Paul Fielder – one of only three Thorverton batsmen to get past 40 in the season just ended<br>credit: @ppauk | no re-use without consent of copyright holder

By CONRAD SUTCLIFFE

THORVERTON skipper Andy Pitt has got batsmen at the top of his wanted list during the close season ahead.

Thors were runners-up in East One, a Tier Two division of the DCL’s mini-league programme, and lost in the play-off final to Plymouth 2nd XI.

Andy Pitt – wants an extra batter or two in 2021 | @ppaukPitt is happy with the team’s bowling credentials – especially with Alex Jopling (ex-Bridestowe) and Dan Robbins (Shobrooke Park) on board again – but needs to find some more runs.

Not a single batsman reached 50 during the seven games played – Ali Chilcott just missed out with 48 not out in the win over Shobrooke Park – and Paul Fielder and Ben Sapiecha had the only other score of more than 40.

Said Pitt: “Of course we are going to look to strengthen over the winter and the addition of an overseas player next summer will be another boost. 

“The bowlers were all excellent, especially Ben Slaviero (16wkts), but our batting really needs to improve next year.”

Pitt was said the upside of the season, apart from reaching a play-off, was seeing teenagers such as Bobby Heard and Luke Vukusic find their feet in 1st XI cricket.

Vukusic and Heard have been around for a while in Sunday and 2nd XI cricket, but until this season only had a handful of 1st XI appearances between them.

“The main thing we took from the shortened season was that Bobby and Luke both got a run of games in the side,” said Pitt. 

“Bobby and Luke are both really talented players and it was great to have them in the side consistently and getting used to 1st XI cricket.”

Looking ahead to 2021, Pitt added: “It is also going to be great to get a full summer out of Dan Robbins and Alex Jopling. They have both fitted into the club really well which was a real positive.”