When play resumed, it was now a 32 over game with Tavistock requiring 140 more – a total of 156 to win.

Slaviero struck the very first ball after the rain delay, removing Sandaruwan LBW for 0 much to the delight of his teammates. It was time for a change of bowling as Robbins and Jopling were introduced who kept the visitors below the required rate. With the score on 30, Thorvy had a 4th wicket when Robbins bowled Barriball for 16.

Thors smelt blood but still needed wickets as Tavistock now had dangermen Davies and Manning at the crease. The pair began to force the issue and increased the scoring rate against the slower bowling. Daldorph was introduced for his final 2 overs with the aim of removing one of the more threatening batters and whilst he kept things extremely tight, the visitors weathered the storm.

The pair continued to score relatively quickly at the other end as the skipper tried to settle. With the score into the 80s, Thors were relived to remove Manning as he hit one down the throat of Coetzee in front of the rained off 2s and 3s for a well made 28.

Davies would’ve known he had to do the bulk of the scoring from here – and looked more than capable, piling more pressure onto the Thors bowling as the score passed 100.

Slaviero was introduced from the Pavilion End in front of the tense home support and stemmed the runflow as expected. He removed Geering for 17 in the process but with the score at 122-6 with four overs to go, things remained tense around Station Ground.

Slaviero finished his allotted overs economically and Pitt was proving difficult to get away at the River End as the score went into the 140s with 2 to go.

The skipper took the final over from the Pavilion End and removed Davies (58) 3rd ball when he picked out Robbins at deep mid wicket.

Pitt was left to defend 10 from the final over. It was the perfect start when Daymond was caught at point by Coe followed by a first baller for Fraser when keeper Choules sprinted towards square leg for the catch.

The Tavi number 11 gave Thors a brief scare when he hit the penultimate ball of the game for 6 but Pitt held his nerve for the final ball as Thors won a thriller by 3 runs.

Scorecard

League Table

With only one other game in the division reaching a conclusion, Thorverton rise to the top of the early A Division table.

Thanks to Bob Rice for his work in the scorebox and our ground team for getting the game on in difficult conditions.

Next week the unbeaten 1s visit promotion hopefuls Torquay.

The first XI made 6 enforced changes for the first home game of the season against newly promoted Plymstock.

The team lining up in the Station Ground sun were: A.Pitt, D.Robbins, B.Coetzee, D.Baldock, G.Daldorph, B.Coe, P.Stirling+, B.Slaviero, J.Broom, A.Jopling, J.Choules.

The skipper won the toss and elected to bat, somewhat surprisingly his opposite number alleged that he would have bowled anyway.

The visitors started reasonably tightly albeit Pitt & Robbins ran hard for a couple of 2s, setting the tone for an energetic partnership for the pair. It wasn’t long before Robbins had his first of what would be 14 boundaries when he guided Scott-Kirk through third man.

He then dispatched other opener Cunningham for 6 when he dropped one too short – the Thorvy deck starting to look like it would be unforgiving this afternoon. Not to be outdone, Pitt finished the opening 10 over powerplay with a couple of boundaries himself as Thors reached 47 without loss.

Whalley was introduced for Plymstock who kept things tighter for the visitors as their supporters were already ordering vodkas at the bar. The change of bowling at the other end brought more joy for Thors with the destructive opening pair finding joy against the seam of Hal Kerton including 2 maximums in the 20th over from Robbins. 87-0.

The pair looked comfortable now, both passing their 50s around the halfway mark of the innings. The field was now spread which allowed Thors to pile on the pressure with numerous 2s and occasional 3s.

Once he had had enough of that, Robbins went large again, striking Mitch for 2 more maximums in the 30th over. Following a single from Pitt, Robbins made it 3 6s from 4 balls faced when Cowan was also despatched into the neighbouring field.

Kerton and Whalley were re-introduced, the latter tightening it up but the former being punished when any width was offered to Pitt.

By now the duo had broken the 1st XI opening stand record held since 1992 and soon after passed 200. After an afternoon of practice, Jopling had become a master cricket ball finder in the Thorverton countryside albeit probably still yet to reach the ball-finding levels of the great-late John Hill – who no doubt would have enjoyed the opening stand as much as anybody.

