Thirsk Cricket Club

Well, that’s it for another season of cricket at the Racecourse Ground, on what has been a wet but generally positive season. The First team have continued there recent upward trend improving on last years 5th place finish by ending this year as Runners-up to Champions Woodhouse Grange. The Second team had an extremely disappointing season after looking promising at the start eventually got on a loosing streak that could not be turned round to finish rock bottom of Division 4B. Rob Stead continued his fine work with the Third team, captaining a youthful side to within points of promotion only to be thwarted by the adverse weather.

With nearly 100 members in the Junior Section of the club, the future certainly looks bright. The Under 15s once again claimed a League & Cup double, whilst the Under 13 side made the first voyage into the National competition, reaching the 3rd round before falling to Halifax based side Northowram CC. The introduction and splitting of the Under 7s & 9s saw a fantastic turn out of youngsters from the local area and we hope to unearth some First team stars of the future.

As these youngsters come through it is inevitable that some of the older players will step aside and this is the case with existing First team captain Dave Towse, and Former First and Second team skipper Jimmy McKendry. I would personally like to thank both of you for your hard work over the past few seasons, it has been an honor to play with you and hope that you remain with the club in some capacity.

One final thanks really and that is to Christine Christon for her fantastic work producing the best cricket teas in the league. They say the way to a mans heart is through his stomach and im sure that has left Christine extremely popular amongst the home and visiting players alike.

I am sure everyone realises the hard work it takes from many people to run a successful cricket club and provide the opportunities and facilities for our members to enjoy. If anyone is interested in becoming more involved in our club in any capacity whether it be coaching, administration or fundraising ect then please contact one of the club committee. Your help would be much appreciated!

The annual Club Dinner and Presentation Evening will take place at the Golden Fleece Hotel on Saturday 15th November 2008. A letter has now been sent round all club members containing information about this years event.

The cost of the meal will be £18 per head and we ask all members to return the form as soon as possible. If you would like any further information please contact Andy Nursey on 07837 617338. I look forward to seeing all members on the night to bring a close to the 2008 cricket season.

Thirsk Cricket Club has has another succesful season at both Junior and indeed Senior Level. Our junior’s have performed well in all age groups, and various match situations.

Every season we hold a presentation evening to commemorate the outstanding performances of the three individual players in the under twelve, thirteen and fifteen age groups.

The 2008  Presentation Evening was  held at Thirsk Athletic Sports and Social Club on Saturday 13th September 2008. The evening was well supported by parents, Gaurdians,Members, Helpers and Coaches, who have put countless hours of time into running practice sessions and matches on behalf of our club.

The awards were made as follows:

• Under 15s Managers Player of the season - Ryan Spence
• Under 15s Bowler of the Season - Ryan McKendry
• Under 15s Batsman of the Season - Ryan McKendry
• Under 13s Managers Player of the Season - Max Potts
• Under 13s Batsman of the Season - Keiren Fenwick
• Under13s Bowler of the Season - Ashley Boyne
• Under 12s Managers Player of the Season - Sam Taylor-Gell
• Under 12s Batsman of the Season - Sam Taylor-Gell
• Under 12 Bowler of the Season - James Murphey

A mouth-watering barbeque followed on from the presentation of trophies, the usual thanks goes to our Chairman Alan Holmes and Christine Christon for preparing the food. The Club Committee would also like to thank Sheila Petty, Sian and Lisa England for running a tombola on the night, raising a fantastic £174!!!

The 1sts had a convincing win at home on Saturday with a 134 run win over Hull Zingari.  Thirsk were put in to bat after a week of wet weather and lost Des Wyrill early on but Gary Bolton and Liam mcKendry managed a fine stand of 124 with Gary being the first to go with a brilliant 61, Liam went next on 63 and Sean Holmes made 30 as the lower order chipped in to get the total up to 211 Ben England finishing 15 not out. After tea Thirsk resumed with another Barry petty masterclass as he picked up his 2nd 8 wicket haul of the season with 8-33. Dave Towse and Stu Christon picked up 1 each as Hull were skittled out for just 77. With a bank holiday weekend of Clifton Alliance and local rivals Sessay next week, the 1sts will look to gain on National Village Champions Woodhouse Grange who are 14 points ahead at the top of the league.

