Leader cricketers not getting carried away

Thornbury reclaimed top spot in Premier Two last weekend – but skipper Rich Trotman isn't taking anything for granted with a tough run-in ahead, it was reported in the Bristol Evening Post on Friday and on thisisbristol. 

The South Gloucestershire club are three points ahead of second-placed Taunton Deane with five matches to go but still have to face three of the top five sides, including Taunton Deane, Keynsham and Cheltenham.

Trotman said: "It's a cliché but there are no easy games left. I don't consider ourselves the best side in the division.

"But we are delighted to be top. It is the best place to be but it doesn't mean a great deal at the moment."

Trotman is expecting Thornbury to claim a win against second-from-bottom Warminster this weekend.

He added: "On paper, the game against Warminster is the easiest match we have left. We are not far off from having a full-strength side.

"Warminster have a good pitch and we have a good chance to score some runs and win."

Trotman does have a problem when it comes to selecting his opening bowlers.

Thornbury have struggled to pick seamers this year when Gloucestershire fast bowler Anthony Ireland is needed for county duty.

They have been rescued by their spinners – Andrew 'Chalky' White has claimed 17 wickets in their last three completed matches. He took 6-38 against Trowbridge, 6-32 against Chippenham (at home) and 5-22 at Chippenham.

Trotman added: "I am disappointed with our bowling attack."

"Anthony Ireland has been away for 80 per cent of the time. But from week to week, I don't know who will open the bowling.

"I know we have good spinners. It's those first five to 10 overs that are the problem. Our seamers have struggled with line and length.

"Adam Fidoe has done okay but he has only got one top order batsman out this year.

"Sides frequently make good starts, get 50 for no wicket before we peg them back. I have no answer for it."

Trotman is, however, happy with his side's batting this term. "I have been pretty blunt on our bowling attack but these limited-overs matches are for the batsmen," added Trotman.

"Chris Dent is getting some runs and he is our leading run scorer in the last five matches. He has hit three fifties and a couple of 30s.

"Juvaunie Gayle has been great this year and Curtis Blakemore is only 16 but he is getting his share of the runs. Our top six batsmen are strong and stable."

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