Merstham batted first going the full 20 overs getting 138 for seven. Hamdan Rashid (U15) hit for 38 and Connor Thorpe (U17) knocked up 31* including two massive sixes onto the golf course. Costing his coach the first steaks of the season. Supporting runs were provided by Joshua Kenny (13), Tanay Patel (15*) and newcomer to the club and squad Ed Harvey (17).
The U17 squad bowled Salfords all out for 96 off 18.4 overs. Leading the way was Tanay Patel with 3 wickets off 1.4 overs and Ed Harvey with two wickets off 1 over. Matt Cripps (2 including one catch behind by Joshua Kenny), Hamdan Rashid (1) and Connor Thorpe (1) each contributed. Final wicket attributed to Harry Ogilvie with an awesome direct hit from the field for a run out.
The squad made up of U17, U16 (if we had an U16 squad) and U15 players showed just how amazing the Merstham ethos of providing all players an opportunity to join in makes for a winning combination.
Special thanks to Reevo for getting the pitch ready in record time at QS as it was a bit of a dodgy start to the evening with both teams heading to different venues. Merstham showing up at Salfords where an U10 match was due to be played, Salfords showed up at The Ring where an U15 match was scheduled! After a bit of scrambling both teams headed to QS to play. Many thanks to Reevo
~ TK
Here's a photo of Laurie showing us the winning "W" for all the great results from Saturday!
1st XI v Merrow Won
2nd XI v Merrow Won
3rd XI v Purley Won
4th XI v Wallington Lost
5th XI v Tadworth Won (walkover) & Lost v Merton friendly
Sun 1st Won v Sutton Challengers
(5ths recorded a league win as they had a winning walkover v Tadworth hence playing a friendly v Merton.)
4th XI Match Report - by PittoThe 4s played Wallington at theirs this weekend, Oppo won the toss and elected to bat first. Bowling was opened by Reevo and Dilly who stuck to their task, Reevo picking up 2 wickets in 2 balls & soon had a third leaving the oppo reeling at 11 for 3.
In marched their Skipper and his partnership with their No. 2 bat took them to 137 before another wicket fell.
Couple of chances missed in the field and we finally got their Skip for 96 caught off a flighted ball from Luke Tucker for 96 (137/4).
We picked up regular wickets from thereon in with the Oppo setting 186 to win.
Andy Clark and Lakshin opened. We were unable to get a solid partnership going with wickets falling regularly, Andy and Gareth steadied the ship for a period before being run out with a direct hit.
Rob and Alex cameo'd with 14 and 15 respectively leaving us to get 100 odd runs with 15 overs left with 3 wickets in hand.
We got 147 all out and that was that.
Pick of the bowlers, Reevo 3/24, Harrish 2/32 and Gareth 3/25. Batting wise Andy 26 & Pitto 17.
Saturday 5th XI - by TKThe Saturday 5s racked up two matches in one day. One could call it 'A Tale of Two Matches'.
The league match against Tadworth saw the opponents concede giving the squad 30pts on the board. This allowed a friendly to be played against Merton.
After a 45 minute drive the 5s found themselves up against a strong batting squad. Despite some good bowling the opponents set a target of 309.
The 5s managed to claw out 162 runs. A rather respectable for a 5s squad. Great showing from Sunil (40) and Pranav (33).
Many thanks to Praven (U14) and Omar for stepping in at the last minute due to drop outs. Big shout out to Ben Willsher for his tactical support and organising as vice captain. Excellent fielding and bowling by Jacob.
Each week we have so many games our junior teams are involved in and we love to hear from parents and coaches how everyone is doing! Here is a little roundup of a few matches over the last week! Please do send text and a image to comms@mersthamcc.co.uk
U15 Girls
Congratulaitons on their first win of the season last Saturday!
U15 T1 side
Beat Spencer CC by 9 wickets. Unbeaten 50s for Jasper T and Oliver W, 3 wickets for Jasper!
Merstham U10 (pictured) vs Felbridge & Sunnyside
Fantastic fielding and team work displayed by the U10s. Good
bowling from Jack Curran, Oli Fielding and Frank Oliver.
