SENIOR REVIEW 2025 - 3RD XI

Our final senior end of year review takes a look at the highs and lows for our Sunday 3rd XI. As with the Saturday teams, the 3rds struggled to put results together in 2025, winning just two of 18 fixtures despite determined efforts from all involved. But is that a fair reflection of the squad, and are there positives to take from the campaign?

Katie Schofield has once again done a great job as skipper in the face of difficult circumstances and a lack of senior players to fall back on. This was almost certainly the youngest squad we've ever fielded across a season of senior cricket, with the odd notable exceptions! Indeed this reliance on up and coming juniors is a real plus, as it showcases the strength in depth and productive nature of our burgeoning junior setup and the excellent work our coaches are doing. Katie's ability to connect with the younger players in her charge also does her plenty of credit.

Looking at individuals for a moment, the standout batsmen for the 3rds numbers-wise was Lucas Bright-Lees. While it's easy to say that the experience he's had playing regular Saturday cricket gave him a big lift up, an average topping 40 and three half centuries from just nine innings is no mean feat. Oscar Thomas also approached 300 runs, though his season will best be remembered for the spectacular 145 against Clifton, the most explosive innings of 2025. AJ Roughley also showed much improvement and had his best returns to date, with half centuries for both 2nds and 3rds this year.

On the bowling front, a quite incredible 85% of overs were sent down by juniors in 2025, with much of the remainder delivered by Katie. Si Marsh wasn't around as much this year but his presence was always reassuring. The bowling honours this year go to Jack Schofield; as with Lucas his exposure to 1st XI cricket has given him a big leg up and he will continue to develop into an excellent quick bowler. George Sowden, Luke Hall and Jack Kenyon all got through significant workloads, while the Thomas boys picked up useful wickets.

It's been a big learning curve this year, with a number of more powerful teams proving too much for the young Tottington side. However the steady progression shown by various players is a real plus, and the fact that we've had upwards of 10 juniors playing Saturday senior cricket in 2025 really does bode well for our short and long term future.

A final word for Katie. If this is your last season in charge, skip, you can take a lot of pride from your efforts over the past few years. You've made a real difference.