Esher went into the 2019 season, their first season back in the Premier Division since 2006, with high hopes. The season however started with a heavy loss to eventual champions East Molesey. Wimbledon were the first Premier Division visitors to New Road. Batting first, Wimbledon set what was thought to be a competitive 202. Esher however made light work of the total, knocking it off 3 wickets down with 15 overs to spare.
This win proved to be a false dawn for Esher, however, who proceeded to enter a run of just the single winning draw in 7 games, leaving them firmly at the foot of the table at the season’s mid-point.
Esher still believed they would be able to salvage their season. This belief was rewarded with two convincing wins in their next three games. First, East Molesey were seen off with a strong team performance before Jonny Wright and Khurram Irshad bowled Esher to victory against Guildford. These victories seeing Esher climb out of the relegation zone.
A heavy defeat to Reigate followed before two crucial bottom of the table clashes. A depleted Esher side was beaten at Sunbury. The next game against Sutton was seen as a season definer, a win for Esher would see them move 40 points clear of Sutton and away from the relegation zone. Batting first, Esher set Sutton 220 to win and at 120-7 the game seemed done. Sutton refused to give up, however, and in the end Esher came out on top by just 6 runs.
Following this victory, Esher needed just the single win to confirm their survival. They duly delivered in the next game, beating Weybridge in another thriller. The final two games saw Ashtead beaten at New Road before the season ended in a defeat at Banstead to conclude what was deemed to be a successful season for Esher and one they can build on for next year.
Huge thanks to Brian and Jess for scoring during the season and to the panel umpires for officiating.
Will Edwards
Captain