Much to the delight of his teammates, Robbins brought up his maiden Thorvy 100 by dispatching yet another over the road. The Thors bowlers had to watch themselves as they went to retrieve the ball as Pitt hammered the spare towards his teammates, into the bank.

After one more boundary, Robbins was finally bowled by Cunningham for 108 from 101 balls, hammering 7 4s and 7 6s.

With only 14 overs left, Coe was told to unstrap the pads as Coetzee joined Pitt at the crease, the saffa finding the boundary himself in his second over.

The new pair turned the strike over as attention turned to Pitt who moved through the 80s into the 90s. His well earned century came up in the 42nd over when he slapped Scott-Kirk for 4 more – another chance for the Thors teammates and spectators to get onto their feet.

Pitt followed up his ton with another boundary the very next ball but Coetzee fell to Mitch the next over for a handy 15.

Thors had reached 253-2 with 7 to go so with maximum batting bonus points in the bag, Baldock strode in with a welcome licence. He and Pitt added 25 more before before the veteran was caught in the 48th over.

Pitt finally went in the final over for a most pleasing 122 from 156 balls – 14 4s and 2 6s. Daldorph and Coe added 3 more before the former was unselfishly caught on the final ball for a run a ball 8. Thors finished on 288-5.

After a more than plentiful Slaviero (and helpers) tea, the Aussie-Italian and George Daldorph opened up for the hosts. The pair kept things tight early on, beating the outside edge on a number of occasions. George was rewarded in the 8th over when he caught and bowled Mulbery for 7 with the score on 21. Slaverio followed up in his 6th over when Summer was caught at 2nd slip by Baldock – the visitors 37-2.

Broom was introduced from the Pavilion End and with 2 left handers in, the skipper’s off spin was introduced at the River End. The pair’s first couple of overs were tight but Plymstock decided to take the game to Thorverton ahead of the first drinks break with opener Mitch in particular punishing any bad balls. With a couple more boundaries after drinks, a change from both ends was instructed as Jopling and Coetzee were introduced – the skipper still hopeful that off spin would do for the 2 left handers.

It wasn’t to be as the visitors didn’t allow Coetzee to settle although by halfway in the innings Jopling had found his rhythm at the River End, removing Whalley for 27. 113–3 became 115-4 when Jops had his second while centurion Robbins was keeping things tight at the other end.

Mitch in particular was starting to look comfortable though, and passed his half century. He was supported by Hocken who took a liking to Choules once Jops was bowled out for a tidy 2-50.

With the visitors approaching the 200 mark with 10 overs to go, Thors new they were in a game and the pressure started to show with a few misfields and missed chances after a long day in the sun.

Robbins had a deserved wicket in his 9th over when the skipper held onto a simple catch at point to remove Hocken for 31. Robbo eventually finishing his 10 overs for a more than helpful 1-35.

The skipper persevered at the River End but when his 6th over was taken for 14, it was time for a change. Opener Mitch passed his hundred in the eventful 44th over which was followed up by a tight over from Slaviero at the Pavilion End in front of an increasingly nervous Thors crowd.

With Daldorph an injury doubt, Pitt had replaced the skipper at the River End but Mitch was seeing it like a beachball now and for the first time in a number of overs the required rate snuck below 10.

Slaviero gave Thors a scare with 5 wides in the 47th over but the experienced seamer responded in the best way possible – bowling Mitch for a well made 119. A couple of balls later the Aussie got one to nip back to remove Porter for 0.

Thors were reluctant to relax though so Daldorph was brought on despite potential cramp. When he struck with 2 in 2, Thors could finally breathe. Slaviero picked up the final wicket, his 4th, when Cowan (31) was fittingly caught on the rope by Pitt in front of the home support.

Scorecard

League Table

Thors made it 2 from 2 in 2024, picking up the maximum 20 points in the process. The day will be remembered by a record opening stand and centuries for Pitt & Robbins, beating the record of 185 set thirty two years ago by Barwell & Barwell.

A big thanks for new scorer Jess Morrish for her work in the box. The 1s are at home again next week as Tavistock are the visitors.

Fresh from a defeat at the hands of Upottery on the opening day of the season, a much changed 2s embarked on the long journey to Barnstaple. Raleigh Meadow in contrast to last season’s encounter was bathed in sunshine.

