Thornton le Dale Evening Team V's Hovingham @ Away Thursday 28th April 2011
The season started with a late april evening league fixture away at the picturesque setting of Hovingham. Sure enough dale decided the game is to easy to be played with 11 men so they made do with just 10. Steady early wickets from danny hill (4-33) had dale well in control, until some late blasting into the dafodile patch by hovinghams middle order allowed them 2 reach a tricky 127/6. Not a problem if you have new captain and matthew clarks hero Luke Kenworthy opening your batting! He Blasted Hovinghams bowling attack to all parts (including the before mentioned dafodile patch) to score a memorable 70. Matthew Todd and Iain Farrow then completed the impressive victory with a ball to spare to win by 7 wickets and start the new season on a high!
Thornton le Dale 1st Eleven V's Lockton 1st Eleven @ Home Saturday 30th April 2011
The season kicked off with a narrow defeat to Lockton. Having won the toss with a coin minted on the date of the erstwhile club junior coaches birth date (1865) Stephenson inserted the visiting team. Thornton turned to the new strike partnership of Waring and Hill. Tight spells kept Hunt and Hill contained before Dilshan struck. Sam Asquith and Mark Williams then applied a subtle blend of length and line variation teasing Neil Eddon to a well deserved 50. It was then cometh the hour cometh the men fresh from his tour of New Zealand “Clarky” discovered the art of pie throwing! Using some brain cells, previously undiscovered, he weaved his magic to beguile the Lockton lower order to 158 all out.
The whole team have had a long winter of watching paint dry and Stephenson did not let his followers down with a majestic opening partnership of fluent edges. Having lulled the entire Lockton fielding unit to a sleep Stephenson put on his donkey ears and played in, around, through and over one from the dependable Hill. The departure shortly after of Ces Fabrigas brought two classy players to the wicket, King (wintered well) and Sigsworth. These two put Thornton within touching distance. However good bowling from Welburn, Hill and Eddon pushed Lockton over the finish line.
Credit must go to Graham Hunt for a game dominated on both sides by protégés of the Thornton Junior section
Thornton le Dale 2nd Eleven V's Great Habton @Away Saturday 30th April 2011
After a large player turnover in the off season, new 2nd team captain Paul Elgey was left facing many of the problems he encounted captaining the 3rds last year, mainly that of having very few players to choose from. At 7 o'clock on friday evening, with only 10 men confirmed on his team sheet he pondered who to call upon. With memories of his belligergent 79 last year at humanby in his mind, an SOS was sent out to an egyptian pharaoh know as naif, to complete the 11. Arriving at the ground his accustomed 10 minutes late, the skipper was then shocked to find that he actually had 12 players at his disposal, however in the end, had he 15 players it still would have been to no avail as the 2nds were crushed by 153 runs. Batting 1st Great Habton crusied to 250 for 8 with captain John Lumley retiring shortly after completely his hundred. In reply thornton made a respectful 97, with Ashley sent in as (sold down the river more like!) opener in a bold move to try and conquer his fear of long run ups. Sadly though only wiley veteran John Farrow got stuck in, taking many a painful blow, to score a hard fought 20. With limited resources available dale were well beaten but hopefully in coming weeks, more senoir players like the 'cougar king' Paul Waring, should return, to make for more competitive games of cricket!
Thornton le Dale Sunday Cup V's Commercial @Home Sunday 1st May 2011
With virtually the entire 1st team missing on saturday due to football commitments, a strong side was allowed out to play current holders of the cup commerical. Captain Paul Elgey won the toss and decided to have a bowl. Dale restricted the strong commerical batting line up to just 151 off there 30 overs with timmy hunt being the pick of the bowlers taking 4-17. With Evening league captain Luke kenworthy playing a rare weekend fixture, he went out and showed what he can do, smashing an incredible 100 off just 64 balls*. With one of the finest innings ever played by a thornton batsman, the seemingly easy win was completed in just the 17th over as thornton finished on 156/3. An away trip to ravenscar now awaits in 2 weeks time!
Thornton le Dale 1st Eleven V's Cloughton 2nd Eleven @ Away Saturday 7th May 2011
As the coin was tossed for the start of this game Stephenson had an out of body experience as the words uttered from his mouth bore no relation to what his mind was thinking as he decided to BAT! Any predatory females roaming around Cloughton cricket ground would have had plenty of time to few the mighty titan that is Lewis White not only did he carry his bat but donned the keepers gloves to complete the full session in the middle! Thornton batted with great caution as tight Cloughton bowling kept the score tight. At 46 for 7 any dreams of passing 50 seemed forlorn. Cometh the hour, cometh the man. Paul “light sabre” Waring wielded his bat to fire the ball over the ropes. This coupled with aggressive batting from White propelled the score to a respectable 135.
Cloughton had a solid start as Thornton strived to break through eventually Hunt and Farrow did the magic and wickets started to fall. It would be unreasonable not to mention the catches taken by Mathew “ the cougar “ Clark His stealth an poise match that of the stalking Cougar. To the ley person he may look asleep in the slips but one sniff of red leather and he strikes! Good bowling by Headlam kept Thornton in the mix but despite Headlams best efforts to re adjust Schmuks under carriage the young teenager held his nerve to steer Clouhgton home.
Thornton le Dale 2nd Eleven V's Sewerby 3rd's @ Away Saturday 7th May 2011
Despite attempted rain dances late on Friday evening, the 2nd Eleven duely took the field against Sewerby 3rds on Saturday afternoon egar to avoid another heavy defeat. A bad toss to lose meant Thornton were asked to bat 1st on a playful pitch in humid swinging conditons. 13th over in and unbelievably thornton still hadn't made it to double figures, in fact you could still count the number of runs on one hand as they crawled along to 3 for one. Realising the run rate needed to be increased wickets started to fall, with veteran Ernie Moorhouse bowling an incredible 10 maidens and taking 2 wickets in his 14 over spell. M Clay taking 5 - 27 with some left arm wobblers, also cashed in on some of the glory with only young Sam Asquith looking at ease at the crease (23) before some suicidal running from Andrew snaith to up the run rate accounted for him. 77/9 after there 40 was never going to be enough and Sewerby easily knocked the runs off in the 20th over for the loss of 2 wickets. Next up snainton at home, with hopes of a snow storm in which to save Thornton!
