The 3rd XI season this year was one for the books. Having been promoted there was an aspect of apprehension as to how we would fair in our new league. As ever the team has been made up of a great mix of both young and old with many youngsters making their adult cricket debuts. There have even been occasions where the ever-present Chris Parrish was the only member of the team in full time employment. However, these youngsters fast became the backbone of the side. Especially in the early season with the likes of Ayan Sohail, Jaanzabe Jamali, Max Wallis and Tamash Raaj (to name but a few) making regular contributions to the side. So up and down was availability this year that not once was the same side selected twice, this enabled the 3s to become a hot bed of flourishing talent and a social extravaganza as no two Saturdays were the same. Overall, the teams tended to perform well against some very good sides. Some outstanding bowling kept us in games that we perhaps would otherwise not have been so lucky in, and some solid batting also kept some losses at bay, most memorably James Fischer’s stunning 93 against Banstead which was the bedrock for a draw – though it was the grim determination of Chris Parrish’s straight bat that held on for the final over. Another outstanding batting partnership came from Max Wallis (coming in at 8) and Angus Greenlees (batting 10) at Sutton, together they put on 83 in 8 overs, with Angus scoring is his first ever half century. This effort was then backed up with an astonishing bowling performance which took the game right down to the wire, with every man as close to the bat as he dared. As the season wore on the university students returned to bolster our side and the wins kept flowing. Special mention must be made to Max Simpson who led the team terrifically in the high summer, very nearly going unbeaten as captain. His ferocious appetite for wickets and runs inspired so many around him and resulted in the team finishing 5th in the league after a slightly rocky start. There were many individual heroes in all the games the 3s have played this season and they will remember those moments as the season draws to a close and the winter nights loom over us, but it has been the excellence of the countless different iterations of teams that has made this season so special. Each week the 3s turned up and played as a team despite having never played as a unit before and they managed to get the job done and that cannot be praised enough. Well done to all those who played for the 3rdXI this season, you smashed it!!
3rd XI player of the season
Max Wallis: The player of the season this year by popular vote was Max Wallis. He played every game with the same passion and enjoyment no matter what the result. His skills with the ball are that of a much older man, producing ridiculous amounts of turn and bounce that deceived players on every team he played against. His love of cricket is infectious, and his understanding of the game and the nuances involved mean he has a very bright future in cricket and at Esher. Max has the ability to take control of games (sometimes with a bit of help from the boundary, particularly at Guildford) and offer real stability from one end. He impressed the opposition teams week, in week out and he was a great team mate to those he played with. Keep an eye on Max Wallis as he moves through the ranks at Esher CC.
