9:36am Thursday 2nd September 2010
THORNBURY are celebrating promotion back to the top tier of the West of England Premier League Cricket structure after captain Richard Trotman hit a match-winning century against Cheltenham.
Ilminster’s shock defeat at Aschcott & Shapwick and Westbury & District’s loss against Downend, who clinched the title, ensured that Thornbury were promoted back to Premier One after a three-year absence with victory over Cheltenham, who were relegated.
Trotman said: “It’s good to do well myself but the team is more important.
“All we could do was win the game. We have been a good side all year and played some good stuff.
“Some younger lads have come through and put in good performances and apart from the last game we didn’t see the pros all year so it’s all been done by Thornbury players.”
Thornbury were boosted with Gloucestershire duo Chris Dent and Anthony Ireland available and both played key roles in the win.
After being put into bat, Thornbury looked a long way off reaching a big total when Ian Blakemore went for one but Trotman put on 94 with opener Kanishka Edirisuriya (31).
Trotman smashed 114 off 110 balls, including ten fours and five sixes, and shared another 93 with Chris Dent, who also hit five sixes in a quick-fire 53 off 46 balls.
Thornbury’s innings was given late impetus by an unbeaten sixth wicket partnership of 86 between Greg Stephens (40 off 33 balls) and Curtis Blakemore (38 off 24 balls).
Saul Heard then did most of the damage with the ball, taking 4-51 off ten overs, while Ireland claimed 3-31 as Cheltenham slumped to 191 all out.
Juvaunie Gayle, Trotman and Joe Maiden also took one wicket apiece to wrap up a convincing win.
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