Stand-in skipper Jack Stirling won the toss and elected to bat. There were seven changes to the XI, including 2s debuts for Danny Mead, Andy Davies and Dan Hawke. The line up for the visitors:- A.Daldorph, J.Meredith, D.Mead, A.Davies, P.Thomas, O.Coe, O.Hawke, C.Winzer, J.Stirling*, A.Gibbons, D.Hawke+.

Meredith & Daldorph opened proceedings with the latter back in the hutch in just the third over, adjudged LBW to Thomas for just 1. Veteran debutant Danny Mead joined Meredith and enjoyed some back of a length bowling to find the boundary on the pull a few times to help Thors reach 38-1 at the end of the powerplay.

Tom Poole was brought into the attack and struck immediately, Meredith unable to clear Tom’s brother James at extra cover. Andy Davies on debut joined Mead but only lasted 5 balls for his 1. 47-3 from 13.

Mead and Paul Thomas steadied the ship and started to look more comfortable on a pitch that offered much for the bowlers but plenty for the batters when the ball was pitched short. They took things through to drinks, 77-3.

Mead was bowled by Cole from the first ball after the drinks break for a well made 37. Olly Coe came and went in the same over, caught at cover for 0. 77-5.

A few extras and a second boundary from Thomas took the score to 86-5 before on the pull he chopped the ball onto the ground, then pad, then stumps. An unfortunate way to go for 10.

Winzer & Ollie Hawke both found boundaries before the latter was removed by James Roe for 6. Stirling was bowled first ball & Gibbons followed caught after also for 0. A single from the next over saw Thors whimper past the hundred mark, but when Roe had Winzer caught at slip in the following over, Thors had capitulated from 77-3 to 100 all out & Roe’s off-spin had completely cleaned up the tail, returning exceptional figures of 4 for 0.

After tea was taken, Gibbons and Coe took the new ball. Barnstaple got off to a reasonable start until Newton skied one off Gibbons who took the catch himself; 18-1. Holm and Poole took the hosts to 38-1 at the end of the powerplay.

Coe removed Poole with a full toss, gratefully snaffled by Danny Mead at mid-wicket, a deserved wicket for Coe who had beaten the edge of both batters on multiple occasions. Stirling replaced Gibbons and struck immediately to remove Holm LBW. 38-3.

The left arm of Andy Davies replaced Coe and he also struck straight away, Jimmer Thomas smacking a full toss straight down the throat of Meredith on the square leg boundary. 52-4 and things were starting to look a bit more in the balance.

Things looked even better for Thors when Stirling struck again, bowling Fewings for a duck. 53-5 and some unwelcome anxiety in the host’s dressing room.

Tapp & Roe took Davies third over for 12, before Tapp managed to find the safe hands of Andy Daldorph at long on. 75-6 after 18 overs and 26 still needed.

Cole & Roe batted more patiently than their teammates before them and some attritional cricket followed, Roe finding the boundary on a couple of occasions.. 85-6 at drinks.

With the game within one hit away for Barnstaple, skipper Stirling removed his opposite number Cole, LBW & finished his 9 overs with 3-15. Poole crashed one through the covers for 4 to take the hosts home. An entertaining game which looked all but over before the tea break.

Scorecard

League Table

The two defeats so far see the 2nd XI at the foot of the table with 9 points. Next up for the 2s is an eagerly anticipated derby against Shobrooke Park 1st XI on Saturday 18th.

The first XI made the first of many long trips this season with a visit to Plymouth for the DCL opener. The fixture was rained off last season but a couple of days of good weather meant there was no such risk this time around.

The team was: A.Pitt, L.Vukusic, A.Chilcott, B.Coetzee, H.Choules+, G.Greed, S.Jefferson, B.Heard, B.Slaviero, J.Broom, J.Choules*.

With a bit of dampness still in the square, the hosts elected to field after winning the toss. The opposition skipper, Stein, opened from the Pavilion End instantly getting the new cherry to swing but Pitt held firm. Plymouth opted to open with spin from the City End with Saleem offering plenty of extras to get the scoreboard ticking over from the start.

Pitt and Vukusic punished a couple of looseners which meant Plymouth went with a more defensive field early on, allowing the pair to rotate the strike with relative ease.

Thors rode our luck at times with a couple of drop catches but the relaxed opening pair saw off the opening bowlers and opening powerplay at a healthy 4 an over.