Impressive batting from Toby Pool and our new comers Ethan and Dylan. Addy faced the quickest bowler and batted well. Dan was our fielder of the day!
Thanks to our contributors this week we have a few adult match reports to share, please do share with us via email and include a photo if you can. Full results for all games are on our Play Cricket site
3rd XI v Streatham & MalbroughThe 3rds had a somewhat difficult outing to Streatham and Malborough CC.
The day started on the wrong foot with severe traffic and other delays meaning that a lot of the team arrived at SE21 with only moments to spare before the start of the game.
Batting first and despite top efforts from the top order, Merstham will quickly quite a few down for not very many.
Good knocks from skipper Ben Jones and Ollie White in the middle order kept us afloat and the tail managed to hold on so that we did at least bat the 45 overs.
The second innings saw a bowling attack that was very
"early-season" and with Streatham's opening batters taking full
advantage of the odd loose ball, they chased down the target in
just under 23 overs.
A tough day at the office, but one which we will look to bounce
back from with a home game against Purley on 27th May.
The 4s played Chaldon CMO CC 3rd XI last Saturday. We lost the toss
and Chaldon chose to bat.
The Magics bowlers stuck to the task and we had them 100/4 at drinks. The oppo's captain then got stuck in scoring a very decent 93 ably supported by batsmen 5-7 (62 runs between them) setting Merstham 247 to win.
Merstham's opening batsman got off to a decent start putting 40 on the board whereupon we lost 3 quick wickets (56/3).
Jo Czerpack and Jack Letts were now in and started to turn the screws batting patiently and running very well between the wickets interspersed with a few lusty boundaries. They put on 97 before Jack was run out. The team carried on fighting ending up 12 runs short.
Pick of the bunch bowler wise, very tidy 8 overs from Hamdan for 25 runs, Jamil put in a great shift with 3 for 22 and Harrish bowling at the death for 2 for 29. Batting wise, Jo made 89, Jack 53 and Asif 26. Jack also took 3 catches!
We go again next week!
5th XI v South NutfieldThe 5s started their season against South Nutfield 3rds, having won the Development League last season.
A home game in the beautiful grounds of RAA started off with the reliable Kashif batting thoughtfully for his 28 as others tried to score around him.
After a couple of quick wickets, partnerships with Jon (scoring 13) and Rob (18, as that run given as a bye, should have counted), dragged the team towards 100. Michael (18) and Chandra (8) tried to push on once into the last few overs, setting a total of 124.
Defending was going to be tough. Charlie Dean was on line, and unlucky to not pick up a wicket.
Sid took and early victim before it was time for the over of the game. Ben Willsher produced a double wicket maiden, with the chance of a hattrick.
Unfortunately that was the high point before South Nutfield comfortable chased down the total.
The 5s are warmed up and raring to go again. There's a title to defend!
Many thanks to Pitto, Reevo and Mike Ogilvie for the reports
Thursdays 10.00am - 11.30am. Costs £2 a session led by a MCC coach with tea/coffee after in our pavilion.
Book on or get more information by contacting Richard Feist email / 07896 114068
MCC are hosting with the support of Surrey Cricket Foundation weekly Walking Cricket sessions, primarily for men and women aged 50+ who want to keep or get active, improve their physical and mental health, meet new friends and have fun.
Taking place every Thursday at Quality Street, all abilities are welcome particularly those who are unfit and would like to try a new, fun form of exercise and make friends at the same time.
The sessions are led by a coach and start with gentle ball skill exercises, bowling to eachother and build up into a game, followed by a chat with complimentary tea and coffee. Just bring your trainers!
Walking cricket is an adaption of the traditional game and caters for all abilities. There is no running allowed when batting or fielding - it's all walking including the bowlers 'run-up' is now a 'walk-up!'. It is played with a softer ball.
Walking Cricket is not just about the physical benefits but is often, the enjoyment of the activity and each other's company that motivates participants to come back every week.
Sessions are held at Merstham Cricket Club, Quality Street, Merstham every Thursday from 10am - 11.30am, followed by refreshments.
