South Gloucestershire | Archive | 2005 | September | 9
From the archive, first published Friday 9th Sep 2005.
Stroud and Swindon West of England Premier Two Downend v Thornbury
PLAYER of the year Nick Stovold hit 76 to inspire Thornbury to victory over Downend and an immediate return to the top flight of league cricket in the South West.
Thornbury captain Neil Stovold won the toss and batted first on a track that he thought would deteriorate as the match progressed.
Facing the new ball was not an easy task for openers Nick Stovold and Neil Pritchard, the two-paced nature of the pitch combined with uneven bounce meant batting was hazardous.
Nevertheless, the new ball was seen off before Jackson dismissed Pritchard with a ball that shot along the floor.
The pitch, however, could not be blamed for Neil Stovold's (12) dismissal soon after as the skipper attempted to launch Jackson beyond the small Downend boundaries.
Rich Trotman and Nick Stovold put together a fast-paced 50 partnership for the third wicket, with Trotman punishing the spinners with a quickfire cameo of 31.
Chris Budd was unluckily run out for four before Nick Stovold's innings of 76 was finally brought to an end.
Stovold was once again the mainstay of the Thornbury innings and his player of the year award reflected his consistent performances throughout the promotion campaign.
The visitors' strong position was in danger of collapse but Ben Thompson once again launched a destructive attack on the opposition bowlers, scoring a free spirited 54, ably supported by Armstrong (14) and Wormwell (10*).
Thornbury finished on 272-7, knowing that it was a strong total due to the nature of the wicket but by no means and an out of reach total thanks to the small boundaries and fast outfield of the Downend ground.
Thorns took to the field buzzing with the knowledge that they controlled their own destiny and they lay only 50 overs from an immediate return to the top flight of league cricket.
Whilst Adam Fidoe struggled for his length and line a little, bowling uphill, it was the returning Martin Gerrard whose experience came to the fore and he made the vital early breakthrough, trapping Smith lbw in his second over. Fidoe followed with the wicket of McCewan before Gerrard struck with the crucial wicket of captain Ponter.
John Wormwell once again provided the control for the Thorns, building up pressure on the batsmen whilst also picking up vital wickets and finishing with figures of 3-30 from 12 overs.
Fidoe returned with an excellent second spell down the hill, before the mercurial Chalky White 2-14 and Ben Thompson 1-15 wrapped up the match with aplomb.
It was a good fielding effort by the Thorns, the highlight of which being an excellent catch in the deep by vice captain Chris Budd. Downend's innings finished on 153 with ten overs still remaining.
The maximum 20-point haul meant Thornbury finished seven points clear of third placed Illminster and regained their top-flight status at the first time of asking.
Neil Stovold, in his first season as captain, said: "It was a great relief after all the effort that has been put in both on and off the field - a real team effort.
"I'd like to thank all the people from the club who have helped us to achieve this success and make it so enjoyable.
"Now we can look forward to next season and re-establishing ourselves as a top side in the Premier One."
© Newsquest Media Group 2008