Thornton le Dale Evening Team V's Whitwell @ Away Monday 9th May 2011
After a long shower and some dark looking clouds the captains came to a mutual agreement and Thornton Dale decided to bowl. On a lively wicket the Dale got off to good start with a run out in the first over. Some agressive bowling from M.Headlam (2-20) left the home side 3-19. After a poor start, some of Whitwells stronger batters started finding the boundary. Along with some shakey fielding and poor keeping, Whitwell finished on 113-7, probably 20/30 runs more than they should have. M.Clark the pick of Dales bowlers with 3-36.
As the wicket got worse and the sun lowered into the batters eyes Thornton realised they were going to have to bat well to get a win. Kenworthy and Hunt opened up but some tight bowling didnt allow them to score freely like at Hovingham. With Hunt going for 14 and Todd shortly following (1) the Dale found themselves 63-2 with only 4 overs left! Some lusty blows from Kenworthy which saw him through to a second fifty in as many games gave Dale a little hope, but one ball after bringing up the milestone Kenworthy was gone along with the hopes of the team. Farrow went for 0 in the final over leaving Clark 14n.o as Thornton fell 19 runs short of their target.
Thornton le Dale 1st Eleven V's Snainton 1st Eleven@ Home Saturday 14th May 2011
With the word BOWL tattooed onto his forearm Stephenson went out for the toss with one thing on his mind (more than can be said for Mr Waring). Not much later he was padding up having lost the toss. The rain over the past few days had certainly livened up the wicket and Thornton did everything to assist the bowling attack. Despite a late night fitness regime, by Mr Waring he was unable to run 22 yards in under 1 second. Tim Hunt made a good start but fell victim to the slow ball and only Iain Farrow batted with any confidence to steer Thornton to a grand total of 86.
After a brief spell from Hill and Headlam, Thornton reverted to the spin kings of Hunt and Clark. This was certainly the pace for the wicket with the ball spinning viciously. Unfortunately 86 was not a sufficient total to defend and with slap hands Stephenson spilling a sitter Snainton past the total for the loss of 4 wickets.
If more players carried Waring’s dedication to fitness training on Friday nights it would certainly reap rewards. The police have been notified about the missing person Lyle King. You are warned not to approach him as he is delusional believing every week is cup final week.
Thornton le Dale 2nd Eleven V's Snainton 2nds @ Away Saturday 14th May 2011
Despite the usual depleted numbers, the 2nds secured a moral boosting win on saturday against fellow strugglers Snainton 2nds. Winning the toss Snainton were asked to have a bat and found conditions tricky early on as recalled left armer Mike Headlam, playing his 1st saturday game in almost 4yrs, made scoring extermely tough. Having seen off his opening spell with the loss of just one wicket Snainton slowly began to rebuild and reached the 30th over with a hundred on the board and 9 wickets still in hand in which to cut loose. Fearing an onslaught may be due up stepped captain fantastic Paul Elgey to rip out the middle order with figures of (4-13) as Snainton could only muster a gettable 143. A steady and well paced reply was in order and John Knowles was just the man to drop anchor. Joined at the crease by Simon Wrench who made an excellent 55, these two crept Thornton to there intended target, which was reachd with 4 overs to spare as Kevin Goddard and Rob Stephenson finished off the job. An excellent team performance with the evergreen John Farrow defying his years to take 3 memorable catches!
Thornton le Dale 1st Eleven V's Hunmanby @ Home Saturday 21st May 2011
Once again Stephenson strode off to the middle chanting bowl, bowl and once again he returned to pad up. With Arsenal Ladies proving a greater diversion than Hunmanby at home, who was going to open with Stephenson? Like the Desert Fox a master plan was hatched and to a deathly silence in the changing room Headlam was selected. This was greeted by the collective sighs of 9 players! The rain over the past few days had certainly livened up the wicket and Headlam did not disappoint lying his body, head, and hands on the line. A solid start by the openers pushed the score up to Thirty before Stephenson new found run pace deserted him skying one to mid off. This brought the pocket Dynamo to the wicket Tim Hunt. Headlam departed at 51 but Hunt steered the Thornton total to a respectable 157 contributing 76 fine runs.
Hunmanby set off at a rapid pace unfortunately not quick enough for one of the openers stumped superbly by the keeper. Despite being in a post traumatic stress situation after attacking a park bench the night before Fazzers opened the bowling weaving a web of mystery. Without doubt the highlight being the 24 ball over. He teased the batsman by running up to the crease and then laughing and not bowling. Such trickery in days gone by would have lead to being burnt at the stake but not for this sly fox. Headlam on the other hand stuck to the conventional method! With 7 players back in the hutch, including a stunning catch from Cougar Clark, all looked done and dusted. A quick Vulcan mind meld with Farrow and Waring enabled the latter to help bowl out Hunmanby for Thorntons first win of the season.
Thornton le Dale 2nd Eleven V's Lockton 2nds @ Away Saturday 21st May 2011
An Even more depleted than usual 2nd eleven took the short trip to Lockton on Saturday. With the 3rds game called off due to lack of players, veterans Col Pickering and Dave Cowton were back in the 2nds, with Pickering showing his class hitting the first ball of the game for six! However Lockton started to claw the game back and although they only took 6 wickets they restricted Thornton to just 120. This total proved to be not enough as in 28th over in reply Lockton had reached the target for the loss of just 4 wickets, despite Robin Boddy causing a few wobbles at the top of the order. scores - TLD 120/6 L 122/4------- Lockton win by 6 wickets!
Thornton le Dale Evening Team V's Burythorpe @ AwayThursday 26th May 2011
Burythorpe must have been the only place in Yorkshire not to get any rain on Thursday as the 8 men of Thornton made there way there for a cold evening league clash. Having won the toss and with no other option but to bowl the home side out cheaply, the bad weather kept away. However with very few fielders there was plenty of scoring opportunites available and when the rains came in the 10th over 120 runs had been scored. After 30 mins of being off the field captain Paul Elgey jumped in his dingy and paddled across to the wicket, to inspect. Despite Burythorpe players wanting him 'to show them the wet bit' he had little hesitation in turning his sail around, calling the match off and heading back to dry land at the pavillion. Despite their disgust the match was abandoned as a draw.
