2024 Season Reports
What a season!
On the back of an exceptional 2023, it was remarkable, and almost certainly unprecedented, to achieve the equivalent of what would have been 4 Saturday league promotions in normal circumstances – two champions, two runners-up – play in a Trust League final, win a Trust division title and be victorious in the U19 Tier 2 cup. Another wet year, which significantly hampered preparation and severely impacted 3 weekends, ultimately provided some often missing good fortune. Triumph against a backdrop of uncertainty. The prospect of the biggest changes to the structure of senior league cricket in the county since the formation of the Surrey Championship in the late 1960s [more on this to follow*], did not dampen resolve or focus producing one of our most successful seasons.
Confidence was high that recent standards and a similar squad could provide a solid foundation for a strong campaign and a good chance of back-to-back promotions. The 1st XI once again relied heavily on the undoubted quality of their bowling attack, arguably the best in the league. Jayce Morgan, returning for a second season, was ever threatening and very consistent taking 34 wickets, whilst Matt Winter (27) was superb with the new ball regularly knocking over top-order batsmen. Many opposition were dismissed for low totals as both Khial Muhammad and Rosh Malhotra were frugal in limiting scoring opportunities and perfect foils for the strike bowlers. Disappointing results in July failed to derail momentum, as an improvement in August set up a last game of the season needing a win and results to go our way. Gymkhana were soundly beaten, despite a nervous chase, promotion being secured in leapfrogging the unfortunately abandoned Old Emanuel in to 2nd place. It was a fantastic season, which resulted in the 1st XI gaining promotion [to Division Three*]. Next season will bring renewed and greater challenges, but knowing that improvements will be required in the batting department and suitable replacements for those leaving.
Having been promoted in 2023, the 2nd XI began impressively with three straight wins. Entering the timed games form became patchy, including two early defeats, bouncing back by smashing 250 against London Gymkhana. A couple of winning draws in addition to completing the double over both Stoke D’Abernon and Dorking helped the side to second in the league heading into the final five overs matches. A strong team travelled to Merton for a must win game where, despite bowling well on an ‘interesting’ track, everyone struggled with the bat except Kanishk Srivastava whose 45 in the middle order steered the side home. A narrow defeat in the penultimate fixture meant we had to win the last game to win the league. All was well having bowled out Thames Ditton for 114. However, it was not looking as good at 5-3 or indeed at 56-6. However, skipper Stephen Self and James Warburton put together an unbeaten 60 run partnership to win the game and the league title. A fantastic achievement, underlined by an excellent team spirit, finishing 22 points ahead of 2 nd place, going undefeated away from home. Rob Warne (330) and Ally Osborn (223) were the leading run scorers with Cam Lagerberg and Stewart Sales posting big scores when in the team. Nick Cook (29),Zac Morgan (24) and Warburton (24) were the main contributors with the ball; Marlowe Cadiz and Michael Hughes were regularly too good for the opposition. It shouldn’t be understated that the team’s fielding was comfortably the best in the division, contributing enormously to the success.
Stability, progression and champions (for the first time since 2006) – three apt words to describe the 3rd XI’s last 3 seasons. An uninspiring start saw 3 defeats before the end of June. But the team finished in style, unbeaten in the last 11 games with 10 victories. Winning the league was due to the strength of the squad (31 players used),the return of U17s to U19s from their exams and University, along with the experience and season long availability of a number of players. Key wins mid-season were against Mitcham (who finished 2nd ) and Roehampton. Then, having hit the top spot, nail-biters against Cheam and Worcester Park. A final victory against Dorking secured the title. The leading run scorer at halfway was Matt Kember who the team lost to injury, but others stepped up. Zac Burt scored 205 runs in just 5 innings, and Kanishk Srivastava averaged 173 from his 4 innings. Both players deservedly got call ups to teams above. The highest individual score was Kanishk’s 84* at Cheam. Other batting highlights included Aarush Wangoo’s electric 79* against Dorking and Ayush Khera’s 64* against Woodmansterne. Bowling was consistently the strong suit throughout and wickets were shared around. Ollie Scott and Saad Amin bagged 18 wickets each, closely followed by Aman Khera (16) and Mike Brugnoli (15). The best individual bowling figures were 6-18 by Aarush Wangoo. Some great individual performances, but this was a squad victory.
Despite finishing second in the league, a promotion place in a normal 10 team division, the adjective that most resonates with many is ‘frustrating’. Starting the season with just 7 teams was not ideal, but 3 of the last 4 league oppositions conceded, meaning that from the middle of July onwards there was just one league fixture. Alternative matches were organised throughout, with 4 games (2 league and 2 friendlies) being played against both Merstham and Epsom. With a slimmed down league every game took on added significance. Two narrow defeats to Merstham were followed by 2 victories in the following weekend’s friendlies. As the season unfolded some good cricket kept the team in the hunt, but alas the weather also played its part. Overall it was a successful year with the 4th XI benefiting from strong availability. The most impressive performance came at Imber Court against a strong Esher outfit, successfully chasing down 229. The season saw memorable innings from Stuart Clarke, Graham Knott and Karan Patel, whilst Nick Bradwell was the back bone of the batting line-up. Zach Henderson and Freddie Harris continued their success with the ball from last year. Zach became the spearhead of the bowling attack taking 22 wickets. Ian Sutcliffe bowled extremely well and debutant Dharmesh Vaghela picked up the season’s only 5-wicket haul.
A 5th XI was fielded for 12 consecutive weeks from June to September, highlighting excellent availability. We are grateful to Sanderstead for the use of their astroturf pitch: thought should be given to alternative and more appropriate venues / surfaces should the upturn in numbers continue. Nigel Campbell, Felix Gomulka and Ian Roberts skippered, which included 3 matches against Sanderstead and 2 intra-club games. The fixture on 31st August will long be remembered by the 10 who played as TMW racked up 300-3 in 35 overs, featuring 2 maiden centuries (and a duck),and what must have been an awestruck 13 year old playing his first game of senior cricket.
Not to be outdone, the Sunday teams continued the positive momentum. The Surrey Trust League Tier 2 side were excellent all season, unfortunately losing narrowly to Horley in the final. Comprehensive wins were secured over Beddington, Cheam and Old Rutlishians in the group stages. The highlight was the semi-final win over Chobham, showing great character in scrambling to 181 having slipped to 115-6. To win the game by 27 runs speaks volumes as to the positive culture and relentless pressure created in the field. All of the squad made key contributions, and it was especially pleasing to see the younger players having an influence on the game. Ollie Scott (U16) took the new ball and was excellent, and Kanishk Srivastava (U17) turned himself into an accomplished all-rounder. Special mention must go to Rushith Karunaratne who was the most consistent bowler and deserved greater reward.
The Tier 3 side also had a great season, especially considering that we regularly fielded both Tier 2 and Tier 3 sides on the same day, finishing top of the table despite losing twice to Addiscombe; two wins against a strong Dulwich side were key. It is always pleasing to see young and talented players coming through to make their marks in the senior ranks. Long may this continue.
The Sunday Friendly XI had one of their best seasons with 11 victories. The long trip to Rodmersham was particularly memorable for a record breaking 5 th wicket partnership of 185* between Zac Morgan (72*) and Rob Warne (87*).