Having had the time to reflect on the season as whole, I’m sure the team would agree with me that the season felt similar to a roller-coaster ride with quite a few ups and downs.

The team finished fifth in the league, which of course hurts a little when our ambition at the beginning of the season was to escape the 2nd division.

I think we can all pinpoint situations and scenarios as to why we ended up where we did, however I am convinced the primary reason was because we underestimated the quality of the promoted/relegated teams and never really found that extra 5-10% when we really needed it. There were a number of reasons for this – injuries, availability to name but a few, but as a captain, I know that I didn’t capitalise on opportunities at the right time, which in hindsight could have made a difference.

That said, there was no doubt the standard of the league had improved with the inclusion of Wallington, Teddington and Caterham. Wandgas, as always, remained tough opposition and were themselves surprised when pipped to a solid (automatic) promotion spot on the last game of the season. It was interesting to see that just only 50 points separated 2nd to 5th which shows how competitive 2019 was. It’s because of this, I am happy with what we did achieve, especially when it comes to the performances…

With the bat we had two players score over 350 runs (Dave Wrightson 357 and me with 468).

Chris H supplied the fireworks on a few occasions and gave us all a laugh when the bowlers didn’t have a clue where the ball was heading when he got his eye in (which was often over the rope!)

I also want to take theirs opportunity to commend Jack Bowley on how well he batted this year, grounding out some fantastic innings, right when we needed them most (Morden being a match winning one).

With the ball we had…

Sean Roast do the heavy work up the hill and an economy of just over 2 an over with 22 wickets.

Pete Pople with his bowling trickery and a similar economy rate to Sean, also taking 22 wickets.

Harry Ellis (average of just over 18) and Chris H (average of 20) were great with that added bit of pace and swing, and often too good for the batsman the other end.

As I have already alluded to, as with every year, availability of players was a challenge. It came at no surprise to me when looking at the stats that we used a total of 30 different players. That said, I also see this as real positive because it shows the depth of squad as well as some fantastic youngsters coming through at NCC

I would like to thank Jack Bowley for putting the results on play-cricket every week, the pitch rollers / outfield cutters and Martin Earp for the bar and teas.

I would also like to thank Charlie Major and James Penfold for being on hand to help me get a team out every week.

To conclude, there is no doubt in my mind that the foundation for this team has been set for some time and 2020 should be the year that we push onto the next level. Collectively, we all know there are areas to improve on, but with a commitment to regular training and a cohesive approach on and off the field, we will get there.

As most of you know, although a very short tenure in terms of others who have had this role previously, I have decided to step down as captain this year. I really do wish my successor the best of luck for 2020 and I look forward to supporting the team push on.

Dan Jones – 2nd XI Captain.

Sunday XI

J.Pritchard, M.Rance, M.Ashkuri, R.Goldsmid, T.Harper, P.Mumford, M.Elahi, A.Harper, M.Farhat, J.Haynes.

The Sunday Friendly Cricket at Newdigate CC celebrated yet another year of fun, mostly under the sun and enjoyed some thrilling moments as cricket can offer. We played a total of 14 matches; out of which 1 was an away match and the rests are at Home. We lost one fixture due to the weather and the other one due to lack of players as the fixture was a bit too far away for the players’ liking ☺

We played against nicely balanced teams and who were mostly suited to our strengths. All the visiting teams showed great sense of fellowship and humour, besides playing good quality cricket. The social environment was cordial and the teas were great, which they always appreciated. It is to be noted that 7 fixtures were re-arranged and they were done in very, very short notices. Thanks to some excellent co-ordination from Craig Jones.