Thornton le Dale 1st Eleven V's Cayton 2nd's @ Away Saturday 28th May 2011
Once again Stephenson strode off to the middle chanting the mantra bowl, bowl. This obviously affected the Cayton skipper who won the toss and elected to bat. Headlam unsure what to do with a red shiny pill chose to bowl into the raging storm (take one for the team keeno!) Hill shocked by this generosity took full advantage and soon Cayton were 27 – 4. At this point Thornton were half way back to the Buck back slapping themselves? Unfortunately Cayton had other ideas and with the help of BENJAMIN Butter fingers Stephenson (OK 4 drops is bad but in my defence 3 were very hard) they mastered 195 all out. Lewis White was rested from opener and Headlam continued with. Two cover drives later the world was a rosy place! Not for long as Thornton dug in. Wickets fell at regular intervals until Brendan Bracewells academy protégé arrived at the wicket to join Johnny Depp stand in. Namely Clarkey and Farrow (Jack Farrow) majestic batting by these two saw Thornton storm pass 130 before being snuffed out. All out 146 salvaged some respectability.
Thornton le Dale 2nd Eleven V's Wombleton @ Home Saturday 28th May 2011
On Winning the toss Wombleton were invited to have a bat on a blustery Saturday afternoon. At 53 for 5 things were looking good for Thornton, with Paul Waring (5 -50) and Paul Allerdice (4-78) moving the ball around nicely. However the dropping of Turnbull on 5 proved costly as he went on to smash an incredible 197 in Wombleton's final total of 235 all out. This assult demoralised the Thornton side and they limped along to a poor 73 all out
Thornton le Dale Evening Team V's Ampleforth @ Home Thursday 2nd June 2011
Performances: Todd 54*, Kenworthy 54.
The match got underway as the Ampleforth team finally turned up, still only with 10 men! the visitors found it hard going as Hunt and Kenworthy helped themselves to 33 in just the 2nd over!!! The later hitting 4 consecutive 6s. Hunts enjoyment was short lived and as Todd came together with Kenworthy, Thornton were looking at a huge score. Kenworthy was out in the 7th over after making another 50 but Todd steered the team to 159 with an unbeaten 54.
Tight bowling from Headlem restricted Ampleforth right from the start. On a wicket that was fast deteriorating the
Visitors limped to 80 ish. Wickets were shared between all the bowlers and even a rare wicket from Kenworthy (usually wicketkeeper) really rubbed salt into ampleforths wounds. Great win!!Thornton le Dale 1st Eleven V's Forge Valley 2nd's @ Away Saturday 4th June 2011
Once again Stephenson strode off to the middle chanting the mantra bowl, bowl. This had no effect on the Forge Valley Skipper who inserted Thornton. Thornton has now evolved a secret tactic of lulling the opposition into a false sense of security by sending the upper order in as Hors D’Ouvres before the main course. With Benjamin Butter Fingers, Captain Jack Farrow, Mathew “bracewell protégé, Pukka Pie, Cougar” Clarke and Dilshan Hill Thornton amassed a handy 176. Unfortunately Ayton was now under a persistant sea fret and things looked a little dodgy when Sepp Blatter announced at the tea interval that he had unanimous support to confirm it was not wet. Thornton took to the field with what resembled soap on a rope the Whitby dynamo (aka Keeno) past mild comments on the state of the soap bar! His humour was not helped with the Valley batsmen using deft cuts and nicks to accumulate a healthy start. Even a Giggs super injunction could not stop the bar of soap crossing the white wash. Only Pukka Pie Clark and Mularithalan Waring managed to stem the flow. Defeat was sealed and Thornton was left to curse the cruel weather Gods. The team would like to send best wishes to Lyle King and hope the rash clears up with the antibiotics.
Thornton le Dale 2nd Eleven V's Fylindales 2nd's @ Home Saturday 4th June 2011
As Captain eLG jetted off in search of the American dream, young Matthew Todd had the reigns thrust upon him, adding the optimism of youth to Thorntons fight against relegation. Flyingdales batted 1st with W Barber scoring a superb 105 in there good total of 196/4 - Todd the pick of the bowlers taking 3 -46 off 10. In reply Thornton limped to 100 all out again Todd the stand out player scoring 24. A 96 run defeat was the final result.
Thornton le Dale Evening Team V's Lockton @ Away Monday 6th June 2011
Lockton 125 - 5 Lost To Thornton Dale 126-5 By 5 Wickets
Once again Thornton were in a generous mood and decided 10 was more than enough to take to Lockton for this evening league clash. With Elgey surrounded by hot women on a poker table in Vegas it was down to Headlam to complete the formalities of the toss, which he dually lost as Dale were asked to bowl first by Lockton skipper Hill.
Sam Farrow and Mark Williams, who suffered a large degree of shock at the prospect of been asked to open the bowling bowled well up top, Farrow ending with 2-23 from 4 overs and William 1-32 from his 3. The Derwent road express Paul Waring fresh from a few leisurely overs on Sunday for the 3rds took 1-25, whilst the skipper, aided by a few dropped catches took 1-39 from his 4 as Locktons total of 125-5 was mainly down to Gareth Hunt who made Thornton pay for an early drop to make 55, Andy Hill 16.
In Reply Thornton's batting almost outdid their fielding effort as they slipped to 27-5 when Paul Waring attempted to tee off at the 1st with little success, in what he described as a "defensive shot". This Brought Skipper Headlam to the crease with new recruit Ben Hogarth, who had survived been dropped on 5 and they dually saw the game home with 13 balls to spare, Headlam was dropped early in his innings and he made them pay as he hit 49 not out and Hogarth looked flawless making 56 not out as they put on 99 for the 7th wicket to see Dale home by 5 wickets and a fine local derby win.
Thornton le Dale Evening Team V's Nawton Grange @ Home Thursday 9th June 2011
Thornton Dale 107/9 Beat Nawton Grange 106/6 By 1 Run
Captain Toad took the reins whilst Elgey was living the dream marrying a hooker in vegas, and the effect of having the 1st team skipper Stephenson in his squad told as he blurted out the word BAT after winning the toss.
