Thornton steps up

By Marc McGowan
CASEY-SOUTH Melbourne Cricket Club has nabbed many local recruits, but by the end of the year it may be hailing Lysterfield batsman Adam Thornton as one of its best.
Thornton, 21, has been striking boundaries for Cranbourne Meadows in the West Gippsland Cricket Association since 2002, but he was approached by the Victorian Premier Cricket side during the off-season and jumped at the chance.
“I love it,” Thornton said. “They are great blokes. That has probably been the easiest thing.
“I thought it would be all individuals, but everyone is in it together.”
Thornton began the season in the seconds but, after a tough start, was dropped to the thirds for two games.
His return to the seconds was a memorable one, however, with Thornton clocking up the first century on Casey Fields.
“I had a chance on 39 – and I thanked that guy for dropping me, too,” he said.
“If he hadn’t dropped me I wouldn’t be doing this!”
The knock has removed some of the self-doubts that were plaguing the talented youngster, as he has adjusted to the increased level of competition.
“It’s a lot harder. You don’t get many bad balls. If they do give you a half volley and you don’t put it away, you have to just forget about it,” Thornton said.
“You won’t get another one for about three or four overs, whereas in West Gippsland there were one or two every over.”
He is very much still aiming to crack the top side, but knows there is much hard work ahead.
“I need to back it up with another score. I have to keep working and get into the main net where the ones bowl and show that I can face it,” Thornton said.
“Not only just show it, but that I can play shots to it and I’m comfortable with that level.”
His passion for the game is certainly not going to hurt his chances.
“I love being out there and I love batting.
“It might be stupid, but I love guys running in at 100 miles an hour trying to knock your head off!” Thornton laughed.
“It’s a stupid game, isn’t it?” he said.