All players at Esher transition from soft ball to hard ball cricket at Under 9. It’s a fun, keen age group and the commitment, focus on learning and strength in depth across the whole age group has been fantastic.
We started off with the winter nets. No fewer than 30, U9s attended winter nets. Which was always going to bode well for the season ahead.
Then Covid struck… but then a glimmer of hope as we launched into bi-weekly small group training, to make up for lost time.
We remember the 1st session well, it was drizzly and damp, but it was never going to stop all of the expectant boys from getting their 1st session of cricket underway. One parent declared ‘well we were always going to turn up, raining or not!’ Game on!
We had some great small group coaching sessions, bi-weekly to start so we get enough cricket underway as early as possible. I’d like to say thanks to Duncan and all of the coaches and the young assistants (from our Senior Academy and a few also play in the 1st XI) who did a fantastic job!
Then Boris allowed us to play matches! We started off with some internal games and for some it was their 1stgames of cricket. We had no organised fixtures, all leagues cancelled, friendlies only, but no fixture schedule to go from! We organised games with the opposition in a self-generated, Esher led, cross Surrey ‘post-covid friendly league’. The structure meant we could get the games on for all.
We ended up playing 38 matches overall, including the internal ones and a couple of tournaments (victorious at Beddington hurray!)
Favourite games are those which are suitably competitive and close. Character building. A return leg against Ashtead, demonstrated a team’s determination. Not setting a high enough total batting, staring at defeat, we tried to claw back with some catches taken during Ashtead’s last batting pair. However, Ashtead reached the target with one ball to go. All they had to do was, not lose a wicket! Rien bowled, the Ashtead batsman managed to get bat on ball, but then attempted a run. As he realised the error and turned back, a direct hit run out by James who had spotted the batsmen had left his crease… minus 5. Esher win and some rather astounded umpires (and parents)! A good learning experience.
Icecreams! The ingenious Duncan led icecream plan, to focus the boys on a game already won. Win by 50 you got an icecream! Much to the opposition surprise at the excitement on the sidelines when one team was 48 ahead with one ball to go! ….. but the boys then all thought it applied to the next game they played too. Much to Lek’s surprise as excitable and expectant boys approached the ice cream cart, with big beaming smiles, en masse!
Thank you to all parents, especially the scorers, match managers and umpires. So many of you stepped up this year and the age group has that fabulous cohesive but also inspired feel to it. Plus the taxi drivers, kit washers etc….
Prize Winners – The focus every year is for the most improved players.
Improved Bowler of the year – Christopher Crowley – Christopher has continued to work hard, through winter nets, group coaching and summer camps. This has led to many an upset opposition player with wickets taken and a bit of wariness in their eyes with the accurate pace (and a rather nice action), as Duncan would say.
Improved Batsmen – Sam Hawkins – Sam is always eager for a game, of any standard. He not only puts the time in practicing but together (because he’s always eager for a game, any standard) with a great attitude and a lot of time in the middle = improved batting and with runs being scored a plenty. We suspect the highlight was his very last game – a big 6 at the Beddington festival versus Croydon.
All Rounder – Harry Harding – Harry bats, he bowls, he keeps, he fields. All of these this year have considerably improved over the course of the winter nets, weekly training and season of match play. Every single discipline has seen huge strides taken
Clubman – Theo Tottman – This award goes to a player who represents the ethos of the club, a true team player, a club man. Not bothered what match, what team, what position he bowls/bats in. Always wanting to play when he can and with a huge smile on his face. Kind and respectful to all players and to the opposition.
Theo showed true grit and determination in one match in particular. Against Sutton, batting in the last batting pair, he’d managed to run himself out (and his team mate out) a number of times. Being pairs cricket, this meant minus runs. His head never dropped even when the game may have looked lost. He picked himself up and scored x3 fours, including a beautiful cover drive for four off the last ball, to win the game by 2 runs! Never drop your head, play for the team… be positive and play with a big smile!
Player of the Year – Thomas Hooke – Confident with the bat, quick bowler, excellent in the field and even likes to keep. Also, a team player throughout, has had a cracking season and another one who always plays with a big smile on his face!
Alisa French – Head of Boys Cricket Esher CC