Thornton Made a solid Start with I Farrow Smashing a quick fire 42, but when he departed LBW at the hands of Stephensons Twitchy Finger, White was even more shocked when Tim Hunt Gave Him out LBW very next ball!, the scoring rate subsided, Headlam, the hero of mondays nights action found himself languishing at number 10 in the order, which provided ample time to see him Run Out Waring after pushing him for a cheeky second after the ball flew deep into the abiss, Headlam cooly walking back his second only to see his prime batsmen stuck in the treacle and heading back to the pavillion, Headlam £20 pound richer from Toad! (if he ever pays up!), This brought The 1st team Skipper and vice to the crease and they vitally added 9 from the final over to see Thornton to 107/9.
In Reply Keano had decided to have a night off from bowling after his extensive batting at number ten or so he thought, so Toad opened with the Spin Of Tim Hunt and newcomer Gary Parker. Nawton struggled to get anywhere near the scoring rate and were losing wickets at regular intervals. Mutu came into the attack taking 4 wickets, including 2 fine catches from Headlam and Parker on the boundary as Nawtons Star Man Rivis entered the crease with 4 overs remaining.
Waring - having flashbacks of the night at Nawton where him and keano were hammered to all parts bowled well at the death and after his last over went for 8 it left Nawton on 101 needing 8 from the final over.
Problem for skipper Toad was that he had only bowled Parker for 2 overs and Mutu was bowled out, so who was he going to turn to for that last over?
Experience told and Headlam took the ball and with Rivis off strike Headlam had no flashbacks of the Nawton massacring and dually bowled 4 dot balls to the young batsmen before he got off strike. Rivis managed 2 from the next 3 balls which left a boundary required for victory from the last ball. Headlam restricted him to just 2 runs and Thornton won again to secure a narrow 1 run win, with Elgey coming back from Vegas having 2 wins under the teams belt.
Thornton le Dale 2nd Eleven V's Whitby 3rd's @ Away Saturday 11th June 2011
The 2nds were well beaten by 9 wickets against a strong Whitby side. Batting 1st, Captain Todd again enjoyed dropping from the 1sts scoring an excellent 76. He was well supported by keeper kevin Goddard who added 33 in what turned out to be thornton's largest score of the season 170 all out. Handicapped by only having 10 players the bowling was bashed to all parts as whitby cruised to the target in the 30 th over having only lost 1 wicket!
Thornton le Dale Evening Team V's Hovingham @ Home Thursday 16th June 2011
Still in Vegas mode captain Elg, followed 1st teamer skipper Stephensons lead and foolishly won the toss and decided to bat. Hunt and Clark started brightly but a constant flow of wickets restricted Thornton to a below par 115 off there 14. After some speedy stuff from morrison up top, Hovinghams batting then tucked into some catering from Waring and they easliy chased down the total with 8 wickets and 2 overs in hand.
Thornton le Dale 1st Eleven V's Staxton 2nd's @ Away Saturday 18th June 2011
Staxton 186 all out beat Thornton Dale 163 All out by 22 runs
Having heard of Elgeys mistake of winning the toss and batting first Thursday, skipper for the week Headlam had quickly arranged to borrow usual skipper Stephenson, who was in Blackpool consuming large quantities of alcohol and paintballing, training tape, which he was to wear to bed, thus training the mind with the mantra BOWL should he win the toss.
On arrival at the Staxton ground a green corsa was doing the bulk of the work removing the covers and underneath lied a wicket, something the Thornton team were clearly bemused by as it was white and not of a similar length to the outfield.
With 10 men and 1 mutu present Headlam won the toss and the mind training tape had worked as he chose to bowl on what looked a belter of a track. Waring shared the new ball with the skipper and they bowled well up top without much luck, the skipper making the breakthrough with the score on 71. Hunt replaced Waring for 2 overs but decided it was 2 hard work into the breeze and wanted to follow the skips lead of having a nice breeze behind his back. So 2 cheeky quick bowling changes caught out the scorer of the year for the last 15 seasons as the door of the scorebox crashed open and a laptop explosion. The Staxton scorer adament that Hunt had bowled 2 consecutive overs, having missed the fact that Hunt had replaced Headlam, and Farrow had infact bowled one over into the wind! (Which he was dead against!) With Waring attempting to put things right in the scorebox with the argumentative score lady, the team were left to wonder what figures were held on the illusive laptop she holds on this day in 1977.
With calm restored and the laptop back up and running, you couldn't help but feel the scoreladies day was ruined as she had to change her beloved scorebook and the scoreboard was never right after that as clearly the whole incident had been upsetting. Mutu, who had earlier attempted to cry off, but been told in no uncertain terms it wasnt happening, bowled superbly to drag the game back and after he took 6-18 from 10.3 overs, and Rob Stephenson ran out Hargreaves, the home team had subsided and were all out for 186, well below what they would have expected.
Headlam decided to open with Lewis, who took new willow to the crease, and Clarkey who took a sick bag after nerves got the better of him behind the pavillion, and Clarke was soon bowled leaving the skipper to enter the fray at number 3.
He departed for 20, but Tim Hunt and Lewis pushed the scored onto 77 before Hunt was very unlucky to be caught at deep midwicket off a long hop. Oli Sigsworth looked imperious and he added 43 in a 4th wicket stand of 70 before been caught and the demise began. At 148/4 with 7 overs remaining dale should have coasted home but a Hat-trick from Dove which crucially included White for a well played 61, saw the Dale subside to a measily 163 all out in the 44th over, jaws of defeat snatched from victory!
Thornton le Dale Evening Team V's Westow @ Away Thursday 23rd June 2011
Cup/League Double
For Once the rain Gods finally shone on Thornton le Dales beleagued players as they travelled to Westow for a league and cup double. Packing his dingy just in case of another Burythorpe scenario, captain Paul Elgey won the toss and decided to field despite only having 8 men ready - the Clark express proving to be as lethargic as his fielding getting to the ground in the 2nd over of the match. As Headlam struggled in the wet conditions at one end, Waring took a liking to bowling with a bar of soap at the other, keeping it tight and taking 2 early wickets. Kenworthy then steamed in to take 2 further wickets, bringing some of that much missed competitive edge back to Thorntons play. Westow reached a very gettable 87 from there 12 overs. With dark clouds looming and the rain getting more persistant Timmy Hunt belted the Westow attack to all parts, scoring 59 not out from what seemed like only 30 odd balls? Thornton finished on 88/1 off just 6 overs and booked a place in the semi finals and not forgetting 2 very nice points in the league.
