THORNBURY captain Richard Trotman is confident his side can continue their early season form.
Their 99-run victory over Taunton St Andrews last Saturday made it four wins out of four and cemented their place at the top of WEPL Premier Two.
Thornbury are the only side with a 100 per cent record in the league so far, but they travel to second-placed Taunton Deane this Saturday for what Trotman described as their ‘toughest game so far.’ But Trotman has always believed in the ability his young squad possess and hopes they can maintain the early pace.
“Everything is going according to plan,” he said. “We have started really well, the batsmen have done their job and the bowlers have been as good as last year.”
“There’s no reason why we can’t continue.
“We’ve got a young side and that’s my only fear - that we’re inexperienced and not used to winning or being ruthless.”
Thornbury’s early success this season has increased competition for places, in stark contrast to when they struggled last year.
Jordan Khan has left to get first team cricket at Frenchay and Nigel Armstrong has joined Portishead.
“There’s a lot of healthy competition,” said Trotman.
“The guys in the thirds are scoring hundreds, we’ve got guys in the seconds with first team experience and the firsts are doing things right with four wins out of four so we’ve got a different set of problems this year.”
Trotman top scored with 79 in Thornbury’s victory over Taunton last Saturday while Ian Blakemore scored an unbeaten 75 in their total of 288-5.
After a promising opening partnership of 62 between Chad Barrett and James Bryant, Taunton lost wickets regularly and never got near the target as they were bowled out for 189.
Gloucestershire’s Anthony Ireland took 3-37 off 12 overs, Louis Blackwell claimed 3-24 and Blackwell chipped in with 2-26 for Thornbury.
On Sunday, Thornbury are taking part in round one of the Cockspur 20/20.
In a three-way tournament they will come up against hosts Frocester and Cheltenham, with one side progressing.
The competition involves teams across the country and the finals day will be televised on Sky Sports in September.
l On Sunday, June 4, Thornbury will play Gloucestershire at the Ship Field (2pm) as part of Chris Taylor’s benefit season with the county.
Admission is free with bar and refreshment facilities available throughout the day.
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