Thirsk moved 14 points behind Woodhouse on saturday with a full 30 points away at Pickering. Thirsk got bowled ut for 161 in the last over, Des Wyrill making 41, Ryan McKendry 38* and Ben England made 28 as the 2 Yorkshire Under 15 players took Thirsk out of trouble with a fine partnership. Pickering looked to make a positive start before Barry Petty went to 500 premier league wickets dismissing Josh Greenlay. Petty went on to destroy the top order taking 3-41, but Dave Towse picked up 5 for doing the bulk of the damage. Stu Christon took the final wicket of the innings bowling Jim Greenlay as Pickering crumbled to 75 all out.

Barry Petty stepped ever closer to his 500 premier league wickets taking 8-43 against the star studded line up of Dunnington. Thirsk batted first making 174-4 with Des Wyrill making a brisk 31, his opening partner Liam McKednry made 48, Sean Holmes made it into the 20’s along with Dave Towse who finished the innings off with 23* along with Ryan McKendry who made 37*. Dunnington made a quick start with Collis King stiking the ball well before Petty went on the attack taking all of his first 4 wickets with help from Des Wyrill at 1st slip. The wicket of the day was Harwood Williams as Anthony Elders took a brilliant 1 handed catch in mid air. Towse took the other 2 wickets but Petty was the star of the show finishing the innings by bowling Robert Chipps as Dunnington were all out for 127.

After a wet week the pitch was a green one at Thirsk and the opening bowlers Towse and Petty did not dissapoint. Ripping through the Goole batting line up for just 60 just after 40 overs Petty picked up 6 of the wickets while Towse managed a healthy 4 wickets. The chase got off to a slow but solid beginning after a shower at tea. Liam McKendry made 20 before being bowled as the first man to go, then, Gary Bolton and Des Wyrill went soon after. Graeme Wrightson and Ryan mcKendry finished the job off easily scoring the last 20 runs freely with Ryan finishing 16 not out.

Thirsk’s 1st loss of the season came to Stamford Bridge at the weekend where they were beaten by 7 wickets. Des Wyrill and Liam McKendry put on 93 for the 1st wickets before Liam fell for 52. Des also went on to reach 50 and Gary Bolton made a brisk 45 as Thirsk posted 193-4 after 50 overs. Danny Hagen then set about his buisness crashing the Thirsk attack to all parts scoring 105 before being dismissed by Stuart Christon. Hagen put on 134 with opening partner Hill who went first for 40. Victory never looked in doubt for the home side who cruised to victory with plenty of overs to spare.

Thirsk Cricket Members Barry Petty and Pat Ruecroft were recently inducted into The York and District Senior Cricket League Hall of Fame at a presentation evening held at Easingwold Cricket Club. The awards were presented by George Myerscough the league President.

Barry received his award for his outstanding achievements as a bowler for Thirsk, Sheriff Hutton Bridge, Cleckheaton, Yorkshire Bank and Batley , although he has spent most of his career at Thirsk.

Pat received his “ Lifetime Achievement” award in recognition of 60 years as a player, secretary, treasurer, committee member, 2^nd X1 captain, Umpire, Club Historian, Cricket Coach and Sec/ Treasurer of The Thirsk and District Junior Cricket Leaguesince it was formed in 1989.

They now join Thirsk members Dave Worsnop, [2006] , Des Wyrill , [ 2006] and Colin Pringle, [2007] also members of The Hall of Fame.

Thirsk slipped from second to third place when held to a draw by bottom placed Malton & Old Malton whose skipper Mike Linsley negotiated an extended 51 overs to make 52 not out. Earlier Thirsk were dismissed for 171 in the 49th over with Des Wyril making a patient 43, Garry Bolton 29 and Sean Holmes 27. Mike Linsley took 4-30 before leading his side to a draw at 136-8. Dave Towse took 5-35 off 23 overs but, in the absence of his partner in crime Barry Petty, Thirsk lacked penetrative support. 15 years old Ryan McKendry bolwed 17 economic overs of off-spin, taking two wickets in the process.