There is no pressure on the players playing Sunday Friendlies! No pressure for scoring runs, taking wickets or trying to win a match. This reflected in the results, with 9 losses and 5 wins. However, a 35% win ratio is not too bad. To be fair, we witnessed two last-ball-finish matches against Outwood CC and Capel CC. In both the cases we had a weak strength team and the oppositions played a combination of their Saturday players – moral victory is the bonus on top of the satisfaction that we out-performed ourselves A

The greatest achievement for me this season was the number of players and the diversity within the team I was able to secure. A total of 51 players played this season; there were 7 Colts, 3 Female Players, 20 players under the age of 22. We had players from our Saturday teams, Coaches, Parents, Mid-weak team and even from the spectators! All the 51 players have batted, 40 players bowled. Every player had a go and didn’t they enjoy themselves? Who knew Mark Rance could bowl off-spin and he finished with 20/2 in six overs! Can you imagine Mark De Vrij as an opening bowler, restricting the Capel 1st XI openers to some paltry score!! We have other moments of pride too – Rob Goldsmid’s total score of 175, two 5-fer for Ian Kehl, a Hat-trick for Harry Elliss, a master-class 82 from Mike Ashkuri and many more made the highlights of the season.

Sunday XI is a great platform for Colts for experiencing the heat of the adult matches and we had a good mix of Colts in the team throughout the season. Tom Harper, Muntaha Farhat played more than one Sunday friendly matches and made good contributions. We also accommodated our Saturday players when they needed some time in the field to hone on their skills. The likes of Jack Bowley, Will Bowley, Sean Roast, Matthew Clark, Ben Cameron and Scott Dunkerley have bolstered our strength when we were playing against tougher opposition too.

Female participation and family engagement are one of the key elements to keep the Friendly matches going. I am grateful to the Kehls, Bowleys, Clarks, Goldsmids, Warnes, Haynes’, Harpers and Moons for being the back-bone of the Sunday XI. Fiona and Jackie-Ann opened bowling at the first match against Epic CC – they made history as the first two female players to open bowling for Newdigate CC and they bowled with great skills.

The players continue to excel within the team with the positive mind-set, helping me setting up the match, score boards, clock, teas, boundary, etc. The team environment is gentle and friendly, with the helping attitude to the new-comers. It is an ideal atmosphere for one to learn, enjoy and grow.

I was also lucky to receive great supports from all our lovely supporters, the Grass-hoppers and Andrew Major for preparing the ground and the pitch; Charlie Major in recruiting the players, Martin Earp for serving delicious teas, John Callcut and James Penfold for being the critical partner when I was at my wits end! Thank you for all your help and making this happen.

Personally, I really enjoyed my progress in bowling, batting and fielding this year. So, all being good, I look forward to carry the momentum on to 2020 and welcome players of all abilities to come and participate in the fun version of the Cricket, Sunday Friendlies!

Ladies XI

What an exciting year for ladies at Newdigate Cricket club. The stars aligned (or the Prosecco flowed a little too freely) when JC asked me to see if I could get a team together to play Effingham Ladies. I tentatively asked a few mates and within a week, I had a team of willing participants wanting to play cricket and be a part of the club.

Friday nights quickly turned from Prosecco drinking while our boys and girls played, to training on the football pitch. Our bowling was mostly atrocious, our batting was awful at best, and not one of us could tell you a fielding position for love nor money, but we had fun, and went off to Effingham with high spirits and a bit of coaching from the fantastic Evette. We lost that game, but only just, and it showed us that we had a chance of being better.

More training, more players asking to join, and more clubs asking for a match followed and we went on to beat Westcott, lose to Capel away and then lose to Capel again at home in the last game of the season. We can’t pretend it didn’t hurt.

Special thanks to Sarah Power, who has been in it from the start and has a competitive edge, Rachel Lil who actually knows what she’s talking about thanks to her University days, Sam Stimpson for being able to slog a ball for 4 whenever she fancies, and Abi Ransome for having a talent for consistent bowling. And for all of the younger girls, Muntahar, Amelia, Alice and May, who boost our team with some real talent.

I’m so looking forward to next season when the ladies plan to have a bit more of a league in the fixtures list with ladies teams in the surrounding villages, with ongoing support from James, Andy, Evette, Monjur and John, I’m sure we will do well in 2020.

Karen Fordree

P.S Please don’t ask me a fielding position, I still don’t have a clue, but, if you tell me fine leg, I’ll take it as a compliment!

Midweek XI