Thorley Cricket Club host Bishop’s Stortford Football Club XI including Ronnie Irani and Charles Dagnall in T20 match
Football met cricket as Steve Castle began Bishop’s Stortford’s pre-season by taking his squad to Thorley Cricket Club for a T20 match, writes Owen Waters.
The Blues squad was bolstered for Friday night by former Essex and England all-rounder Ronnie Irani, a director of the football club, and Warwickshire bowler-turned-commentator Charles Dagnall.
All-rounder Irani played three Tests and over 30 one-day internationals for England as well as more than 200 first-class county matches for Lancashire and Essex.
Thorley batted first, setting the Blues a target of 136 to win. Adam Cooper top-scored with 27 and Ben Cowper hit a noteworthy 25. There was some outstanding fielding by the Blues as Dagnall rolled back the years with two catches.
In response, Irani opened and hit a mammoth six over mid-wicket before retiring not out. Defender Jake Thompson was the pick of the batters though and he looked imperious throughout his innings.
He was then backed up by Blues winger and Thorley alumnus Charlie Castle, who took Stortford close before they ran out of overs and were defeated in a tight game.
“It was great to have another community event at the club and to create a stronger bond with BSFC and their fans,” said Thorley chairman Tim Lamb.
“Everybody had a great evening, and it was made that little bit more special seeing Ronnie Irani roll back the years and to see Charles Dagnall launching balls in from the outfield. Both are welcome to turn out for Thorley CC any Saturday!
“Thankfully, Thorley won the event, although many of the Stortford FC players showed great aptitude. We hope it will become an annual event.”
Thorley have their annual club day on Sunday (July 6) and will be building on the evening’s success to develop further community connections over the coming months.
Meanwhile, the Blues will continue preparations for their first pre-season friendly, at Arlesey Town, on July 12 in a game that should be a bit more familiar to them!
Stortford have announced the retention of six more players ahead of this season’s Southern League, Premier Division Central campaign.
Players’ and supporters’ player of the year Cole Dasilva will look to build on an impressive first season that saw him score five goals and register 12 assists in 48 appearances.
He will be teaming up again with young player of the year Fabio Virciglio – the former Royston Town midfielder who scored three goals in 42 appearances last season – powerful midfielder Erin Amu, towering former QPR defender Jaden Ogwuazor, Harry Forde and Presley Evans.
Owen Waters is a member of Thorley Cricket Club.