Thornton le Dale 1st Eleven V's Sherburn @ Home Saturday 25th June 2011
The captain misses one week and we win the toss! Back to normal service this week, toss lost Thornton inserted. A little damp would be a polite description of the wicket leading to challenging ball movement. Determined batting by the whole team particularly Mark Williams and Danny Hill saw the Thornton machine reach 119 for 9. The whole team thought that, subject to an attack of haemorrhoids, Sherburn would stroll to victory. Fortunately the Thornton attack had other ideas with Mathew Pukka Pie, cougar Bracewell protégé clark serving up a proverbial smorgasbord of pies. Pork beef and chicken they all tucked in an with good support from Farrow Thornton were in with a shout . With the game finally poised Hunt and Headlam were introduced into the attack. This decisive move inspired Fazzer to dive into the side screen removing two layers of paint. This brave move saved 3 runs and will no doubt be acknowledged in the next queen’s bravery awards! With Hunt turning the ball square, much to his and the batsmen’s surprise and Headlam, learning from Clarkey throwing pies the innings closed on 109. A well deserved win and just reward for the hard work put in.
Thornton le Dale 2nd Eleven V's Flixton 3rd's @ Away Saturday 25th June 2011
With players starting to return, a more confident 2nd Eleven travelled to Flixton for the basement clash in divison B. Winning the toss is the easy part as Thornton invited Flixton to have a bat. Early wickets from Waring had Thornton in a good position at 57/4 in the 17th over. Then the mid innings car crash once again took place as 2 dropped catches in consectutive balls was followed by many 6's and 4's from the the Flixton blade. Thornton did manage to get there hosts all out but a score of 200 was always going to be a hard ask. The 200 total was then made an even harder task as Thorntons umpires decided the pub beckoned and started shooting from the hip as timid appeal after timid appeal sent batsman back to the hutch. Sam Asquith and Kevin Goddard batted well, managing to avoid the dreaded finger, but 7 wickets fell for just 20 runs at the end to leave Thornton with another crushing defeat and the prospect of 2 teams in the C division next year!
Cup semi Final vrs Wombleton Sunday 26th June 2011
The fairytale cup run finaly came to an end on Sunday against an old foe in Wombleton. A bowler short Thornton asked Wombleton to bat as again the 2 tailed coin came up trumps. With memories of his 197 and dropping on 5 still fresh on Thornton's mind, they threw the kitchen sink at Turnbull early doors, but he still managed to hit 50 before Timmy Hunt showed the rest how to catch. His opening partner Rivis also cashed in with 91 as again Thornton found the going tough and once again conceded 200. In Reply, Todd eyed redemption after his umpiring nightmare the day before, and he and Goddard again, batted well. There was even time for a flamboyant cameo down the order from the ginger nudger, Andrew Snaith until he ran out of steam, but sadly it was to no avail as Thorntons day ended on 153.
Cup semi Final vrs Wombleton Wednesday 29th June 2011
For the 2nd time in 4 days Thornton played Wombleton in the semi final of a cup, this time at the wombles on what looked liked a very sporting pitch. For once losing the toss Thornton were asked to have a bat and with plenty of returning stars, looked to have a strong line up. Playing only his 2nd game of the season was everyones favourite wing man ruddy, but sadly his lack of match practice showed as he only made 8 and it was left to his opening partner, Sigsworth junior to play the major knock of the Thornton innings. His 35 included the first 20 runs of his innings all being singles. Lyle King was briefly found mid innings, but again his lack of match practice showed, and Thornton's young guns could only muster 89. Elgey managed his old party trick of running out Waring in the penultimate over, just as the latter was looking to open his arms! Despite Ruddy's churchillion style speech to rouse the troops in response, Wombleton easily knocked off the runs, to win by 7 wickets in the 16th over!
Thornton le Dale Evening Team V's Whitwell @ Home Thursday 30th June 2011
Whitwell were the vistors on Thursday night for promotion chasing Thornton. Batting 1st, Whitwell's innings never really got going, Hunt (3 -22) and Headlam (2 - 14) nullified there top order. Having heard tales of Clarks pie shop being open on a Saturday, captain eLG decided business could be booming on Thursday nights also. 9 wides later and we were sold out as Clark mopped up the tale (2 - 18) to leave Thornton chasing jst 72. Despite the top order and Timmy Hunt almost literally having there heads taken off by the pace of T Piawi, Waring and Farrow held the ship firm to lead thornton to a 7 wicket win.
Thornton le Dale 1st Eleven V's Ryedale @ Away Saturday 2nd July 2011
Panic stations toss won stick them in! 280 RUNS LATER possibly not the best day at the office. Not prepared to dwell too much on the fielding awful! Except for Lyle King who was outstanding in the field if only somebody could tell the team which field he was standing in! 280 runs is a lot and with 10 men not much fun. As for the batting well Thornton lived up to its reputation for having Ducks wobbling around as 5 obviously got lost at the Ryedale ground! Thanks to Mark Williams a little pride was salvaged. A bad day at the office!
Thornton le Dale 2nd Eleven V's Whitby 3rd's @ Home Saturday 2nd July 2011
League leaders, undefeated Whitby 3rds were this weeks opponents in what was expected to be a one sided clash against rock bottom Thornton. Again winning the toss with his double sided tailed coin, Captain eLG invited them to have a bat. Despite a good opening partnership, Thornton were never out of the game, and once the 1st wicket had fallen at 44, there was a regular occurance of hearing the stumps rattle. Thornton also fielded much better this week, deciding catching the ball made the game a lot easier and with eLG's bruised shins acting as a reconstructed berlin wall, a total of 164 all out was a great effort, especially against such a good batting side. Sam Asquith doing especially well taking 5 - 40, with Paul Waring bowling himself into the ground rolling off 19 over on the trott! A Famous upset looked likely as Thornton reached the half way mark of there response 81/2 and then the 33rd 140/5 with MVP Waring flogging the bowling to all parts. But then disaster the tail failed to wag and Thornton needed 8 with one wicket left from the final over. Sadly only 4 of these were scored as Thornton fell 4 runs short of a great win in what was by far there best performance of the season!
