The Cricket Asylum make semi-final of indoor cricket’s British Open

The Cricket Asylum, an indoor cricket facility in Sowerby Bridge, are celebrating after their men’s team reached the semi-finals of the British Open.

The two-event at Willows Sports Centre in Derby on 2 & 3 November was organised by Action Indoor Cricket and brought together indoor cricket talent from across the country. The eight-a-side format sees all players batting and bowling, while each pair bats for four overs (called a ‘skin’).

The Cricket Asylum (TCA) squad was a blend of players from Yorkshire and Lancashire, with a strong contingent from the Halifax Cricket League.

Jordan Croft (Captain, Thornton), Charlie Palmer (Thornton), Eddie Foredam (Thornton), Isaac Thompson (Illingworth St Mary’s), Will Thicket (Stones), Woody Webster (Copley), Olly Brooks (Copley), Jacob Stevens (Crossflatts), Joe Kershaw (Mytholmroyd), plus cricketers from the Lancashire League.

TCA won two out of three at the group stage to finish second and qualify for Sunday’s knockouts.

They defeated Derby Cobras convincingly first up 6-1, before losing to the eventual 2024 champions Jamia 6-1 (one of few teams to take a point off them).

TCA then beat the Mavericks, a team with three England indoor cricket players, by 2 runs to win their final group game.

There was then victory in the quarter-final over King Cobras by 3-1 with Player of the Match William Thickett’s 4-12 proving crucial, along with Woody Webster (2/-1 and 16 runs) and Charlie Palmer (1/10 and 19 runs).

Defeat followed against Southern Sharks by 3 skins to 1, with Sam Staley claiming Player of the Match with 4/-13 and eight runs.

It’s a strong showing for TCA Men who were making their debut in the British Open, after finishing bottom in last year’s National League.

Along with coaching and their own tournaments, The Cricket Asylum also run junior teams who train every Friday night and compete in nationals in Birmingham and Leicester.

For all their indoor cricket news and results, check out @tcaindoor on their Instagram feed.

Full TCA Squad List:

Jordan Croft (capt), Sam Staley, Fraser Bartholomew, Dylan Faram (WK), Eddie Dickinson, Eddie Fordham, Charlie Palmer, Isaac Thompson, Woody Webster, Ian Charles-Jones, William Thickett.