Henry Thornton arrived down from Sydney for the start of the 2020/21 cricket and although initially hindered by COVID 19 he made his debut for St Kilda on the 28 November 2020 against Camberwell magpies and made an immediate impact taking 4 for 31 off his 10 overs to help Saints win by 161 runs
In his first season for the Saints Henry took 36 wickets at 14.42.
Let’s find out more about Henry and his journey so far.
What year you were born?
1996
If you can share with our readers how you would describe yourself as a cricketer?
I am a right arm fast bowler and lower order batsmen.
What’s been your most memorable moment in cricket so far?
It’s hard to really narrow it down to just one, I have had a few memorable moments playing cricket.
Making my Sydney Sixers debut in front of 40,000 people at the Gabba and having to bowl to Chris Lynn was pretty awesome.
Making my debut for Eastern Suburbs and St Kilda Cricket Clubs
Winning the Scots First Eleven Premiership and going undefeated throughout that whole season. It hadn’t been achieved in 30 years and I still have some of my best mates from that team.
Ladies day at Eastern Suburbs – While we didn’t get the results on the day the atmosphere in the tank was something else.
Henry playing for Sixers against the Brisbane Heat
At what age did you make your first grade debut?
18 year old – ended up having a decent day at the office taking a five wicket haul on debut which was pretty awesome.
What prompted the move from NSW to Victoria?
I just didn’t have the opportunities anymore at NSW to play first class cricket. I needed a change of scenery and I am really glad I made the move to Victoria. I cannot thank St Kilda cricket club enough for taking me in and giving me an opportunity to play, it’s an amazing club with some amazing people.
Who’s your favourite all-time cricketer?
Viv Richards, Dale Steyn and Brett Lee
Dale Steyn
Who is the fastest bowler you’ve played against?
Pat Cummins or Mitchell Starc
Who is the best spinner you’ve played against?
Steve O'Keefe
Who played the best innings you’ve seen firsthand playing with or against?
Moises Henriques has had a few decent ones for the Sixers over the years that I have been lucky enough to watch.
Nick Larkin scored a good hundred against Easts a few years back, Nathan Rowe got him out off a no ball on about 8 and then after that he destroyed us.
Adam Crosthwaite scored a few last year for the Saints but one in particular where we was toying with the fielders and bowlers. Was top class to watch.
Angus Robson got a 150+ against the current premiers Sydney a few years back and got us home in a great run chase. Anyone who has played Sydney at Drummoyne knows that they are very hard to beat there. He just controlled the day beautifully and got us over the line.
Tim Armstrong’s hundred in a T20 against Gordon, blocked the first over out and then smacked them everywhere. They don’t make them like Piner anymore – no ground is big enough.
Who are the two players in Premier Cricket you’ve come to admire most in terms of skills and competitive spirit in the competitions you played?
Ian Moran and Adam Crosthwaite – when both put their whites on you knew you were a chance. They are both classy players and I am lucky to have played with both.
Adam Crosthwaite
Who was the best wicket keeper you’ve seen firsthand playing with or against?
Peter Nevill –his glove work is unbelievable, you know that he isn’t going to drop many.
Who’s the best captain you had the good fortune to play with?
I am still lucky to play with him on a weekly basis, Adam Crosthwaite – he makes you feel invincible when you have the ball or bat in your hand. He backs you in every time and believes in you to get the job done. He thinks about the game like no one else that I have played with. I think it speaks volumes that every club he goes too everyone loves him and finds a way to get that club success.
Who’s been the biggest influence on your career so far?
My Dad.
Where do you find inspiration that gets you through challenging times?
I have a lot of great people who support me, but I also have a lot of self-belief. Cricket can be a cruel game sometimes so you have got to make sure that you find ways to switch off and realise that it’s only a game and you get to come back next Saturday and go again.
Who are the three people in the world you’d love to have a chat to in person?
Matthew McConaughey, Barack Obama and Gordon Ramsey
Barrack Obama
What do you like to do to relax outside cricket?
Few beers with my mates, going to the beach, watching the races, hanging out with my dog, fishing and cooking.
Who in your opinion has the best nickname in Premier Cricket and do you know the story behind the nickname
Junior Animal for Rupert Lilburne and you will have to ask him for the story.
We understand you’re at University – what are you studying?
I am just about to finish a Bachelor of Communications (PR and Journalism) from Open Universities Australia.
Henry back in Sydney bowling for Eastern Suburbs
Do you have a favourite quote?
Full credit to the boys.
Can we ask, what would it mean to you to play for first class cricket?
I have worked so hard over the last few years to achieve it; it would be a dream come true.
Join the cricket network to promote your business and expertise. Make it easy for people to search and find the people and services they need through people they know and trust.
Join the network
