Lions to give youth a chance as Thornely aims to improve on fourth

Horsham v Roffey - cricket. Mika Ekstrom . Pic Steve Robards SR1717595 SUS-170708-115253001

Horsham captain Michael Thornely is aiming to better his side's fourth-place finish last season as they enter a new campaign in the Sussex League Premier Division.

The former Sussex and Leicestershire batsman is entering his third season back at Horsham having returned in 2016 and taken over captaining duties in 2017.

The Lions finished fourth in each of the past two seasons and have not won the league since 2004.

But Thornely is targeting remaining consistent throughout the season to ensure they improve on their league finish.

He said: “We’ve always been in the top two or three and then just split slightly to fourth. It’s about making sure we are consistent throughout the year and this season I would like to better our top-four finish.

“If we can be in the top two or three that would be a great achievement for us this year.

“We’ve had a good break and now the season’s here, despite not getting the practice we wanted, we’ve got a great bunch of young players in the squad who are going to get the opportunity to play and to put their hand up and win some games for Horsham.”

The Lions welcome Joe Ashmore, from Bognor, who was the third-highest wicket-taker in the league last season with 47 wickets, wicketkeeper Ryan Maskell, however, has departed the other way, returning to his former club.

Former Sussex academy player Nick Oxley will be present this season despite interest from Marylebone Cricket Club, while Thornely admitted replacing Michael Munday will be difficult as he departs for Reigate Priory.

He said: “We may see Will Beer a little bit, George Garton is another option but he tends to be looked after and wrapped up by Sussex as he is a quick bowler – they’re pretty thin on the ground so they look after him.