Many people actively avoid two jobs in cricket matches which can have a direct impact on the game being played.  Understanding both will improve your skills and involvement in the game as a result... scoring and umpiring. 

Just think, do you know the 10 ways you can be given out?  Or that sloppy scoring could cause you to lose a game? Or the 8+ factors which could trigger an LBW decision? Or the no-ball rule which has nothing to do with the bowler?  Most people will be shaking their head in confusion... but a little bit of time online, using tools readily available (such as this interactive umpiring game) or ten minutes talking to or helping a scorer, starting to stand at square leg - eventually leads to more skills and you becoming a better, more confident cricketer.

So next time the skipper says "who is scoring" or "we need an umpire" - make sure your voice is heard. Your action will be welcomed, you will always be mentored, and eventually you will be able to answer all of the questions above!  In the meantime, please explore BBC Sport's excellent microsite on The Laws.

With thanks to Alex Goodey

League leaders Merstham continued their remarkable run of having won all their completed games in their 150^th season, overhauling Wallington's 170 by eight wickets in their latest Fuller's League Division Two fixture.

This time Wallington were the victims at Hillside Gardens, with Asim Jafferi and Noman Javed the key contributors.

The ECB are offering clubs the chance to win one of six flat sheet covers up to the value of £350 - if players fill in a survey. One ticket in the prize draw will be awared for every five players who fill in the National Cricket Playing Survey. The more players who fill in the survey means the bigger the chances of winning. There are also individual prizes, from England tickets to shirts and bats.
To fill in the survery, go to www.ecb.co.uk/survey.
The ECB is seeking views of everyone from aged 14 upwards, from those who only play once or twice a year, to those who play week in week out!
This is every player's chance to shape the future of cricket.
By completing the survey players will be entered into the prize draw for:
• 1 of 5 pairs of tickets to a Royal London England vs India ODI
• 1 of 5 signed England shirts
• 1 of 5 signed England bats
There are also county-based incentives too.

 

NOMAN JAVED lifted himself to the top of the run-scoring charts in Merstham’s first team as the divisional leaders took an eighth win from nine games in the Fuller's League Division Two, knocking off the target for six wickets down after bowling Caterham out for 161.

The other game had been rained off earlier in the season – at Saturday’s opponents Caterham, a side who lost the toss in this return fixture and were asked to bat at Quality Street.

We have 50 tickets for the Natwest T20 Blast against Somerset on Wednesday 16th July at the Oval.

Tickets are in the Peter May stand and are free for members and parents of juniors.

AMMIR Tahir took his best figures of the season as unbeaten Merstham rattled out another opposition quickly, on their way to another comprehensive victory, overcoming Newdigate's 110 at Quality Street for the loss of three wickets.

The Magics have won seven from eight games - the other rained off - in their 150th anniversary season and now lead the Fuller's County League Division Two by 31 points.

Merstham break new ground this weekend, visiting Trinity Oxley in Wallington on Sunday, in a new friendly fixture.

Before then, however, we are still looking for a couple of players for Saturday so if you are free please contact club captain Richard Feist, retro_rich@hotmail.co.uk or via the contact number on the club officers page. Games start at 1pm, so players would need to be at the relevant ground by 12.30pm. This is a great opportunity for junior players to gain an introduction to adult league cricket and to test your skills.

Ammar Tahir took his third haul of four wickets this season as leaders Merstham struck victory again in the Fuller's County League Division Two, this time at bottom team Warlingham.

The ‘Magics’ have won all six games they have completed in their 150^th anniversary season (the other lost to rain) and lead the title race from Chaldon.

Dear members

Unfortunately there is no opposition for the Sunday 2s this afternoon at Quality Street, but captain Bill Ash and his side are having a practice match and welcome anybody who wants to get in some action on the pitch to come down and enjoy some action and some tea.

Ammar Tahir’s excellent opening spell with the ball set the tone for a fifth win of the season as Merstham as they won by eight wickets against Wandgas, who were all out for 70 when the two teams met in the Fuller's County League Division Two.