Devon Cricket Board - Thompson staying put at Oak Park

Thompson staying put at Oak Park

Jackson Thompson batting against Plymouth for Cornwood last season
CORNWOOD are sticking with Jackson Thompson as their professional in 2015 despite being relegated from the top flight last season.
The Corns are determined to mount a campaign aimed at bouncing back into the Premier Division at the first attempt.
Last time they went down it took a decade to get back up – and the latest stay only lasted two years.
Thompson’s 473 runs were the main contribution to Cornwood’s scores in 2014, although Matt Skeemer, Jason Hall and Steve Lambert all went past 250.
Nick Goodliffe, the chairman of selectors at Oak Park, said Cornwood didn’t want to lose Thompson and didn’t delay contacting his agent about a new deal.
“Jackson was an essential member of our squad last season,” said Goodliffe.
“He contributed valuable runs in many games yet, by his own admission, we didn’t really start to see his full capability until towards the end of the season.
“Jackson’s conduct both on and off the field was exemplary, and he was always willing to share his experience with the players, who all had utmost respect for him.
“We held discussions straight after the last game of the season and it was apparent there was merit in repeating the partnership again.
“Jackson knows he has much more to give and to some extent feels he owes this to the club, who remained totally committed to him through the lean spell at the start of the season.
“We are thrilled Jackson will be making the trip down the M5/A38 for another season to join forces with what we expect will be a largely unchanged squad.”
Jason Hall remains as 1st XI skipper. Goodliffe said Hall is keen to work with Thompson and other key squad members to get plans in place for a positive campaign that hits the ground running come the first Saturday in May.
James Horgan will continue as 2nd XI skipper on Cornwood’s return to the 2nd XI Premier Division. He is relishing the new challenge that lies ahead.
“It is expected this time around our squad will be stronger and we should be able to give a better account of ourselves in a tough division,” said Goodliffe.
The shape of Cornwood’s 3rd XI is going to be considerably different after saying farewell to three club legends. Phil Bees, Francis Adams and captain Dave Petherbridge all retired from club cricket at the end of last season. All three are pictured above.
Between them they totted up 102 playing years for Cornwood.
New skipper Leigh “Bobby” Smith will be busy during the winter trying to shape a squad that will be less experienced than last season’s.
“Cornwood CC would like to thank the three stalwarts for all they have done for the club over the last century,” said Goodliffe.
Barrie Fitzpatrick will carry on as 4th XI captain. Once again be looking to create a blend of experience and youth, as new colts start stepping into senior cricket.
“With four senior men’s teams and two ladies teams, there are always opportunities for any players who are either new to the area or are perhaps wanting to step back into cricket after a break,” said Goodliffe.
Anyone interested in finding out more about Cornwood CC should Goodliffe via cornwoodcc@live.com

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