The Surrey Championship in 2011

A RISE of one place to sixth was Guildford 1^st XI's happy but unexpected reward from the season. Finishing in the top half was the target in May but that always seemed optimistic.

Victories over Sutton - skipper Richie Bowers racing back for two off the last ball - and Cheam made a good start but that was followed with a run of five defeats with the least heavy by five wickets. Spirits remained high though, scrambling past Banstead and just failing to do the same in the return with Sutton. When Weybridge - courtesy of a sublime Andy Hollingsworth century, his second against them of the summer - and then Reigate Priory were beaten, Guildford had risen to the unlikely heights of third.

It couldn't last and didn't, the final five matches being lost so that 11 reverses were suffered in all, the worst in the division. Nonetheless, Guildford remained part of the mid-table melee throughout and were lifted from seventh at the end to sixth by Weybridge's points deduction. Three wins were gained in the longer matches, as against one a year earlier, but the 50-over form went backwards with only two out of nine.

Returning from a year off, Hollingsworth reminded all of his abilities by leading with 398 runs from just 11 matches while Rob Jones was just behind despite only passing 50 once. Harry Stephens (318) signalled his promise at 17 although Tarique Kalam suffered a disappointing season by his lofty standards and missed a number of matches.  Newcomer Tom Collins gave every reason to suggest that more opportunities with the bat would benefit him and claimed 17 wickets as his confidence and presence grew. Alex Nash's runs return was modest but he played two crucial match-winning innings and kept wicket beautifully. There are some far less capable keepers playing first-class cricket. Kiwi paceman Matt Teale had the tough task of succeeding Carman Mapatuna as Guildford's overseas guest, but made for a formidable spearhead as his 35 wickets underlined, hitting hard down the order. With Surrey all-rounder Tom Jewell, he made a threatening opening pair, although county calls and injuries meant the latter was restricted in his appearances. Off-spinner Chris Coombs (17) had a change of role and showed there is much more to come, taking over from Bowers as captain for the last three matches and leading Guildford to the Surrey Trust League title and Development League final.

Guildford were grateful for the influence of coach Simon Cook, the former Australian Test fast bowler, who introduced a new intensity to practice and fitness training. Sadly he was due to return to live in Melbourne after the season but the hope is that the good habits he infused are lasting. The team were also very fortunate to have such a fine and enthusiastic scorer in Anthony Gamble, whose excellence was augmented by a spotless session fielding as substitute for almost 40 overs at Banstead. The loss of several players over the winter (most notably Ed Jones) made it apparent that Guildford would be reliant on a combination of old heads, new blood, and several U17s if the 2^nd XI was to compete for promotion in 2011.

After an indifferent start to the year (played 2, lost 2), the team dominated the declaration fixtures (played 9, won 5, lost 1), before yet again stumbling when the league reverted to 50 over cricket.

However, unlike in 2010, Guildford began the second tranche of 50 over games in second, and with Spencer intent on self destructing in a manner reminiscent of Guildford in 2010, the 2s crawled over the finishing line and secured promotion with a dramatic final win (Ben Walter’s astonishing catch will live long in the memory).

The batting was dominated all season by veteran Dean Skidmore, who recorded 474 runs at 59. Skidmore was ably supported by Ben Walter (U17), whose first full season opening yielded 404 runs at 31, and Henry Straw, who scored c.200 runs at c.30 batting at 3. With the ball, Phil Nicholls and Skidmore bowled the bulk of the overs and shared 60 wickets at 13.4. Cameron Spence (U16), Dan Jones and Jonny Nolan shared new ball duties with Nicholls, and collected 22 wickets between them at 19.5, while Nigel Pestifield;s leg spin was augmented by his near perfect slip catching and calming influence on a young side.

New recruits Tom Shrives and Bancroft both excelled in their debut seasons, sharing 400 runs at c.30 and 28 wickets at c.16 almost exactly evenly. Shrives in particular was excellent in the field, but both added much needed experience to a talented team.

While promotion to the Premier League is clearly an excellent result, a number of weaknesses will need to be addressed over the winter, in particular chasing modest totals on slow wickets, if Guildford are to survive in 2012. As always, the team is grateful for the efforts of Ed Bailey (scorer) and Peter Twitchen (umpire) throughout the year.

