In the light of the necessary, relevant and continuing conversation about racism in cricket, which can be read about here, Merstham Cricket Club wish to confirm that there is no place for racism or any form of discrimination within cricket or society.

Merstham Cricket Club team captains rewarded their star performers with player of the year awards on Saturday night.

Leading the way was Asim Jaffri, who took 24 wickets for the first team. Captain Laurie Nicholson said Jaffri had also got the team over the line a few times having applied himself with the bat, too.

Second team captain Matt Williams gave his award to Joe Rees-Davies for his excellent bowling performances. The third team award, presented by George Corrie, also went to a bowler in Callum Letts. Teenager Fin Willshire, another bowler, picked up the fourth team award from Gopa Nair. Rob Harris, the development team manager, said it was great to have seven or eight really able youngsters in a promising Sunday league competition side. His award went to Dan Kite for a string of outstanding batting performances. The Sunday friendly award, presented by club captain Nav Saeed, went to Vamsi Bhogireddy for his bowling and always being a willing helper on match days. He has also introduced quite a few new players to the club this season. Kite also picked up the award for most runs (437), while the best average (41.29) went to Jo Czerpak. Lithon Tarofder picked up the award for most wickets (34) while the top catch taker was club chairman Richard Feist. Photos by Neil Jones

The Loader familly would like to welcome members of Merstham CC and friends and teammates of David to an event on Friday 24th September at Merstham Cricket Club from 6pm.

The U15s celebrated their end of season in what has become the traditional boys v families match. Winners for the last two years, the U15s retained the trophy again after being given a couple of extra overs to beat the families' score. As ever, it was a fun evening, but tinged with sadness as Dilhan Jayamanne was standing down as head coach. Dilhan gave the boys a final team chat, before presenting the annual awards. Then it on to big thanks and a presentation to Dilhan himself. Most improved player went to Matt Gray, particularly for bowling, including his 2-18 against Salfords. Flynn McRobbie won the coaches' award for his commitment, especially in the field taking four catches and getting two run outs. Player of the season was very deservedly to James Pieters as the team's top scorer with 138 runs. It was a disappointing season results-wise for the team, but despite this the boys stayed positive right through to the end, clearly enjoying playing cricket and playing together. Thank you Dilhan. We will miss you.

Merstham Cricket Club is running a series of fun cricket camps in the summer holidays for youngsters of different ages.

These are all in August. People can book for the full number of sessions in a week (ranging from three to four) or for individual days. See poster for full details of dates and how to book.

Merstham Cricket Club is continuing to take food donations to help support the local community, with its Alternative Cricket Teas.

The next collection will be on Saturday July 17th from 9am to 11am at Quality Street. As normal, any member of the public can just drive in and a volunteer will take your donation from your boot.

Merstham U16 95/8 (20), Merstham U17 96/3 (13.4) Merstham U17s won by 7 wickets Three sets of brothers helped Merstham U17s to a league win over Merstham U16s in the Under 17 T20 Tier 2 South East division. The U17s won the toss and put the U16s in to bat. U16 batter Matthew Evans top scored with an impressive 34 off 44 balls, with other notable innings by Hamish Walker (15) and Jasper Parsons (13). However, the total of 95/8 off their 20 overs looked unlikely to be a winning one. Five U17 bowlers shared the wickets with two each to Matt Retter and spinner James Cripps, and one for Matt Cripps, Adam Yeoll and Jude McRobbie, the latter's being one of two catches by younger brother Flynn. The final wicket was a run out by Luca Retter. U17 partnerships of 56 and 34 by James Pieters (38 off 34) with twins Luca (17) and Matt Retter (22) helped the older team to reach their target off 13.4 overs. Wickets were shared with one each for Fin Wilsher, Ben Jones and Kit Whelan. It was wonderful to witness a great spirit between two teams who know each other well.

Merstham Cricket Club is sorry to be informed of the death of David Loader, a much loved player and umpire. David passed away on 14th June after struggling with Parkinson's for seven years. David played for Merstham in 50 consecutive seasons from 1965 to 2014 and continued to umpire once he could no longer turn his arm over. David bowled leg breaks and took over 100 wickets in a season on several occasions for Merstham, having moved from Kent in 1965. He held the majority of committee positions during this time, and also coached juniors. He enjoyed the Merstham tours to Devon, managing one of the North Devon tours in the 1970s and had fond memories of those, and all his times at Merstham. David made many long-lasting and special friendships during his long time at the club.

Merstham is one of four clubs in Surrey which will host a dedicated Disability Cricket Day this summer, in association with the Surrey Cricket Foundation, the Berkeley Foundation and the Lord's Taverners.

Statement from Richard Feist, club chairman It is with great regret that I need to let you all know of the sad passing of Mark Wicks. Mark has been a great asset to the club over the past few years. He has pushed the girls and ladies section at the club, which has gone from strength to strength. For those who don't know Mark, he was always to be seen on a Friday night first of all helping with coaching the now under 13 team and also the girls. He had a great reputation with the kids in both teams who could look up to him, not only in his height but because of the way he helped them and the way he treated them. Secondly you would find Mark enjoying a well earnt drink (or five) in his corner of the patio. He would always be smiling, which with everything he has gone through is amazing. I would like to thank Mark for teaching me to always live life to the full and be grateful for everything and to never stop pushing for what you want and to work hard. Lastly I wish to thank him, from all of the juniors who he has helped and members he has made smile. I wish the family the best and will keep working to make sure Mark's dream of a strong ladies/girls side at Merstham thrives and keeps him smiling. Our thoughts are with Mark's family who we will still see at Merstham for hopefully years to come. Richard Feist Chairman, Merstham Cricket Club