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

Our season might be up and running, but we continue to think about those less fortunate in our community with another collection for the local foodbanks and Stripey Stork, whose wishlists are detailed on the poster.

This time it is on a Saturday morning, 9-11am on June 12th. The public are welcome. Just drive into Quality Street, follow the one-way system and a volunteer will open your boot and take your donations in a Covid-secure way.

A spectacular display from returning batsman Noman Javed saw Merstham rediscover winning ways in a rain-affected Saturday 1st XI Surrey County League Premier Division fixture at home to Godalming.