Book on or get more information by contacting Richard Feist email / 07896 114068
For further information on Surrey CCC and Surrey Cricket Foundations "Cricket in Retirement" campaign click here and see below
Walking cricket, in its simplest form, is a walking version of the game which provides opportunities for a range of people to continue participating in a sport they love. Walking cricket provides opportunities to manage physical and mental health as well as providing a social network for others with a passion for the game.
Walking cricket sessions are mixed and players don't need any protective equipment like pads, gloves or a helmet, as a softball is used and everything else needed is provided.
Whilst not exclusive to the older generation, walking cricket has proved particularly useful in keeping people active and social in their later years.
Simon Hards, Assistant Director of Cricket Participation for the Surrey Cricket Foundation, who has responsibility for the walking cricket programmes, said at the time: "Diversity is so important to us and that covers a wide range of areas including age. Walking cricket is another way for our older players who might not be involved in the game anymore or who are trying to maintain an interest to do so.
"Walking cricket can keep people in the game all the way to 80-plus, meaning a lifetime playing the game."
After years of service our roller has gone to cricketing heaven! We need your help to replace it.
Donate to our fundraiser on JustGiving here
The roller is a hugely important part of preparation and maintenance of cricket wickets and is essential to use on the pitch for cricket to go ahead - a vital piece of kit.
Built in the late 1960s, our autoroller is a 1.6 ton monster that is powered by a rather outdated engine and drive system, no longer fixable as parts are no longer made. So, after decades of loyal service, our roller has finally died and needs to be updated.
It is a huge expense with which we need your help, please give what you can.
You can donate to our fundraiser on JustGiving here and if you cant donate as valuable is a retweet or share of our post, hopefully it will reach far and wide.
For anyone who doesnt know us as a club we provides facilities to the local community and the wider area hosting upwards of 200 cricket matches a season including junior, women's, girl's and disability games. We also proudly host a number of Surrey cricket foundation events and county senior association and junior representative fixtures. Your donation will help us to continue to provide this service and facility.
UPDATE 18/05: A MASSIVE Thankyou to all those that have already donated. We're nearly 20% of the way there in less than 24 hours!! Please share far and wide with anyone that you think might benefit from the club in any way, We so desperately need to get this sorted
Donate to our fundraiser on JustGiving here
Saturday 1st XI wrapped up a victory at home against newly promoted Chobham CC with some superb fielding and, for the 9th wicket, a catch of the season contender! Finn Harris (46) opened assuredly and Asim Jaffri 4-20 off 9 overs was the pick of the bowlers. It was a good team performance to pick up all the wickets as at the break Chobham were in high spirits having restricted MCC to 117, to pick them up for only 57 was a real victory.
2nd XI bowled first restricting Horsley & Send CC on a good wicket. To chase the runs after a great fielding display shows the season has real promise. Finn Wilsher (21) showed composure at the crease opening the batting against the new ball and a few players chipped in with runs notably Lithon (52) and Dan Barlow (32). The task now for the batsman is to convert these good starts in the 20s when set, to higher scores. Bowling the wickets Lithon put in a great all rounders performance picking up 3 wickets alongside Luke (3wkts) and Bobby Sharp, Imran Aslam, Finn W and Ferg all picking up 1 wkt each showing the real bowling strength in the group.
3rd XI hosting Old Wimbledonians at The Ring made the best of the conditions after a week of bad weather the pitch was slow and the ball was keeping low and sticking in the outfield making run scoring tricky. Ben Jones (63 runs) showed his resilience and early season promise after a lot of dedication in the nets this off season. He backed it up with 87 runs the next day for the Sunday side too! Less said about the rest of the batting the better!
In the field the 3rds looked sharp and James Lowe (5 wkts) made his long journey on train strike day count after recording a duck batting he came out bowling very well picking up 5wkts to see off the oppos run chase.
4th XI had a good game but sadly came 2nd. Gareth Tucker batting well and the wickets shared around the strike attack. Really promising to have some new faces playing and we look forward to their progress through the year.
Click to Visit our play cricket fixtures and results page for the full scorecards.
On Saturday 13th May the U9s tier 3 softball team got the day started in winning ways!