Thornton le Dale Evening Team V's Swinton & Broughton @ Away Thursday 7th July 2011
With Headlam ruled out an hour before the start, trying to hack into the councils computer system for a final scoop for the News of the World, Nick Read was drafted in straight from the denists chair to cover. With no wicket keeper or equipment at the ground for the start, there was little choice but for Thornton's captain to try and break the batting first hoodoo. Timmy Hunt raced them to 50 at the end of the 4th over, but his dimise started a worrying trickle of wickets with W Lund swinging the ball like a banana taking the 1st 5 wickets. Out marched Rob Stephenson to bash his 1st 2 delieveries for 10 runs with shots his father would have been proud of. On came the pie chuckers and yet another clutter of wickets. With eLG struggling to get the ball off the square at the end a total of 112 was well short of what was earlier promised! Early wickets were needed but despite Clark taking an excellent catch in the deep, his honesty shone through and he rightfully declared that he gone over the boundary line. Stephenson did take an excellent catch, but then got distracted playing with a dog in a scrap heap challenge. Swinton ran out comfortable 8 wicket winners depite Thornton taking it to the final over.
Thornton le Dale 1st Eleven V's Forge Valley 2nd's Saturday 9th July 2011
No need to panic toss lost inserted. A typical Thornton Pudding wicket and 20 over’s before the first boundary. Headlam and Hunt batted with flair and pushed the score on as required. Cameos from the lower order particularly the young teenager Crebes gave a respectable total of 181.
Mad dog Farrow and Hunt opened the attack capitalising on the slow pitch. Once again fielding was not Thornton’s strong point with chances being spurned. Farrow managed to realign the planets and snatch three victims. It was a great pleasure to have Ruddy back from the religious retreat where his six month vow of silence was undertaken however Forge were still marching on despite the constant suggestions by Ruddy. A change in the attack brought Hill and Headlam on and, despite the skipper spilling another one, success was soon achieved. Headlam and Hill kept it very tight and squeezed 6 more wickets out of the pot. Due to a phone hacking incident with the News of the World we can’t report on the 44th over. Final over one hit game lost but all in all a good game with a bit of bite and once again victims of our own downfall. Man of the Match Keeno!
Thornton le Dale Evening Team V's Hovingham (evening league cup semi final)
It was a case of 3rd time lucky for Thornton, as playing in there 3rd cup semi final they finally won one, with an emphatic 10 wicket victory. Paul Waring was chief destroyer taking 6 for 24 including a hat trick, sending down grenade after rocket launcher wich kept on exploding Hovinghams stumps. Headlam kept things tight from the other end, with mutu and timmy hunt wiping out the tale to bowl Hovingham out for a feeble 53 inside 12 overs. Kenworthy and Hunt then cruised to the the total in the 7th over not even moving out of 1st gear. Things may have been a struggle on a saturday, but the night team now have a final to look forward to on tuesday the 9th of August at Duncombe Park!
Thornton le Dale Evening Team V's Burythorpe @ Home Thursday 14th July 2011
On a quaint, sunny and DRY mid July evening, Thornton entertained Burythorpe in an eagerly aniticpated clash. With a strong 11 available, the toss was won and Morrison (4-13) was unleshed at the Burythorpe batsmen. Headlam kept things tight from the other end, with Hunt running through the middle order to leave the visitors 105 for 8 after the 1st 14. In Reply Kenworthy decided to have a net session as he treated the opposition attack with the utter most respect. However once into his 40's and with the end in sight he started to open his arms and finished the game with consectutive six's. Thornton won by 8 wickets and struck a huge physicological blow ahead of next months cup final bewteen the 2 sides!
Thornton le Dale Evening Team V's Ampleforth @ Away Thursday 21st July 2011
The much looked forward to fixture at Ampleforth (they do excellent teas in the pub afterwards + the lavish setting), produced a comfortable victory for high fyling Thornton. Upon winning the toss Ampleforth were invited to have a bat and struggled on a slow pitch after all the recent rain. Farrow and Todd subdued the top order and only some late blows allowed them to reach a respectable 85 for 8. In reply Kenworthy had another good net session to reach 66 not out and seal a comfortable 7 wicket victory! The after match nosh again lived up to expectations!
Thornton le Dale 1st Eleven V's Cloughton 2nd's Saturday 23rd July 2011
Skipper wins toss and invites Cloughton to bat. After the early departure of the diminutive Funk Salt tore into the Thornton attack. A serious case of trapped wind led to Farrow having to be taken off. Hunt and Williams then got to work and the run rate slowed. With salt departing for 64 the score board slowed to a very steady pace aided by some good bowling. Pie thrower Clarke came on to tease the batsman with his array of pasties, puddings, and bakes. Farrow still suffering from wind created a brilliant run out and with Thorntons own Jimmy Anderson (AKA Dan Hill) Cloughton totalled 179 (After the Duckworth Lewis scoring adjustments). It was not long before Stephenson completed his usual work and Hunt joined Lewis (Hussian Bolt) White and the feast of runs began. There was a rash rumour that Tim did smile while batting but we are still awaiting confirmation of this. White eventual fell for a good 43 but there was no stopping Hunt as he smashed his way to 94 not out and steered the ship home for a 7 wicket victory. In short well done lads and if anybody heard a crack of thunder last night it was probably Mootou’s trapped wind escaping.
Thornton le Dale 2nd Eleven V's Sewerby 3rd's @ Away Saturday 23rd July 2011
Having turned up late, Thornton were made to vanquish the toss, and invited to have a bat. A good positive start was undone by the tail/lower order adding just 24 runs for the loss of 8 wickets. Adding salt to the wounds was the fact that chief destroyer Clay (8 -57) departed at 4 o clock, meaning had they arrived on time and bowled 1st upon winning the toss, he wouldn't even have been there when thornton batted! On a postive note Dave Scott did manage to carry his bat for a well earned and watchful 28, just a pity that no one could stop with him. Opener Coultas all but wrapped up the victory bashing a quick fire 39, but once out the rest of the sewerby 11 looked vunerable, but 104 was never going to be enough, and thet duely completed a 5 wicket win in the 23rd over! Note to ashley - arrive at the car park on time pls!!!!!!!!
