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.

After a soggy winter, Station Ground was bathed in sunshine for the opening Devon Cricket League weekend as the 2nd XI hosted Upottery at Station Ground. With just ten points separating the teams in last seasons table, a tight affair was anticipated.

Newly appointed skipper Ben Coe lost the toss & the hosts were put into bat. Thors lined up:- A.Daldorph, B.Coe*, N.Taverner, D.Baldock, P.Stirling+, G.Squire, P.Thomas, J.Stirling, S.Tait, O.Coe, E.Coe.

The skipper opened the batting with 2s stalwart Andy Daldorph and Thors made a steady but slow start thanks to a slow pitch, even slower outfield and some controlled Upottery out swing from both ends, taking the score to 21-0 at the end of the powerplay.

With boundaries hard to come by, the attritional start continued with the opening pair reaching 55-0 at drinks.

Daldorph was the first to fall for 33 from 80 balls, feathering James Mitcham off a near yorker-length ball through to the keeper off the toe. Coe followed the next over, caught by Rob Tasker off Matt Frost; 30 from 77 balls and Thors were 69-2.

In at three was Taverner who gave a near chance early on hitting Frost just over Jack Larcombe at mid off, but couldn’t clear him a second time; 74-3 with 15 left.

Baldock and Paul Stirling looked to up the scoring rate, the latter finding the boundary twice before giving catching practice to Tasker at slip to give Frost a third. Squire didn’t last long (1 from 4) either as Mitcham picked up a second; 98-5 with 8 to go.

Baldock went on the charge and started to put some pressure back on the bowlers for the first time in the innings. Running well with debutant Paul Thomas and taking the aerial route to remove any issues with the pace of the outfield, Thors pushed past a third batting point in the 41st over.

Baldock did manage to clear the ropes before holing out to Ben Kidson at long on for a crucial 46 off 48. Jack Stirling & Paul Thomas (12*) negotiated the last 9 balls and Thors finished on 148-6.

It only took Stuart Tait four balls of the second innings to make the breakthrough, Larcombe bowled top of off-stump by a snorter of a leg cutter. Olly Coe partnered Tait from the River End with some lively away movement. Tait had a second in the seventh over, Broom coughing up a drive to Jack Stirling at mid off who gladly caught it after an initial fumble. Upottery 26-2 after seven and the game looking very much in the balance.

Coe made a first bowling change after 12 overs with the score at 54-2, introducing himself and Jack Stirling whilst Mitcham and Kidson set about building a partnership, finding the boundary with more ease than the hosts had done. 99-2 after 21.

Paul Thomas had a two over trundle to no avail whilst Kidson went past 50. Evie Coe replaced Stirling and bowled a tight first over of flighted leggies.

Andy Daldorph was introduced to try and break the partnership at 117-2 after 25 overs; but the game was over just 15 balls later, with ten coming off his first over, 12 off Coe’s next and Mitcham sealing it with a couple of boundaries with 17 and a half overs to spare. Credit must go to Ben Kidson (61 from 81) and James Mitcham (54 from 56) for seeing Upottery home with ease.

Scorecard

League Table

Thanks to Paul Jordan & Keith Cudby and James Meredith for scoring. Next up for the 2s is the long trip to Barnstaple & Pilton on Saturday.

With Thorverton entering a 3rd XI into the Devon League for the first time in six seasons, we sat down with James Meredith to preview the season.

A great deal of optimism at the club surrounding the reintroduction of the thirds, how excited are you to get going?

Very excited to get the season underway. It’s been in the development plan for a couple of years, so it’s great see it come to fruition. We’ve got some enthusiastic juniors & adults, so it’s great we can provide more cricket for all.

How confident are you that we can meet the challenges of getting three sides out each Saturday?

I’m quite confident we’ll be able to turn three sides out, some weeks will be tricky but we’ll manage it. The re-introduction of the third team has resulted in some helpful recruitment over the winter with new & returning players. We’ve also got a healthy pool of junior players & some of the ladies softball team are keen to try hardball. I’ve also got a handful of people I know I can call on when we’re short so they’ll be essential when a lot are unavailable.

How important is it to have a home ground as good as Clyst Hydon’s?

It’s great we’ve secured that agreement. Any third team in the area would love to have it as their home ground. Clyst Hydon don’t just let it to any club, which says a lot about our own. They’ve got the full set up & take great pride in the ground, so we should get some decent wickets & good cricket there. Plus it’s not too far from Thorverton. It makes it an ideal proving ground for our juniors to learn & experience all aspects of open age cricket in my opinion.

What are the goals for the season?

Win a few games & ideally finish about mid table.

The main goal is to have an environment where everyone is enjoying their cricket. Sounds cliché, but I think that is vital to ensure come the end of the season we have juniors who have improved and feel more confident so they can progress up the teams.

Are there any players you’re expecting big things of this season?

Similar to what Benny said, Olly Coe is looking good pre-season so I’d be delighted to have him in the side but he’ll be pushing for 2s. Another one looking good is Chris Winzer with the bat, he could score some runs in the 3s.

