Sadly due to recent spate of wet weather, we have been unable to do a lot of the pre-season prep work so, sadly, we have had to cancel both Friday night training and the cricket matches due this weekend.
However, it would still be great if people could come along on Friday or Saturday to help with the remaining jobs shown here.
Don't forget our upcoming race night on the 23rd Feb.
All funds raised will go to help Aivin's recovery (more details).
Help us and our very own Alvin recover.
Alvin has already done so much on his road to recovery and is a true inspiration. This is the time for giving and, though it's very difficult times for all, can we please have a push, any donation is welcome to help Alvin reach his target.
Although still only 18, the stories this young man will be able to tell In later life regarding his abilities, his levels of sporting prowess along with how he battled to beat this illness will be nothing but amazing. Most of all, he does it whilst still being able to joke and laugh. We can all learn so much from him.
Now let's get together as a club, friends or even locals to support someone who needs our love at this time of the year.
We hope to see him back on the pitch soon, playing competitively, for which ever club, as long as he's playing. He's grown up at Merstham and couple of seasons ago joined Priory to push himself that little further but has always come back and is always welcome.
To all members.
Notice is given that Merstham Cricket Club Annual General Meeting will be held on Sunday 14th January 2024 at The Pavilion, Quality Street. The meeting will start at 6pm.
Members should advise Carol Pearce Club Secretary (ctpearce@ntlworld.com) in writing of any other business to be moved at the meeting at least 14 days before the meeting.
Nominations of candidates for election of Officers should be made in writing to the Secretary at least 14 days in advance of the Annual General Meeting. Nominations can only be made by full members and must be seconded by another full member.
Carol Pearce
Hon Secretary
Merstham Cricket Club
We are sad to announce the passing of Terry Neal who was an active club member in the 80s and early 90s.
Current Treasurer, Chris Clayson, recalls "Around 1990, as a young teenager, Terry was captaining the Sunday 1st XI and I got called up to play and he made me feel very welcome. I began playing regularly, and he helped me a lot with bowling. He encouraged me to stop trying to bowl too fast, instead to come off a few paces, and just get the line and length right. This was very effective and I enjoyed a good season or two frustrating the batsmen. I will always remember Terry, fondly, because of this and, of course, his wife Sylvia who was on the boundary watching at every match".
Merstham Cricket Club sends it condolences to Terry's son, David (another MCC alumni) and the rest of his family.
Terry's funeral is being held on Monday 18th Deceber at 2pm, at Surrey & Sussex crematorium, going on The Old House pub in Copthorne (10 mins away). All are welcome.
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.