Thornton le Dale Evening Team V's Lockton @ Home Thursday 28th July 2011
After a gloriously warm day, the dark clouds gathered for neighbours Lockton as they made the short trip to Thornton for this end of season evening league clash. Deciding to bat 1st Lockton made exactly a hundered on a lively thornton wicket, with all the 4 bowlers used chipping in with a couple of wickets each. The total proved to be enough as the gathering gloom and playful wicket proved to much for the Kenworthy less batting line up. Thornton finishing on 81 for 8 and all but end any lingering hopes of promotion.
Thornton le Dale 1st Eleven V's Snainton Saturday 30th July 2011
Normal service resumed lost toss inserted on green carpet. Being an avid fan of Dynamo the Magician I think I know what he does on the weekends plays cricket for Snainton! England thought they had it tough on the opening day at Trent Bridge come to Thornton. The ball moved around as if on a string and any bad balls were immediately dispatched to eagerly awaiting fielders. This combined with a touch of the night before to Mr Hunt and Thornton were having an early tea at 91 all out. At this point sabotage was suspected as a pitch that did everything became a pitch that did nothing. Despite Wiggy’s best gymnastic effects (Only given 4/10 by the Snainton Judge) Snainton cruised to the total.
Thornton le Dale 2nd Eleven V's Snainton 2nd's @ Away Saturday 30th July 2011
Having arrived late the week before, Thornton failed to show up at all, meterphocially speaking, in their bottom of the table clash against Snainton 2nds. Upon winning the toss Thornton foolishly invited snainton to have a bat on a flat, soul less wicket, in energy sapping heat. When they really needed it most Thornton produced there worst fielding performance of the season, allowing Snainton to score 204 for the loss of just 2 wickets, with lots of run 2's and 3's on what is a large playing area. In reply again Dave Scott was the only man to stand up and be counted scoring 27, as the rest just threw there wickets away willy nilly. A final total of 59 was truely pathetic on such a flat wicket and all but confirmed the 2nds will be dropping down into division C next season!
Thornton le Dale Evening Team V's Nawton Grange @ Away Thursday 4th August 2011
The Final evening league game of the season saw Thornton travel to Nawton Grange for what should have been a floodlight fixture as near the end the game was played in almost complete darkness. Batting 1st after winning the toss Clark and Kenworthy saw Thornton off to a rapid start reaching 57 from the 1st 5 overs. Wickets then fell at regular intervals with some good bowling and some dodgey umpiring, with captain eLG feeling particulary hard done by, given out LBW, when trying to defend the square leg umpire whilst halfway down the track! Thats 4 ducks in a row now from the inspriational leader and 5 lbw's this year. Perhaps batting with just shin pads on might be the answer to this increasing problem as an unwanted record lurks? Nawton showed a bit of character in the pursuit of runs but the overs and the light just managed to beat them as they finished on 104/8. This result means a top 5 finish and a cup final appearance on Tuesday night for Thornton, which marks a good effort from the evening league boys this season and a good base for new captains 'The Tunt and Toad connection' to build on for next season!
Thornton le Dale Evening Team V's Burythorpe @ Duncolme Park Beckett League Division 2 Final Tuesday 9th August 2011
There was to be no fairytale ending to Paul Elgeys reign as evening league captain as Thornton narrowly failed to beat a strong Stamford Bridge 2nd eleven in the the evening league cup final played at Duncombe Park. Risking the bad light later, Thornton invited Stamford 2nds to have a bat and the opening bowling of Morrison and Keane kept things very tight. Indeed only a bad day at the office from Waring nursing a phantom knee injury, allowed Stamford to reach 102. As Kenworthy and Hunt marched to the wicket to start the reply, bizarrely Stamford were locked in a group huddle exchanging name tags as if they had never met before! The meet and greet session must have worked as there bowlers came steaming in, claiming the big scalp of Kenworthy early. Mid innings resistance came in the form of Sigsworth and Morrison, and as Waring tried to take out there supporters from within the comfort of the net area, so these 2 battled to keep Thornton in the game. Both fell before the final over, leaving the much practiced Waring 14 to get. Despite the handy cap of playing in pads held together with selotape, the boy wonder blasted the 3rd ball for 4 - 9 needed from 5, but alas Elgey was runout goin for 2, 2 balls later and the game was as good as over! An excellent game of cricket had resulted in Burythorpe completing a well deserved league and cup double.
Thornton le Dale 1st Eleven V's Cayton 2nd's Saturday @ Home 13th August 2011
With skip still fishing in the Florida keys, stand in skipper Keane won the toss to what he thought was huge cheers from the pavillion, but this was not the case. The cheers were coming from a royal mail van making its may back to Pickering as 2nd eleven skipper Elgey had received the dream news that Wombleton was under water and as it wasnt Burythorpe this week there was no need to attempt play, this meaning he could have a day out on the main pitch with the thirds. After keane inserted Cayton on a wicket which had undergone its usual impeccable intricute preparation, Cayton struggled as the skipper bowled 15 overs on the bounce taking 3-24. Dangerous at the other end bowling 12 overs for 27, Lockwood bowled superbly bowling 7 overs for 14, with Hunt and Farrow wrapping up the innings on 140 for 5, which could have been better for the home team had the pre programmed not out robotic Cayton umpires with only one "going down leg" saying umpired the 45 overs, as it threatened to boil over at times given the lack of honesty shown in the middle.
In reply Toddy was promoted to opener but he went third ball and Hunt 2nd ball 0-2 after 2 overs was far from ideal. White departed for 13 and Clarkey was the only batsment to shine, benfitting from a drop similar to the Forge Valley one he spilled only weeks ago to make a fine 52 not out out of a dismal 97 all out as this game was proof maybe the reason T Dale are languishing near the bottom is because they are too honest when in the umpires jackets? all in all a much improved effort in the field but poor batting has all but ensured relegation to Division C next season.
