Devon Cricket Board - White realistic about Thors' promotion challenge

White realistic about Thors' promotion challenge

THORVERTON skipper Graham White has reservations but not fears about making a late dash for promotion after hitting fifth place in the B Division.
In a division where none of the top sides can string more than a couple of wins together, Thorverton have gone from the bottom to fifth on the strength of six straight wins.
Chudleigh are 18 points clear of the rest at the top, but between chasers Plymstock, Ipplepen, Shobrooke and Thorverton the distance is just eight points.
In the last round of fixtures, Plymstock lost to Ivybridge, Thorverton won at former leaders Ipplepen and Shobrooke lost to lowly Braunton.
Thorverton play hit-and-miss South Devon this Saturday, then Braunton, followed by Chudleigh and a derby date with Shobrooke to finish.
Three wins would probably clinch a promotion spot – and two might just do it the way results have been going.
White wants Thorverton back in the A Division, the question is whether now is the right time.
“We certainly aren’t scared of promotion and have plenty of players with experience up there, not just myself but Dave Baldock, James Hope and George Greed,” said White.
“The problem is we get stronger as the season goes on as players become more readily available after school or university finishes.
“That is why we have shot up the table in the last month or so. We have a far stronger side.
“It would be the same next season. At full strength I would have no qualms about A Division cricket. But we don’t get there until mid-June and it is the catching up I worry about.
“With three of our last four at home, it is a question we may find out the answer to.”
Ipplepen were bowled out for 77 by Gill Crouch (5-15), Jake Crouch (2-20) and Will Denford (3-20).
Pens were 30 for eight at one stage and glad of 20 not out from tail-ender Paul Thomas for making the score a bit more respectable.
Thorverton’s only casualty in a nine-wicket win was Paul Fielder. Jamie Khan (40no) and Koby Griggs (13no) had victory wrapped up early.
There was a break in play due to a tragedy on the football pitch next door to the cricket ground.
Rob Breslan, who was playing in goal for Ipplepen Athletic against Newton 66, collapsed after suffering a suspected heart attack.
First-aid trained players involved in the cricket match tried to save Breslan, but he later died.

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