Following a 4th place finish in 2021, Esher’s highest for a number of years. The 1st X1 were hoping to improve on this position in 2022 and believed there may be an outside chance of challenging for the league title. As expected, with the return of a number of overseas players returning, the league was notably stronger this year than the previous two years. Esher themselves welcomed overseas Nic Smit, in addition to Ollie Sheen and Rob Honeybul.
When looking back on the season, it is clear it can be split into two sections. The first of which was the first 6 games of the season. At the end of which, the team had made a slow start winning only two of the first 6 games. Although this was disappointing, there were times when the team played some excellent cricket. In particular, game 4 with a win at home against eventual champions Wimbledon, where set 250 to win. Esher chased the target down with 10 overs to spare with centuries for both Justin Broad and Nic Smit, Nic’s second of the season already. It was said by many on the day that it was the best batting they had seen at club level.
Game 7 started the final 12 games and the second section of the season. Electing to bat, things were not looking good away at Malden Wanderers when Esher were bowled out for 155. However, excellent spells from Justin Broad (4fer) and Freddie Harrison (5fer) ensured Malden were bowled out 30 runs short, giving Esher a much needed win.
This kick started a run of 4 consecutive wins, including East Molesey and Reigate Priory. These wins preceded a loss away to Normandy, which, barring an excellent century from Nic Smit was a disappointing display.
Entering the final 7 games of the year, Esher sat middle table but with no team running away with the league an outside shot at a title challenge was still on the cards. Two frustrating games followed however and despite two dominant performances, Esher could only come away with winning draws against Sunbury and Wimbledon. The Wimbledon game particularly frustrating, Esher being 20 runs short at the end despite having 10 overs less to bat than their hosts.
The next two games produced another couple of dominant wins for Esher against Weybridge and Ashstead. Justin Broad scoring a century in each game, meaning he had scored 3 centuries in 4 games.
With a further win to follow against Malden Wanderers, Esher sat 4th with two games to go and still with an outside shot of winning the league. These hopes were unfortunately put to bed in the penultimate game of the season away at Sutton, where their two professionals chose the wrong game to come to the party from an Esher point of view.
A 4th place finish and a brief title challenge was no mean feat in a very strong league with some sensational individual performances included. In addition, there was a run to the final of the T20 competition, where Esher were unfortunately beaten by Wimbledon. However, being at finals day was a great experience and one that needs to become the norm for the club rather than the exception. Overall, it was a very encouraging season for the 1st X1 and one that can certainly build upon in 2023 where a title charge must be the target.
Back Row R to L – Johnny Wright, Andrew McCallum, Joe Moss, Justin Broad, David Brent, Will Tavare
Front Row R to L – Ben Collins, Alex Martin,Will Edwards ©, Freddie Harrison, Charlie Winder, Nick Smit
2022 Averages
Batting (qualification 4 matches)
| Name | Games | Inns | Not Outs | Runs | High Score | Avg |
| Krish Patel | 5 | 5 | 1 | 259 | 99 | 64.75 |
| Justin Broad | 17 | 17 | 2 | 797 | 150* | 53.13 |
| Nick Smit | 18 | 18 | 2 | 747 | 118 | 46.69 |
| David Brent | 15 | 14 | 1 | 461 | 105 | 35.46 |
| Will Edwards | 16 | 16 | 1 | 368 | 92* | 24.53 |
| Ben Collins | 10 | 5 | 4 | 24 | 12* | 24.00 |
| Alex Martin | 14 | 14 | 2 | 285 | 50* | 23.75 |
| Freddie Harrison | 18 | 14 | 2 | 271 | 72 | 22.58 |
| Charlie Winder | 10 | 10 | 2 | 171 | 36 | 21.38 |
| Nathan Roberts | 5 | 5 | 0 | 91 | 39 | 18.20 |
| Andrew McCallum | 15 | 11 | 1 | 168 | 52 | 16.80 |
| Joe De La Fuente | 4 | 1 | 1 | 15 | 15* | 15.00 |
| Anosh Malik | 5 | 4 | 0 | 57 | 43 | 14.25 |
| Johnny Wright | 11 | 5 | 4 | 14 | 5* | 14.00 |
| Rob Honeybul | 8 | 6 | 0 | 83 | 34 | 13.83 |
| Ollie Sheen | 4 | 2 | 1 | 10 | 8 | 10.00 |
| Trishan Patel | 4 | 4 | 1 | 24 | 16 | 8.00 |
| Khurram Irshad | 6 | 4 | 0 | 22 | 13 | 5.50 |
Bowling (qualification 5 wickets)
| Name | Overs | Maidens | Runs | Wickets | Average |
| Justin Broad | 166.2 | 24 | 667 | 36 | 18.53 |
| Nick Smit | 98 | 4 | 425 | 19 | 22.37 |
| Freddie Harrison | 197.1 | 16 | 815 | 33 | 24.70 |
| David Brent | 91 | 9 | 388 | 15 | 25.87 |
| Ben Collins | 89.3 | 7 | 408 | 15 | 27.20 |
| Khurram Irshad | 56.4 | 5 | 248 | 7 | 35.43 |
| Johnny Wright | 71 | 7 | 284 | 8 | 35.50 |
Player of the Season
Although there were many strong contributions from almost every player. Justin Broad won the player of the season award for the second successive year. A superb season scoring over 800 runs and taking 36 wickets. His performances were on a different level to every other all rounder in the league and led many to say he is the best player they had seen without a professional contract.