3rd XI – 2023 Season Report (Dan Dickenson)
All in all, 2023 season for the 3rd eleven was strong. Missing out to promotion to the premiership by just 6 points. The beauty of captaining this team is watching the incredible young talent we have at the club contribute to positive results. Of course, the reliable senior players that turn out week on week are just as important, but the heart of any successful club is bringing the youngsters through, and we had some outstanding contributions.
There were some stand out performances early on with Max Wallis scoring a blistering 142 away to Dulwich, which selfishly was Max’s only contribution to the 3’s, bar a brief cameo vs Battersea Ironsides where he again starred but with the ball this time getting a measly 5 wickets. The 2’s gain was our loss for the remainder of the season, but well done Maxy.
Bowlers inevitably win matches, especially in the opening and closing games of the league which are 50 over affairs. Luckily, we had some very special opening bowlers, Oli Hamilton, Ayan Sohail and Jaanzabe Jamali (aka JJ). Oli I first noticed bowling in the nets and genuinely troubling both 1’s and 2’s batters, so I was more than happy to have him scaring the pants off 3rd eleven batters, which he did, well done Oli you have a bright future. Ayan was metronomic, not as quick as Oli, but Glenn McGrath tight, it was a joy to have him in the team, his attitude and demeanour was 1st class, and he played every game with a smile and passion. JJ was another that got better as the games went on, he bowls with genuine pace and control, I can’t wait to see what he has next year, well done JJ! It goes to mention both these boys are u15’s, Oli under u16.
I want to mention a few of the older generation that keep the bar running at the club. Notably Darren Helwick, who very rarely fails at the crease, scoring a sublime ton at Sunbury, alongside Millsy who again both times he played for the 3’s batted with majesty, scoring an equally sublime ton at Sunbury, who btw won the league easily.
Equally when the likes of Fletch and Max Simpson coming into bowl one feels rather pleased that you are playing for Esher and not the oppo, thank you both for your contributions.
Finally, I would like to thank Adrian Price for his constant support and non-stop chat, we need club members like him to nurture the young uns. Secondly Max Simpson (Spoons) for skippering in my absence at the end of the season.
Well done all…we go bigger next season!
3rd XI player of the season
My player of the season went to Ayan Sohail, for a multitude of reasons. Firstly, his passion, you can’t coach passion, it either there or not, and Ayan has it in spades. Ayan constantly showed a winning mentality, in his all-round game. Secondly his commitment was second to none, every weekend he was available bar the last when he was injured. Thirdly his metronomic bowling put enormous pressure on the opening batters which time after time contributed to winning positions, we found ourselves in. Lastly playing with a smile, it’s important that as parents we teach our kids to enjoy the sport we love.
Dan Dickenson – 3rd XI Captain – 2023