Under 15 Boys
The League season could not have got off to a better start for the Griffins when in late April on the main Square at New Road we managed to chase down Wimbledon’s score of 225 for 2 in 30 overs with our own score of 228 for 1 in 29.3 overs. Unfortunately, that was to be the highlight of the league season, as with most of our matches played on Sundays when many of our boys are playing representative cricket, we were unable to field competitive teams and even had to concede some matches which left us bottom of the league at the end of the season. We were able to provide cricket for younger age group players and many performed admirably.
The Under 15 ECB Surrey County Cup provided many exciting games and we started with a 10 wicket win away to Horsley and Send. Esher then hosted Ashtead at New Road managing to defend 132 in 20 overs. We were now in the semi-final and with home advantage against Sutton we set a competitive total of 153/4 off our 20 overs. Sutton were cruising to victory and were 129/1 but the boys never gave up and fought back to bowl Sutton out for 144; a remarkable comeback with Ben Temperley taking 2 wickets for 1 run in the 19th over to secure victory. Unfortunately, we could not field a full-strength team for the final against Wimbledon due to injuries and absences and were unable to chase down their total off 139, falling 30 runs short. Many of last years Under 13’s Champions contributed significantly to our run to the final so it looks like next year we could see another good cup run.
The Dragons made it through to the quarter-final of the Under 15 plate which was played under the Hundred rules which everyone enjoyed.
Many of the boys represented Surrey this season. Alex Chambers and Alex French both went on to play in the Bunbury Festival with great success. Saturday senior cricket also gave many boys a chance to play Men’s league cricket and the boys were playing in all the teams. Max Wallis was named Player of the Season for the 3rd X1. Special mention must go to Dan Old who made his debut in Esher’s 1st X1 in the Premier Division.