The club as a whole seems to be in a really good place at the moment, what do you want to see continue and where could we improve?

That’s a great question. We’re where we are thanks to all the hard work that people put in behind the scenes, so that’s got to continue. The atmosphere that everyone has helped create is something I’d love to keep going, there aren’t many clubs with a vibe like ours.

Our connection to local community is getting stronger & we need to continue to improve that with the pavilion project. We also still need more volunteers, especially with the expansion to three teams. Even if it’s just helping out with one game or painting a fence, it all helps.

If you could make one rule change in cricket, what would it be?

In Devon, the run rate rule for interruptions is a pain if you’re on the wrong side of it. Change that to use a DLS app.

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The 3rd XI take to the field for the first time in 6 seasons on Saturday, taking on Culmstock 2nd XI at Clyst Hydon’s Merryfield ground.

Ahead of the 2024 league season we sat down with newly appointed 2nd XI captain Benny Coe to preview the 2024 D Division East season.

A fourth place finish for the 2s last year following promotion in 2022 – what do you see as the aims for the 2nd XI this year?

Last year was a really successful season for the 2s and it will take some big performances to match it this year. With good availability and hard work I think we should be confident against any opposition. I’m looking forward to getting going and seeing what the season brings.

Who are you expecting to step up to the mark this season and which youngsters are you expecting to see more of in the 2s?

I’m hoping Andy Daldorph continues his fine form with the bat and Dave Baldock makes some big scores. I’m looking forward to giving Henry Squire and Jack Baker lots of opportunities and am expecting them to start challenging for spots in the 1s. Olly Coe has had a good pre season and will be in the mix for more regular 2s cricket.

How important is a good start after some player departures over the winter?

Starting well always helps and builds confidence especially after losing an established player like John Farley. But if we can create an enjoyable atmosphere and work hard for each other I’m sure the results will follow.

Do you think the reintroduction of the 3rd XI will significantly help the 2s with those on the fringes getting more regular cricket?

Absolutely, there are a number of Juniors who will benefit from regular Saturday Cricket and I expect them to be key to the 2s moving forward. Equally offering cricket to those that want to play is fantastic. It will be a challenge to get three teams out each week so the support of all the members will be vital.

The club as a whole seems to be in a really good place at the moment, what do you want to see continue and where could we improve?

The atmosphere at the club is fantastic, so would definitely like that to continue. Part of my role as captain of the 2s is to prepare players to support the 1s. I think to do this we need to take our preparation for games a little more seriously, introducing a team warmup will be the first step.

If you could make one rule change in cricket, what would it be?

Good question, all teams should provide teas!

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The 2s start their season at home to Upottery 1st XI on Saturday 4th May from 1pm.

Despite the best efforts of the weather, the 1st XI made the short trip to Knightshayes to take on Premier Division Tiverton Heathcoat in a 40 over pre season fixture.

The bowler heavy side was as follows; D.Robbins, B.Coe, B.Coetzee, H.Choules+, D.Baldock, G.Daldorph, B.Slaviero, A.Jopling, J.Broom, J.Choules*, O.Coe.

After winning the toss, Choules unsurprisingly elected to bowl in the grey and damp conditions. Slaviero & Daldorph opened up showing very little rustiness, causing instant problems for the Heathcoat top order.

It was Slaviero that struck first, removing the opposition skipper for 0 with thanks to Coetzee’s safe hands in the covers which would have removed any of the South African’s nerves on his debut.

Not to be outdone, Daldorph snicked off the other opener, safely caught by H. Choules. With the hosts 2 down in the first powerplay, Choules opted for an early bowling change as Broom and Jopling were introduced and both also struck early. Drew hit a maximum over square leg but Jopling had his man a few balls later whilst Broom ensured Chilcott and Dixon missed straight ones. Jopling picked up his second when he bowled opposition keeper, Reed, for 1.

With the hosts 33-6 from 16 overs, the bowling was changed again as the skipper introduced himself and youngster Olly Coe. The hosts began a useful rebuild from here and at the halfway point the score reached 45-6.

After the pair bowled 5 wicketless overs apiece, the 7th and 8th bowlers of the day were brought on in Robbins and Coetzee.

Heathcoat attempted to increase the rate going into the latter overs but wickets began to tumble again once Robbins bowled Stoneman for a useful 21. Coetzee removed top scorer Parkinson for 32 thanks to a sharp take down the leg side by Harry Choules.

Coetzee and Slaviero took the final 2 Heathcoat wickets as the hosts ended on 111AO.

Robbins and Coe began the chase as openers Drew and Hancock tried to make things difficult. However the pair battled to see off the openers, the latter of which has experience playing for the county.

Coe went soon after though for a patient 10 from 50 balls with the score on 26. Coetzee hung around for a few overs without scoring until he was unfortunate to find the fielder attempting to dispatch a long hop. Robbins kept the score moving along but H. Choules also fell LBW for 0.