A new look 3rdXI got the season off to a promising start building a solid foundation for our campaign to try and regain a place in the Premier League. Chad Murrin was, as always, solid at the top of the order scoring a match wining 58* in the opening fixture to get things moving in the right direction. Hosking, Cobby and Shrives were all in good form as Guildford dominated with the bat during the early season fixtures. The bowling attack was also shaping up well led by Dan Jones, who picked up 17 wickets in three games for the 3rdXI, and new team member Josh Rix who collected 10 wickets from his first two games. The physically dominating Neal Harding was hitting the right lines giving the opposition top order much to think about and Kabir Parhar was also settling in well into his new team.

Having collected maximum points from the first five games Guildford topped the table and seemed to have the strength and depth required to go all the way. But almost unexplainably progression came to a grinding halt with only two points claimed from the next three games. The only logical reason to be concluded is that the side had lost its kingpin Chad Murrin who for reason of illness did not play for the remainder of the season. But we are all delighted that Chad has indicated that he expects to be available in 2012. With the solid base lost at the top of the innings and Cobby, Hosking and Shrives all promted to the 2^nd XI, the batting line up was shaky heading into the important top of the table match with Malden Wanderers. Guildford were outplayed that day and did really well to hang in there for a point but most importantly to keep in touch with the top sides by not letting Malden have the full 13. But a loss to Cheam the following week, even after another top performance from the returning Hosking, completed the three match slump and saw us slip down the table.

With hopes of being promoted slipping away it would take a big effort to turn things around. And with the top order still unsettled it was a much welcome return for the big hitting Ian Broadrick. Ian smashed 97 that day and was well supported as Guildford amassed 251 from 45 overs. Jones, Weill and Rix then dominated with the ball bowling the opposition out for 74. A huge win – just what was needed to get the momentum going again. Another win the following week, thanks largely to the efforts of the increasing dominant Uni duo, meant that things were right back on track.

In the crucial next game against Sutton, 14 year old Jonathan French made a highly impressive debut making 42, helping Guildford to a respectable total. A marathon 22 over spell from Chris Weill kept Guildford in with a chance but in the end Sutton edged their way to a winning draw, meaning that our fate was no longer in our hands. A disappointing loss against Old Wimbledonians ruled ouit promotion but, to their credit, the team finished with three victories and a fourth place finish which was a creditable effort by a much changed team.

Weill finished with 33 wickets and he, Rix and Jonathan French made great progress through the Summer. Many thanks to Terry Mayne and Derek Morgan for their umpiring and scoring.

For the second consecutive season since joining the Surrey Championship Guilford 4^th XI were a distant second, finishing runners up to the eventual winners Normandy.

A positive start to the season against Kempton and Egham was brought to a shuddering halt against Normandy where Guildford were out played in every department and suffered a heavy defeat. With the following game being lost to rain it became increasingly difficult to put any pressure on the league leaders and it was fairly clear that the rest of the league were playing for second place.

The return game against Normandy was a closer affair and Guildford became the first team to avoid defeat to the boys from Hunts Hill. In truth any hopes of promotion were lost with a losing draw.

With the promotion spot all but gone by mid June Guildford pushed on in an effort to play positive cricket by winning the next three games. A fourth consecutive win was narrowly missed in a thrilling game against Staines and Laleham which came down to the last ball and a controversial match winning decision from the Staines umpire which was over turned by the Guildford skipper. The first game against Staines witnessed a most brutal innings from young Alex Russell. Looking to declare at 175 after 38 overs Alex pleaded for a couple of over to bat – the declaration was duly made 2 overs later with the score at 210 and Alex 50 not out. To cap it all Alex then bowled finishing with figures of 6 wickets for 10 off 8. Easily the individual performance of the season.

Bar a couple of games the bowlers generally kept the opposition in check and were led by the ever dependable Mike Tilley who took 19 wickets at 11.63 and Andy Green who took 10 wickets at 3.35. Alex Russell was the only other bowler to get in to double figures with 13 at 3.06. Wickets were evenly distributed amongst the many colts to play this season with Alex Green (9 at 6.31) and Alex Sweet (8 at 2.85) being the pick of group. With the bowling line up invariably containing 3 bowlers under the age of 15 it was a testament to their abilities that the team was competitive.

