Devon Cricket Board - Cornwood keep Thompson on board for Prem return

Cornwood keep Thompson on board for Prem return

JACKSON Thompson is heading back to Cornwood next season for a third year as the club looks to gain a foothold in the Premier Division.
Thompson, who scored 677 runs at an average of 45.13 as well as taking 15 wickets, helped Cornwood back into the top flight at the first attempt following relegation 12 months earlier.
Cornwood involved Thompson (left) in their youth coaching programme and officials see him as an ideal role model for their younger players.
Nick Goodliffe, who is club development officer following a back-room reshuffle, said retaining the former Gloucestershire, Middlesex and Unicorns batsman as club professional was an easy decision to make.
“All our senior players were keen to retain his services,” said Goodliffe.
“We all know his batting capabilities, but he also offers and effective slow-bowling option to the team and we are confident his form will continue into the 2016 season.
We believe in consistency at the club wherever possible, and the model of the English pro, combined with a rookie, overseas amateur, has worked well for us. It’s likely to be something we pursue again next season.”
Jason Hall (right), who has led the side for the past two and a half seasons, won’t be skipper next year due to increased commitments at work.
The new man in charge is Elliot Staddon, who has been honing his captain skills in T20 cricket for the past two seasons.
Staddon (left), who is 21, showed his mettle by digging Cornwood out of trouble with lower-order runs several times last season.
Goodliffe said: “Elliot demonstrated the grit and determination needed to ‘set the standard’ on regular occasions,” said Goodliffe.
“It was a unanimous decision to give Elliot the opportunity of becoming the club captain for 2016.
“He will be supported by Jackson in a vice-captain capacity, which it is hoped will help forge a perfect blend for leadership on the field.”
Hall finished his second stint at Cornwood’s tiller by steering them to a last-day win at Brixham to snatch the A Division title off the long-time leaders.
Goodliffe said Hall will carry on playing, which is good news for Cornwood.
“Jason’s commitment and dedication to the cause has been truly admirable and he has gained the respect of everyone at the club and further afield,” said Godliffe.
“He is a class act with bat and ball, so we’re delighted that he will remain as a club player throughout next season, without the added pressures and time demands that captaincy brings.”
Duncan Boase, the former Devon keeper-batsman, has been installed as the club’s new chairman of selectors.
Boase was with Cornwood the first time the reached the Premier Division in 2000, only to come back down again in 2002.
Cornwood’s last Premier stint was even briefer – up one year, down the next – and Boase wants to avoid becoming a yo-yo side, which has bee the fate of clubs such as Sidmouth, North Devon, Paignton, Seaton and Braunton over the years.
“It is important for me that Cornwood become a side that doesn't bounce up and down from Premier to A Division,” said Boase.
“The maturity displayed last season was a vast improvement on the last time we were in the Premier (2014) and that should stand us in good stead.
“With our 2nd XI also competing in the 2nd XI Premier Division we now have more strength in depth but will still be looking to strengthen in a few areas.
“Healthy competition for places is crucial, nobody should be able to rest on their laurels in the 1st team.”
Mark Roca has been appointed club coach and will work with Boase to identify young talent and give it a chance.
“We need to continue Cornwood’s excellent reputation for bringing young players through,” said Boase.
“If they are good enough, they are old enough to step up.”
Cornwood’s awards evening is at the Elfordleigh Hotel, Plympton this Saturday.
Winter nets start in February. For any enquiries about the club contact Goodliffe on cornwoodcc@live.com

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