Esher 2nd XI – Introduction
Competitive Premier League team balancing the development of our top academy boys into league cricket, with competitive league cricket for those players on the peripheries of the first team squad. Fantastic standard of cricket at Premier League grounds, and strong social identity. Under the new structure, the 2nd XI will play in the very competitive Division 3 West, along with five clubs 1st XI.
In 2025, the 2nd XI will be captained by Ali Birkby (alibirkby@hotmail.co.uk 07703 724299)
2nd XI – Season Report – 2024 (Ali Birkby)
After a strong start, the 2nd XI had a mixed season, with glimpses of league winning form buried among a few disappointing losses. After winning 4 of the first 7 games, including memorable wins over Normandy, Guildford, Valley End and Ashtead, the team entered the back half eyeing league success. However, losing 4 of the last 5 games saw the team finish in 6th position.
In May and June, there were some excellent individual performances which took us home in close fought games. Max Wallis took 6 wickets against Normandy to win a low-scoring opening game. Nathan Roberts similarly led from the front at Ashtead with a top-class century (after being dropped on 0). Ben Collins spun Esher to victory against Valley End, taking 5 wickets – which set the scene for Joe De La Flames to take the final wicket in the last over. Tom Brown took 5 wickets against Guildford to set up a nail-biting, successful run chase, in another low-scoring game.
The second half of the season was underpinned by growing inconsistency, with disappointing losses against Valley End, Molesey, Sunbury & Dulwich, which all lacked the individual performances which had been present earlier in the season. More positively, the latter part of the season did include the emergence of the young crop of talent, with Freddie Price, Oli Hunt and Alex Chambers, showing their class to top the batting averages.
Overall, Max Wallis, Ben Collins and Tom Brown ended the season with over 20 wickets, while Ali Birkby & Nathan Roberts ended the season with >400 league runs. Notably, after showing signs of being the new Garry Sobers in the first half of the season, Joe De La Fuente’s mid-season excursion to Canada disrupted his rhythm, and his form dipped on return in July/August. Special mentions to Mark Holliday who mastered the dual role of scorer and statistician, and Joe – Esher’s well-known leading umpire. We look forward to next season, with another year of experience under our belts.
2nd XI player of the season
For the second year in succession, Max Wallis took home the player of the season award. Both his wickets, and great attitude throughout the season, made him the obvious pick yet again. He ended the season with 22 wickets at 22 apiece, and his 6-30 against Normandy will live long in the memory. Well done Waldo!