With runs in short supply this season, the key batsmen this season were Philip Hodgson (259 runs at 43.17), Grant Russell (223 runs at 31.86) and Andy Green (241 runs at 26.78). On the whole the opportunities for batsmen to score big runs were limited with Guildford batting first only two times during the season. Two of the most explosive innings of the season were efforts from Alex Russell who scored 50 not out off just shy of 5 overs and Andy Green who very nearly turned around a losing draw against Ashford. A special mention must go to young Nathan Tilley who showed a maturity beyond his years to see Guildford through to a 4 wicket win at home to Weybridge. Coming in at 50 for 5 and the side in trouble young Nathan was there at the end with his father to seal a memorable victory.

Despite the disappointment of never challenging for the promotion spot the season was a success in terms of introducing our colts to adult cricket. 18 players under the age of 15.

Sunday cricket - the Surrey Trust League

Always well known for its strong junior cricket section, Guildford enjoyed a golden Summer in 2011 in the STL.  The Academy U-21 side were the Surrey champions and the Development U-18 XI lost the Final by the narrowest of margins.

Academy XI topped its Zone with four wins and one abandonment, plus matches conceded by Valley End and Weybridge. The crunch game was a tight four wicket win over Normandy, when we chased down 213 and won with 3 balls to spare. Paul Spence (58) and Ben Walter (57) led the way, with Rory Snowball (2-35 and then 27*) closing the game out. In the semi-final, Cameron Spence ripped out the Reigate top order, taking 4-20, though the home side scrambled to 143-9. Jack Cunningham made 33 in reply, and Snowball (26*) and Tom Bancroft (23*) steering us to a five wicket win.

The final against Spencer at Sunbury was rain affected and reduced to 26 overs per side. Guildford reached 147-6 with Jack Cunningham making 37 and Tom Tremewen 36. In reply, Spencer were all out for 90 in 22.2 overs. James Mahwood’s legspin returned 3-16, Collins took 3-27 and Chris Coombs 2-16.

In a powerful batting line up, Tom Collins scored most runs, including 86 v Ashtead. Jack Cunningham top scored in both the semi-final and final and always looked to dominate.  Ben Walter and Paul Spence made significant contributions. Harry Stephens’ Surrey commitments meant he played only once (53 v Sutton). The bowling was always effective, with Cameron Spence hostile and accurate.  Merstham were destroyed by Dominic Ellis (5-13) and Kabir Parhar (3-7), and Chris Weill took 4-42 against Ashtead. James Mahwood improved steadily and will play a big part next year. The parsimonious Chris Coombs always bowled with great control in the middle of the innings, and captained the team impressively.

The Academy XI then represented the STL in the inter-county play-off against HSBC of Kent. This was a tight game, which just went against Guildford. We were bowled out for 137 in 39.2 overs (Cunningham 59). HSBC were reduced to 86-8 but an excellent 9^th wicket stand saw them home at 141-8, also in 39.2 overs.

The Development XI topped its Zone with five wins and one abandonment, plus one conceded by Brook. The crucial game was again against Normandy, this time away. Ben Walter made 33 and then Andrew Farley (58) and Tim Goodman (22) added 68 priceless runs for the 5^th wicket as we totalled 194-7. In reply, Normandy could only reach 167-5 due to a tight bowling performance – we conceded only 4 wides, compared to 25 bowled by Normandy. Josh Rix took 3-28. There then followed a standout performance - a score of 173 by Harry Stephens v Maori Oxshott, as we posted 294-9.

The Final hosted by Old Whitgiftians was rain affected and reduced to a 20 over game. Chessington made an imposing 147-8, a total boosted by 37 extras, In reply, Guildford reached 136-2, with Jack Cunningham (60) and Harry Stephens (60) taking us so close.

Ben Walter amassed 270 runs in 6 innings, including 100 v Cranleigh and a match winning 98 in the semi-final v Ashtead. Cameron Spence was too quick for most at this level – 6-11 v Cranleigh, 5-20 v Maori Oxshott, 2-9 v Ashtead. James Mahwood impressed at this level and gained valuable experience, as did Jonathan French (51* v Staines & Laleham).

Many thanks to Dale Corstorphine (umpire) and Ed Bailey, Martin Montgomery and Derek Morgan for scoring. The indefatigable Tim Walter did the hard work as team manager for both sides.

Player of the Year

Academy XI – Cameron Spence

Development XI – Ben Walter