Lucy (captain), Teddy, Matthew, Charlie, Josh and Eddie took an impressive win against Newdigate CC which, for many, was their first competitive game of cricket!
With evidence of so much progress - lots of straight bowling, great backing up in the field and some great shots played.
But most importantly, they all loved it! The start of their cricket journey and we are proud to have them playing for MCC
Six Merstham players were in action for their respective Surrey CCC sides.
For the Surrey CCC Senior Disability Team v Middlesex CCC (D40 Hardball) on Sunday 14th May.
Luke Saunders (2nd XI) scored 43 runs and bowled 8 overs/2 maidens /9 runs /0 wickets Jamil (4th XI) dnb / Bowled 8 overs / 34 runs / 2 wickets Ed Harvey (Under 15/16s) scored 5 runs and a superb run out to win the game!Luke said, "Ed Harvey really is a skilled fielder and it showed with one of the best run outs I've ever seen".
Elsewhere, Zahir, John Crompton and Jacob all played for the Surrey soft ball side in a round robin tournament v Sussex (lost), Kent (won), Hampshire (postponed). A 50% win rate!
Well done all!
Last night saw a win for the Men's Twenty20 Surrey Slam team.
The Magics travelled to Kenley CC and bowled them out 89-9 off 20 overs. Hamish Tester with a useful 3 wickets.
Whilst, on the face of it this seemd a cheap score, it was obviously tough conditions to score in as the Merstham batsman made hard work of the chase to begin with but, eventually managed it easily with 3 overs to spare.
(Reports of Ben Jones batting for his average this early in the season are unconfirmed.)
Well done to the team and good luck in the next fixture (details below)
Last season was a close run affair with Mohsin Ali just pipping Will Preston to the title of Top Fantasy Manager! Top scoring picks included Dan Kite (batsman), Fin Willsher (bowler) and Ed Dawson (wk).
Today, 22nd April, we are raising money and playing cricket for UCLH charity. Our 2nd Annual Colts vs Adults game features youngsters trying to get one over the seasoned players!
All in support of the hospital that is looking after former player and friend Alvin, who is making his recovery under their excellent care after falling ill last year.
Live Cricket, Bar Open, Raffle draw at Merstham CCThe match starts at 13:30pm, bar and pavilion will be open all day.
Players match fees will all go in the donation bucket and visitors are all encouraged to voluntarily make a donation to this worthy cause.
Donate online on the JustGiving page
Live Stream online coverage MCC YouTubeIf you can't come down to Quality Street to watch you will be able to watch online via YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TM58o6rHxa8 We have our first Livestream on Merstham CC YouTube channel today of the match!
Coverage starts at 1.15pm on our YouTube Channel. Watch and subscribe here
Neil and Ben Jones who have organised the event said:"Following last year's first ever Colts vs Adults Charity match at Merstham Cricket Club (raising money for the care and support Ben had received himself) we didn't expect for another player in the same team to be so critically unwell.
Alvin is currently being treated for a rare brain condition at National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery (NHNN) which is part of UCLH in London.
After being critically ill and taken into their ICU, and several difficult and uncertain months on the ward, he is now starting to recover even though he has a long road ahead.
As one of the leading brain hospitals in the world, NHNN has played a critical part in caring for Alvin, diagnosing his condition and continues to support him with his recovery. Not only do we have NHNN to thank for the work they do, but also the support Alvin's had from his family. Alvin's mum works as a nurse for East Surrey Hospital in A&E and by co-incidence cared for his team mate Ben the year before when was critically ill also.
Without the NHS supporting him things could have been very different so we are going to be raising money this year for UCLH NHS Trust through our Colts vs Adults Charity match on 22nd April."
Donate online on the JustGiving page - Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.
We are pleased to announce the 2023 Dinner Dance is open for bookings online now!
The event has been away for a couple of years and we are really pleased we have it returning as a annual fixture in the diary again for the end of this season on Saturday 7th October 2023.
Individual tickets (£40 pp) or multiples can be booked online for you and your friends.
If you wish to secure a full table please purchase 10 tickets and distribute them - it would be really helpful if a few people bought tables and committed to filling them.
