A NORTH Yorkshire cricketer achieved a first in his club’s history when he managed to take all ten wickets in an innings.

Tom Stead, who plays for Thornton-le-Moor Cricket Club, near Northallerton, took the ten wickets for 43 runs in a game against Markington on Saturday, May 1.

He was just the fifth player ever to take ten wickets in the Nidderdale Cricket League.

And it wasn’t the first time Tom has caught the eye this season, scoring 100 runs in the club's opening game. His ten-wicket haul came in the very next match.

The club play in the fourth division of the Nidderdale Cricket League which was formed in 1894.

Tom said: “It was good – it was really good. It hasn’t really sunk in to be honest.

"It was unbelievable, and everyone seemed quite shocked really – it happened quite quickly in a way.

“It was a bit surreal, I just kept taking wickets. They’re a good team and a good set of lads and I don’t think anyone expected it because they’ve been winning quite a few games.

“The other team were very good about the whole thing.

"They were a nice set of lads, very competitive on the field but very nice off the field."

Tom added: “I’ve been playing since I was around five years-old – I’ve been playing all my life really, just village cricket and enjoying my Saturdays.

"I played at Thirsk juniors and then I went to Thorton-le-Moor and just went from there.

“I’d like to think I can play until I’m an old man, I want to play for as long as possible – I look forward to it every Saturday.

“It’s just a struggle getting players and attracting new players to the club and keeping the team together.

“The pandemic has made it hard. Last season was hard, the league tried their best to get the season on the go, but in the end it wasn’t very competitive.

Mick Truman, chairman of Thornton-le-Moor Cricket Club, said: “He’s made our club’s history by being the first one to take ten wickets in an innings for the club and he’s also only the fifth player to take ten wickets in the Nidderdale Cricket League.

“It’s not often that you witness all ten wickets being taken by one person in an innings.

"That was our second game of the season and in our opening game he actually scored 100 – I don’t know how many players in cricket history has taken ten wickets and scored 100.

“He’s been with the club for a lot of years and we’re very pleased that he’s part of our club.

“The reaction was brilliant when it happened.”