CAPTAIN Richard Trotman starred with bat and ball as Thornbury got their season off to a flier.

The former Somerset man hit 97 to help his side to a formidable total, and then took 3-25 from ten overs as Ilminster fell way short of their target.

Opening batsman Nick Stovold offered his skipper good support by scoring 65 and Gloucestershire’s Anthony Ireland chipped in with a more than useful 33 batting at number five.

Adam Fidoe took the early wicket of Josh House for a duck as Thornbury got off to a great start with the ball.

Gary Larkham (53) hit a half-century for the visitors though and he was well supported by captain Sam Spurway (36).

But first change bowler Trotman ripped through the middle order, while Chris Dent (3-45) bowled three Ilminster batsmen, including the dangerous Larkham.

Thornbury fell at the first hurdle in the National Knockout Cup as they were beaten by Newport on Sunday.

Juvaunie Gayle scored 50 and Dent chipped in with 39 as they batted first but they fell to 196 all out.

Newport comfortably reached their target with seven wickets to spare. Curtis Blakemore took 2-35 for Thornbury.

Thornbury visit Trowbridge in the league this Saturday.