Click here to book ticketsMerstham CC's very own online event booking system is run by Ticket Tailor
Questions or queries? Email the Chairman - Please book tickets using the link above to book online through our online event partner Ticket Tailor.
Outdoor training for Junior age groups will now start on 21st April
Please contact your manager for updates if the weather is poor as it may have to be cancelled
Whenever we have to call off outdoor training we will also aim to update the website in time to let you know
As we are approaching the new season we want to make sure everyone involved in our club are aware of their safeguarding responsbilities and how to keep everyone at the club enjoying their cricket in a safe, club environment.
Safeguarding Training
If you are involved in any role with teams as a captain, manager, umpire, scorer, committee member or coaching cricket at the club, please take the time to do the Surrey Cricket Foundation's online safeguarding training before the season commences:
Surrey Cricket Foundation - Safeguarding Training
DBS Checks
You may receive an email from ECB DBS service asking for your consent for a check to be carried out - please give the ok as this is the update service requesting your consent.
If you don't then you won't be compliant!
There's no time limit however, I'm now in the process of checking everyone's DBS status's before the summer season and will be chasing - again!
For those who did not sign up to the update service or who have purposefully responded to say the do not consent (yes, there are some!) I will be re-initiating DBS checks again IF you still hold a position in the club that required you to have one.
Cricket is a game for everyone and at Merstham CC we are committed to ensuring we safeguard all people who wish to have an involvement in the game whether they play, attend or follow.
Thanks! Amy
Congratulations to the latest 100 Club Winners!
February 2023 - £63.20 #3 Neil Maplesden, £20 Feathers Voucher #50 Cameron Reeves
January 2023 - £63.20 #78 Finn Harris, £20 Feathers Voucher #62 Fraser Perceval
Please visit the 100 Club page for full details and to join for your chance to win next month
There is currently a backlog of prizes to be delivered and may the Organiser wholeheartedly apologise, do not worry, you will get your winnings in time!
Simon Griffin
Congratulations to 1st XI opening batsman Daniel Kite, who has won Young Volunteer of the Year at the 2023 Reigate and Banstead Sports Awards!
Daniel was nominated by the club for the award and the event was well attended by other clubs and sports from the borough all vying for recognition in several categories. Daniel was thrilled to represent Merstham Cricket Club and win his category, he picked up the award at the Harlequin Theatre in Redhill on Wednesday 1st March.
Daniel is currently waiting to enrol on the ECB Core Coaching course (Level 2) to continue his cricketing coaching journey with the club.
Daniel progressed through the youth set up at Merstham Cricket Club and currently opens the batting for the first XI. Through his passion for cricket, he jumped at the opportunity to volunteer to help the senior coaches develop the new influx of youth players at Merstham.
Daniel first completed the formal ECB Assistant Coach and then the ECB Foundation Coach (Level 1) award to provide him with coaching skills and knowledge. Daniel coached the current Under 11's last summer on Friday evenings at Quality Street, supporting Alex Reeves and Richard Feist. He is currently coaching the U9's with Martin Fisher at Merstham Park School on Wednesday evenings through this winter and spring. This is a rewarding experience for him, as a role model and particularly observing the progression of youngster's.
Huge congratulations to Ben Fai Lankashear, our very own MCC Magics Captain, has been selected to represent team GB at cycling at the Berlin Special Olympics 2023!
Ben started cycling at the YMCA 11 years ago and is a passionate and hugely successful competitor. He joined the Surrey Special Olympics Team in 2015 and has won multiple medals during his time in the squad. He won gold and silver medals at the National Special Olympics in 2021 which led to his selection for 2023.
Ben has Downs Syndrome which affects his muscle strength, learning, vision and speech. Despite this Ben has been a hugely active sportsperson his whole life, he adores cycling and anyone who has met Ben at cricket will know how much he enjoys competing!
Ben has worked so hard for this opportunity and you can help make it happen for him. He needs to raise £3000 to cover travel and costs for the event, whatever you can give to support him will be hugely appreciated!
Thank you for your support and everyone at Merstham CC wishes you the best of luck Ben!