Thornton le Dale 1st Eleven V's Staxton 2nd's @ Home Saturday 20th August 2011
Normal service resumed lost toss inserted on green carpet. At this point I normally relate the story about a nest of vipers aka the pitch NOT THIS TIME! Lewis and the skip set off like a snails on speed rattling up 80 runs in short order. Stephenson, lulled into the belief that Hussain Bolt was batting, suggested a quick single leaving lewis bewildered and wandering back to the pavilion muttering about Arsene Wenger and lack of players! Hunt came to the wicket and normal service was resumed after Stephenson and Hunt departed Headlam and Clark majestically steered the board past 200. Despite sooth sayer Farrow departing after one ball 218 was finally posted. There was little doubt that Staxton would chase the total and they certainly did. Despite good bowling from Headlam and Hill the scoreboard ticked over at a persistent 5 an over. Obviously Lewis had been discussing sprint speed with Mark Williams at the tea interval as the young Bolt tore over the ground with superb speed to prevent several boundaries. The loss of key wickets to run outs, particularly a Farrow bullet slipped the balance of power back to Dale The three H’s then closed the game out for Thornton to win a thriller.
Thornton le Dale 2nd Eleven V's Seamer 3rd's @ Away Saturday 20th August 2011
Where abouts were you when man landed on the moon? or when Princess Diana was announced dead???? or when Lennon was shot???? More recently where abouts were you on the 20th August 2011, the day when finally after 17 weeks all 3 Thornton sides actually won on the same day? Bowling 1st after Knowles lost the toss, MVP Waring struck early into his mammoth 20 over spell, which also included a dating session with Rob Stephenson down at fine leg. Tight and tidy stuff from Asquith and Boddy at the other end kept seamer quite, until a late flurry of runs saw them creep to 151/4. A solid start from eLGey and Scott provided the platform for Waring to take no prisoners later on. Six after Six was yielded off his bat, only for disaster to strike 8 runs from the end as he pelted one straight back to the bowler. Enter La Fonze impersonater Robin Boddy who cooly knocked off the winning runs with a little help from the Milf hunter Mike Ross and Chris Knowles. It may have taken 12 weeks in coming but boy was victory relished and as dusk desended onto sleepy Seamer a wry smile could be seen from captain eLG as he rode off into the sun set ....................perhaps one more year?????????????
Thornton le Dale 1st Eleven V's Hunmanby @ Away Sunday 21st August 2011
It was always going to be an uphill task to get everybody up for two games in the weekend and with the Skippers inability to win the toss things looked bleak at 89 all out. With anybody under the age of 18 suffering from fatigue syndrome Dale took to the field looking beaten. Headlam had other ideas, after his heroic 23 overs a quick John Smiths/Carling blood infusion over night spurred him on. The deft use of the slow ball (definitely the worst ever seen at Hummanby!) saw a steady prosession of batsman back to the pavilion. Hummanby were determined not to fail twice in one weekend and eventual clubbed the winning runs to seal a 3 wicket victory.
A relegated Thornton first eleven can look forward to re grouping next year but can be very proud of all the players who represented them this year who never gave up without a fight!
Thornton le Dale 1st Eleven V's Sherburn @ Away Saturday 27th August 2011
End of term fever gripped the Thornton team as skipper Stephenson was determined all would dine at the Sherburn temple of cricket! Joy was unconfined as the toss was won! The only irony being the wicket was a shirt front, but to ensure full participation Sherburn were inserted.
Hill and Lockwood opened up with Keeno recollecting how many years old he was. We had just got to his first efforts at walking when the rain started. There are many places in the world where I would like to spend a wet afternoon but inside the Dressing room at Sherburn is not one of them! As the plans for the nights entertainment were being discussed Pie chukka Clarky came “out” declaring his intension to attend the gay pride event in Manchester. Despite denials that he was attending the parade, and that he was just going to Manchester, and the event just happened to be on the seeds were sown!
Eventually, after an early tea, play was resumed as a 36 over game. Keeno, now up to his early teen years went behind the stumps. Farrow and Waring resumed hostilities. After a brief flirtation with spin (slow pies with hit me written on them) Waring resumed with medium pace variety packs and under trying conditions bowled well. The next deadly duos up were Harry “dag clipper” Stenton and pace bowler Hunt! Stenton forgot the adage always catch them off your own bowling and spooned one. Meanwhile Hunt was receiving resuscitation after running in to bowl, from the long run, for 6 yes 6 balls. Again good bowling with a wet rag kept Thornton in the hunt.
It was then the turn of mini Stevo with his subtle blend of flight and wicket choice. Once he decided that the cut strip was where we were playing. He mesmerised Lickes and Pickard as they debated which County to knock the ball into. With the game finely poised the skipper turned to Keeno (now into his troubled 20’s) and himself. This master stroke revealed the wicket to be a nest of vipers as his hostile deliveries reared off a length causing all sorts of problems. The crowd gasped at the brilliance of the bowler, fans of the comic book will remember Billy’s boots?! I shall say no more. Meanwhile Keeno was knocking them over as, fear of facing Stephenson was spreading. To ensure that the side believed in inclusion and, not ostracizing any player, Clarky was invited to bowl and, two pies later and two wickets later it’s a potential hat trick ball. No need to worry as the third was pitched closer to Malton than Sherburn. Keeno cleans up and 173 is the total.
The main concern of the Thornton dressing room was would they be back in time to go out in York or make the parade at Manchester. With season averages at stake most batsman were hiding in the toilets. Headlam, now crying over his lost childhood went into bat with Lewis (8-2) White. Lickes fooled Headlam with one on target and White and Clarke followed shortly after. A change in bowling policy opened the door for Farrow and Hunt to gorge on the smorgasbord of deliveries. A huge six from Hunt had the locals waxing lyrically about past hitting feats which included at least two that landed on the wolds! Unfortunately the big hitting stopped as wickets tumbled leaving Thornton 45 short.
Great to have Colin Lockwood back after his trying year, and we all hope Clarky had a nice time. Looking forward to next Sunday and let’s hope promotion in the coming year.
T