Esher 1st XI – Introduction
A hugely competitive group, playing very strong league cricket in the Surrey Premier League. Suitable for first class cricketers, strong club players, and some of the county’s finest youth products alike.
Cricket played in the right spirit is complimented by strong leadership at both club and team level. A strong social scene away from the pitch mixes the group very well with the rest of the club, and top class coaching at team nights on a Thursday mean this is a great place to play cricket for those in South London and Surrey.
In 2024, the 1st XI will be captained by Rob Honeybul (honeybulr@gmail.com 07432 590745)
1st XI – Season Report – 2023 (Will Edwards)
Overall, this was a very mixed season for the first team. Despite the lack of pre-season due to the weather, a sign of things to come, the team were well set to make a real challenge for top spot in the league.
A wash out against Weybridge on Coronation Day saw in the 2023 season. This preceded a run of 3 convincing victories in the remaining white ball fixtures against Reigate, Cranleigh and Guildford, with some significant contributions coming from a range of individuals, including Justin Broad and Nic Smit who continued their fine form from the 2022 season.
The red ball season started with a commanding win away at Normandy thanks predominantly to a fine all round bowling performance. Ben Townsend continued his form and was well supported by the ever-youthful Dan Taylor and 15-year-old Alex French who really showed his potential.
This win saw us open a lead at the top of the league. Unfortunately, despite a decent performance, a loss against an exceptionally strong Sunbury side followed the Normandy win. This loss proved a turning point for our season as, for a variety of reasons, we were unable to rediscover our best form.
A loss versus Wimbledon preceded and a winning draw against Ashstead, which included a fine century from Anosh Malik followed, leaving us in the top 4 at the halfway stage.
Despite consecutive hundreds from Justin Broad, rain effected winning draws against Weybridge and Reigate followed. Before, two wash outs saw out the red ball season.
We entered the final 4 games of the season knowing a shot of the league title was incredibly unrealistic and the season was closed out with a further washout against Ashtead, two defeats against East Molesey and champions Sunbury and a fine win against Wimbledon. The Wimbledon win saw the team chase down 333, the club’s highest ever chase in a 50 game. Thanks to several contributions, most notably 91 from Nic Smit.
In the end, we ended up in mid table, which at the start we would have considered a disappointment but in reality, it represented a decent season. Multiple young players were blooded, especially towards the end of the season and significant contributions came from a wide variety of players. And if not for wash outs and perhaps a bit more luck with injuries/availability, we could well have been mounting a serious title challenge.
The highlights of the season for me, however, were the number of our players that went on to achieve higher honours throughout the season. Justin Broad, Krish Patel, Sheridon Gumbs, Ben Townsend, Alex French and Seb Stuart-Reckling all went on to represent county second teams. With Alex French representing England Young Lions despite his young age, Krish Patel making his list A debut for Surrey aged just 17 and of course Justin Broad receiving a two-year professional contract with Northamptonshire.
As I sign off my 8-year tenure as captain, I hope the club can build on the success we have had in recent seasons. It has been a monumental effort by multiple individuals to get the club and the first team to the position that it is in today. And I feel the first team is well positioned to be able to attract the best players and to consistently challenge at the top end of the premier league.
My final comment is to again thank all those that have who I have worked with and played with over the last 8 years; it has been a huge honour to captain Esher.
Will Edwards
Player of the Season
Ben Townsend – His first season at the club, he threw himself into every aspect of it both on and off the field. Opening the bowling, he led our target superbly, bowling with aggression and accuracy throughout the season, finishing in the top 10 wicket takers in the league. On top of this he also contributed with some handy lower order runs.
Back Row R to L – Johnny Wright, Andrew McCallum, Joe Moss, Justin Broad, David Brent, Will Tavare
Front Row R to L – Ben Collins, Alex Martin,Will Edwards ©, Freddie Harrison, Charlie Winder, Nick Smit