41-3 became 45-4 when top scorer Robbins was caught for 30 and the bowling heavy Thors line up found themselves in some bother. Baldock relieved some pressure by striking 15 but when he and Daldorph went with the total only on 58 the writing seemed to be on the wall.

The tail had other ideas though as Slaviero & Jopling brought the score to 69 before Jops was caught. The next partnership proved to be the most vital as Broom and Slaviero took the game to Heathcoat by running hard and dispatching any loose balls. Most notably Broom found the longest boundary when he dispatched a full toss for 6.

Unfortunately the pair couldn’t finish the job as Hancock was reintroduced into the attack, cleaning up Slaviero who had made a very helpful 17.

With Thors needing 12 more and Heathcoat needing 2 wickets it was time for the skipper to join Broom. The duo rotated the strike a few times before we saw one of the more bizarre incidents we are likely to witness this season. Hancock cleaned Broom up but clipped the non-strikers end stumps as he bowled meaning it was a no ball. He bowled Broom again on the free hit but Thorverton still managed to take a single.

The target was now within one strike which Broom surely would have been eyeing up. However, Hancock did the work for Thorverton by spraying 5 wides down the leg side – an anticlimactic end given the previous drama.

Scorecard

A useful pre season run out ends in a 2 wicket win for Thors who travel to Bradninch on Tuesday for one more run out before the Devon League commences.

Ahead of his fourth season as 1st XI skipper and a third successive A Division campaign, we sat down with Jake Choules to preview the 2024 season.

How are you feeling about the season? What are the goals for the 1st XI this term?

The season seems to have crept up on us and with this weather, it doesn’t feel like we’re only a week or so away. I am looking forward to it as ever though and hope everybody else is too.

In terms of goals, we want to continue as a sustainable A Division team but we have finished 6th and 5th in the last 2 seasons, so it would be great to keep improving and push towards the top half this time around.

With a few departures and only the addition of Brendan Coetzee as overseas player to the squad, how confident are you of achieving that? Is there anyone we can expect to see more of in the 1st XI this season?

I don’t think the squad is too different to how we finished the end of last season so with good availability I think it will be achievable – that will be the key.

Hoping to get some more appearances out of Bobby Heard, Luke Vukusic & Sam Jefferson this year who will hopefully be around towards the start of the year. Plus it would be great to see Henry Squire and Jack Baker continue to push for 1s cricket – the latest additions from the junior conveyor belt.

Runs were hard to come by last year, with the 1st XI making full batting points just once in the 1 run win at Budleigh Salterton. What do you want to see more of from your side?

It was a difficult year for batting with some of the conditions we faced but it’s certainly an area we can improve on.

A bit more consistency (which comes with availability) would help and of course using the full 50 overs. I think last year really taught us what sort of scores we can defend so we can refine our targets a bit more this season.

Who from the squad are you tipping for a big season?

I’m always reluctant to single people out but naturally you’d look to George as last season’s player of the year winner. He’s got a great partnership with Slavs opening up – surely one of the best opening attacks in the county. I’m sure there will be plenty of chances for George to push on with the bat this season too.

Clearly we’re also hopeful that Brendan can hit the ground running as our overseas addition and from what I’ve seen I’m sure he’ll settle in well.

Where do you think the club is at overall from a cricketing point of view? Is there anything you would like to see change?

I think we’re in a great place. When you look at how many clubs are merging whilst meanwhile we are launching a 3rd XI, that can only be a positive. The womens section is also growing every year and it would be great to see a hardball team eventually.

Fingers crossed we keep going in the right direction. A lot of our success comes from the junior section so I’m sure any more willing volunteers would be welcomed by Jimmy and Ben.

Do you feel unprepared for the season as we look set to lose pre-season matches to the continuing wet weather?

If pre season is washed out then it’ll be the same as last season and all teams will be in the same boat so it isn’t a concern really. The attendance at indoor nets was really encouraging and hopefully we’ll be netting outdoors from next week.

We’ve got a tough first game at Plymouth, then two home games so if we can target a couple of wins from the first batch of games then I’d be very pleased.

A tricky draw in the Devon T20 again away against a Premier Division side. Are you looking forward to that one?

Really looking forward to visiting Exmouth again, it’s a great ground and a chance to test ourselves against a top team. Ideal for any spectators as well!

We did really well at Plympton last year, just missing out on finals day, so it would be great for the club if we could go 1 better this time. I see no reason why not!

Either way there will be plenty of opportunities for T20 cricket with the Covid Cup returning as well. We’re still looking for a sponsor to name the competition after as the Covid Cup is a bit outdated now! Get in touch with us if you can help.

Finally, coloured kit was voted down by clubs at the DCL AGM; is this something you would like to see brought in? Are there any other changes you would like to see in the Devon League?

I think it would definitely be beneficial to modernise the league and I’m a big fan of our new coloured tops. (ORDER HERE)

Overall though, it’s a good competition so I wouldn’t say it is broken and needing wholesale changes.

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The Tolchards Devon Cricket League gets underway from Saturday 4th May, with the 1st XI travelling to Mount Wise to take on Plymouth.