New ECB rule changes mean that there has never been more pressure on the Captain in cricket, so having a first class Vice Captain is critical. Thongsbridge Cricket Club is therefore delighted to announce that we have two excellent Vice Captains in place for our 1st and 2nd XI in the 2024 season.

1st XI Vice Captain – Ben Balmforth

Winner of the HCL most promising young cricketer of the year in 2021, Ben has been a regular for the 1st XI at Thongsbridge and has become a key member of the team.
He has also progressed as a cricket coach, becoming a qualified Level 2 Coach, working with our junior section at Under 15 and Under 17 Level. This has provided a valuable link between junior and senior cricket within the club.

We hope that the role of Vice Captain, will prepare Ben for the eventual step to full captaincy at the Club in the future.

2nd XI Vice Captain – Richard Wagstaff

Richard has played cricket at Thongsbridge all his life, starting as a young junior and now playing at senior level. As captain of the 1st XI in 2016 he guided the team back into the Premiership and then decided to step back from the 1st X! and balance family life with cricket.

Richard brings a wealth of experience both on and off the field and will be a great support for his brother David who captains the side.