U16s celebrate title win by beating Merstham’s men

After early summer GCSE exam stress, it was a pleasure for the parents to watch as the Merstham U16s re-grouped, rekindling cricketing friendships, many of which began on the sacred Quality Street turf as early as U8s.

Their 2018 colts cricket season was short, condensed into one month, but ultimately rewarding as the side won all four league games to win the East Surrey Colts League title, claiming the shield from current holders Reigate Priory.

The first match, at Lingfield in late June, saw the hosts (last year’s runners up) win the toss and post 146 for 5 (20 overs). No doubt the boys were dusting off a few cobwebs as the opposition benefitted from 37 extras, but some tight bowling from Dan Evans (3-0-12-0) and Finn Harris (2-0-8-2) and crucial catches by Khuram Ashraf, Laurence O’Dwyer and Toby Byrne helped keep the target in range.

Merstham, in reply, were immediately ahead of the required rate and with a captain’s innings by Finn Harris (77no from 54 balls) plus contributions from Joe Lunn (23) and Anthony Maplesden (22), the target was surpassed with 10 balls to spare and seven wickets remaining. Celebrations were triggered by Jonny Tibble’s forceful pull over the mid-wicket boundary.

The second match saw a dramatic improvement and real focus in Merstham’s fielding as Capel, batting first, were restricted to 99 for 7 (20 overs). Vital catches from Laurence O’Dwyer and Afsar Khan, plus two run outs and two stumpings (Joe Lunn) aided as the team kept the extras tally to just six; a marked improvement on game one.

All eight bowlers were economical, with Cameron Anderson (2-0-12-1) and Zidane Ali (2-0-9-1) both contributing well. The opposition players and parents watched in awe as the target was chased down in just 10 overs: Merstham’s 100 for 1 achieved by Joe Lunn’s blazing innings (69 no from 33 balls) and Joe Eve’s return to form (15 not out).

Away to Kenley in the third match, a still greater team effort won the game. This time batting first, Merstham progressed well early on thanks to Joe Eve and Anthony Maplesden (both 23), but it was the arrival of Afsar Khan at the crease that was to prove pivotal to the match outcome.

At 81 for 3 after 14 overs, Afsar clubbed 33 from his first 8 balls, finally ending on 43 from 15 balls including 5 sixes and 3 fours. Ably supported by Byron Kenny (14), Merstham climbed to 144 for 7 from their 20 overs.

In reply, Kenley were always ahead of the rate due entirely to their number one bat. But the team’s plan to keep him away from strike and plug away at the supporting batsman saw wickets fall and pressure mount. Afsar Khan (4-1-16-2) and Joe Eve (3-0-14-3) set the game up. At 122 for 5 with 3 overs to go and the number one bat 75no from 48 balls, Merstham called on U13 fast bowling colt Matt Evans (4-0-21-3) to remove the threat and Merstham were soon home and dry. Well done Matt! Kenley ended on 131 all out and Merstham won a thriller by 14 runs.

The fourth match sadly was won by concession.

Well done the U16s. Friendships were cemented, the will to win prevalent, the spirit of cricket shone through and every player contributed to the team. Adults, watch out for these names in seasons to come. Hopefully the future is bright for Merstham CC.

Zidane Ali, Cameron Anderson, Khuram Ashraf, Toby Byrne, Daniel Evans, Joe Eve, Afsar Khan, Finn Harris, Byron Kenny, Joe Lunn, Anthony Maplesden, Laurence O’Dwyer, Rufus Perkins, Jonny Tibble, Matt Evans, Alvin Sathya, Adam Swan & Matt Greaves..          

Post-script: the U16s celebrated further with victory over Merstham’s men! A game organised to showcase the colts, encourage adult cricket participation and have fun, the night was a great success with the U16s chasing down the 136 target in just 16 overs. As the picture shows, not all the men’s team are monsters. Check out play-cricket for the scorecard.