April Roundup - Seniors

1st XI
P 2
W 1 L 1

The first game of the season for the First XI saw a resounding victory over a team relegated from the Championship last year in Westleigh. Batting first Thornham recovered from 2/2 with a 112 run partnership between Micklethwaite and new overseas player Wornes. Wornes finished with an unbeaten century, helping the team to 179/6 from their 50 overs.

In reply Collins claimed a wicket with the first ball of the innings and it was fairly plain sailing from then on in. Debutant Canavan came away with 3 wickets as the visitors were bowled out for 81.

A week later it was almost a complete reversal away at Milnrow, with Thornham dismissed for 114. Only Howarth and Raza came away with credit to their names in a display littered with batsmen giving their wickets away, and 9 overs being left of the innings. Batting the full allocation of overs is going to be a key target for the team moving forwards. Milnrow reached their target comfortably for the loss of only 2 wickets.

2nd XI
P 2
W 0 L 1 Ab 1

The 2nd XI travelled to Heywood for their first fixture of the season, only for it to be surprisingly abandoned due to the state of the pitch after the weather from the week previous. The belief was that with a little more endeavour from the home side a game could have been played, but unfortunately as the away team it was out of Thornham’s control.

The home fixture against Walshaw saw a dismal batting performance meaning Thornham were bowled out for just 53. To defend such a low total was a huge ask and would have required the perfect bowling and fielding performance, which also didn’t materialise. Walshaw won the game inside 8 overs of their innings for the loss of no wickets. Lessons to be learned – put a higher price on your wicket. Things can only get better!

3rd XI
P 3
W 0 L 1 Ab 2

Starting a week earlier than our other teams, the Third XI got the season underway away vs Royton 4th XI. Abel impressed on his return to cricket, making 44 in the team’s total of 105. The Royton openers made short work of chasing down the total, knocking it off for the loss of no wickets in 23 overs. Lessons to be learned – more runs required!

A week later the 3rd XI took on Heyside at Rochdale Rd. Heyside amassed 248 in their innings, with only really Williams returning respectable figures, taking 4 wickets in his 6 overs. The rain cut short the Thornham innings only 3 overs into our reply, making it 2 points each for the abandonment.

A further abandonment was to follow the next week away at Saddleworth. The start of the match was delayed, and then rain returned less than 2 overs in with the teams unable to get back on. Here’s hoping for better weather for the rest of the summer!