Shortly after bringing up the 50 partnership, Pitt (22) played on to Randev who proved to be the pick of the Plymouth bowlers. Chilcott hung around for a few overs, ensuring there wouldn’t be quick wickets, but eventually Randev had his second when Chilly was caught behind.

In stepped overseas import Brendan Coetzee who timed the ball from the off as he and Vukusic brought the score to 80-2 at the halfway point.

The duo looked more and more comfortable, running well and putting away the bad ball as the 100 came up, Luke reaching his half century in the process.

It took the opposition skipper bringing himself back on for the city side to remove Vukusic, LBW for 56. Harry Choules picked up were Luke left off though, crunching a couple of cover drives to get himself going.

He and Brendan ran well as the host’s frustration began to show, not helped by a couple of lost balls as Choules punished anything short of a length.

Going into the latter stages, Brendan also looked to up the rate but was eventually caught for a well made 31. Thors now 176-4 going into the final overs. The oldest player in the team joining Choules at the crease didn’t slow the rate as Greed & Choules continued to scamper plenty of 2s, the latter passing 50 in the process.

Randev bowled veteran Greed for a run a ball 13 before it was Jefferson’s turn to support Choules. A useful 14 runs were added by the pair before Randev had his 4th and Heard strolled in during the final over.

Some tight death bowling from the hosts restricted Thors to 221-6 from their 50 overs which was a total the skipper would’ve taken when the coin landed on tails at the toss.

With no teas on offer, Thorvy were keen to get on with the defence. Slaviero took the Pavilion End whilst Broom took the City End after an impressive pre season. Slavs kept it tight in his usual fashion, beating the outside edge on plenty of occasions. Broom also caused problems for the Plymouth openers, Randev and Phillips, albeit the pair began to punish anything back of a length once they got used to the tennis ball bounce like surface.

After jarring his back after his 4th over, Broom was replaced by Pitt who despite a couple of extras to start kept things tight for Thors. The villagers tried to repay Plymouth’s hospitality in terms of dropped catches as one went down in the slips and another on the rope but the run rate remained slow.

After 6 tight overs, Slaviero was replaced by Heard who also held the hosts below the required rate. Wickets were appearing hard to come by, however, and with the score in the 70s as we approached halfway, the skipper replaced Heard to try to prize a wicket before drinks.

He was successful when a tired Phillips was bowled for 35. Haffenden negotiated the final 5 balls before the drinks break with the total at 83-1.

Choules had another soon after drinks thanks to a simple catch from Heard. With Randev out for 40, the visitors had 2 new bats to target.

Pitt and Choules continued to restrict the runs, with help from their fielders who turned 2s into 1s and 1s into dots. Haffenden and Stein were resisting though, the skipper in particular looking dangerous after finding the boundary on a couple of occasions.

However, he was eventually caught by Vukusic and Thors smelt blood. Pitt finished his 10 overs going at less than 4 an over and Coetzee picked up where he left off, keeping things tight from the City End.

A smart grab from Chilcott at Mid On gave Choules his 4th before Brendan got in on the act, this time it was Jefferson’s turn to pouch.

Choules had his 5fa when Witcher skied one that didn’t make it out of the ring – his spirits dampened when he was reminded that he took himself out of his fantasy XI the night before.

Plymouth were now reeling at 137-6 going into the final 10 and whilst they showed good resistance down the order, the damage had been done. Slaviero and Coetzee closed things out with defensive fields, Slav picking up a deserved wicket when Hughes was caught behind for 30.

With Thors needing another wicket for a 4th bowling bonus point, Heard was reintroduced for the final over. The youngster delivered – twice in 2 balls – as Plymouth ended their 50 overs 197-9.

Thors win by 24 runs and pick up 18 points to get the season off to a flier.

Scorecard

League Table

The skipper concluded:

“Very proud as despite some rustiness it was a blueprint of how I want us to play our cricket this season. Especially pleased with batting the overs and not losing wickets in clumps. Harry and Luke were the standouts but there were useful contributions throughout the line up. Felt we were about par but I always back us to defend most totals.”

Huge thanks to Bob Rice for making the trip to Plymouth to score.

The 1s have back to back home games next, starting with newly promoted Plymstock on Saturday.