Our club 6-a-side football team finished 2nd in their first season playing at South Park FC's league over this Winter!
Richard 'Pitto' Pitt and Ben Jones both kindly penned a round up for us...
"As the 2022 cricket season faded into Autumnal darkness, Luke Saunders (Sat 2nd XI) had an inspirational thought to try and pull together a 6-a-side footie team from MCC members.
A few chats at nets sessions and a whatsapp group later we entered a side in the Leisure Leagues competition at South Park FC, Woodhatch.
Word soon got out and a promising squad was formed of Luke S, Rich Feist (Chairman), Reevo (Alex Reeves - Club Captain), Brodie (Fin W), Finn H, DK (Dan Kite), BJ (Ben Jones), Loo-ka-ku (Joe/ 'JRD' in cricket season!), Johnny Young, Pitto, Connor and Felix (non-cricket friend… I know, I know - some people do have these you know!!). Reevo and Pitto shared the gloves, in defence we had Rich, DK, Johnny and Luke, Midfielders were BJ, Connor, Brodie and Finn H. Up front it was a combo of Felix, Loo-ka-ku with Brodie, Finn H, Connor and BJ chipping in.
Sunday games took place on a half-sized 4G footie field with the same size goals as normal 6-a-side. The main rule policed by the Ref was no slide tackling and obvious foul play.
The season started in late September with a win, we then met the Woodhatch Warriors…… 6-0 loss!!! Absolutely GUN side full of U17 players one of which who was at the Millwall academy!
We then managed to win the next 2 before stuttering in the next 3 (LDL). We found our rhythm from thereon in winning the last 4 most notably against the opponents we were fighting 2nd place for (3-1 Win).
League position: 2nd (only 5 points off the Winners) - Played 12, Won 8, Drew 1, Lost 3
Everyone gets a shout out but special mention to:
Felix as top scorer with his mazy runs and dynamite left foot! Brodie and BJ for bossing midfield Finn H for his marauding runs from the back DK for all round solidness as last line of defence."Ben Jones had this to say about the season....
"No cricket for 5 months. Over the Christmas period. Lots of food. Just for the fitness standpoint football actually sounded like a good idea, we thought a couple of draws would be a good result. However, we were wrong, we actually ended up with 19 points from 14 games and our little cricket club with players who some of us had only last played football for their school ended up in 2nd place overall. I would also like to add that the team who came first actually contained a Merstham player as well.
6 a side turned out to be a lot more demanding fitness wise than we had originally thought and it was a brilliant way to get prepared for the great season we have ahead of us. We played some brilliant football over the weeks, with Dan Kite turning into the second coming of Maldini. Pitto doing his best happy Gilmore impression between the sticks. Fin, Mr consistent as ever and JRD having fleeting moments of brilliance.
We had help from others however, Felix played a huge role in scoring and assisting the majority of our goals and also help from Alex who apart from vomiting during the first game played a really helpful role at the back.
It all ended with spirited conversation at the hatch in Reigate about the greatest sportsman of all time, a great way to end our footballing escapades. Unfortunately, everyone is wrong though, the greatest sportsman of all time is… Felix Jay Murphy."
Now you've had a taste of the action, anyone who wants to get involved come September 2023, contact one of the team and hopefully we can go one better, and win it next year!
For general information please contact our Information Manager
If you are interested in joining to play adult cricket then please contact our Club Captain
For enquiries relating to Colts (junior) cricket please contact our Junior Co-ordinator
EasyFundrasing offer you a way to raise much needed funds for Merstham Cricket Club as you shop online.
Merstham Cricket Club is now available as a cause on JustGiving, if you are taking part in an event and wish to raise money for the club please use JustGiving to host your fundraising page.
Alternatively, to simply donate money to the club, please do so via JustGiving by clicking here (don't forget to tick the gift-aid button)!
Merstham Cricket Club is proud to be ECB Clubmark Accredited
Merstham Cricket Club now operates an online membership registration form, ALL members (playing members and social) should register annually.
There are a number of easy payment options including Direct Debit, PayPal, Cash/Cheque and Bank Transfer.
Please click here to complete your registration form for the 2023 season.
