Below is a history of the prestigious Sunbury Cricket Club, assembled by Les Wood and Bill Kincaid.
2019
In addition to the donation to SCC last year by Manohar ‘Sai’ Saigal, a former player and umpire for the Club and a Vice President for more than 30 years, a further, very large legacy is left to the Club by Sai. Some of this money is used to upgrade all the men’s changing rooms, and for the purchase of some much needed ground equipment, plus new sightscreens and a refurbished scoreboard. Plans are put in place to significantly upgrade the bar area later in the year.
The lower pavilion is given attention as well and, in May, is formally named and dedicated to Frank Sharman, former Colts Manager of 30 years, in a well-attended short commemorative service.
John London retires from his role of Assistant Groundsman – where he has done an excellent job alongside Ian Pope helping make Sunbury a top ground in Surrey. Gavin Spencer is contracted, initially working alongside Ian, to provide the increased labour that will be required with the Mall School’s hiring of pitches from the Club which commences in September.
The Colts continue to thrive. The u9s win all their 10 league matches to take the Middlesex title for their age group. Tyrone Visvakula [who scores 144] and Matthew Gillespie star in a Club record partnership of 252 for the u11 Colts v Wycombe House. Subhan Ramzan scores 156 from 56 balls playing for the u14s. The 2 u17s sides both win their Divisions.
Following changes to the Surrey Championship structure for the lower X1s, the 4th X1 do very well finishing 2nd in the [mainly 3rdX1s] Division 4 and gaining promotion. However, the other sides struggle for much of the season. The 1stX1 are hit by experienced players leaving and injuries, and a generally young side hovers around the relegation places for most of the season. Fortunately, some better performances in the last few games see them to safety and 7th place. The 3s finish 7th and the 2s just avoid relegation by getting 8th place – so it’s a disappointing year taken as a whole.
Amar Virdi takes 14 wickets in the Surrey v Notts County match, 8 for 61 followed by 6 for 78.
In October, and thanks to Sai’s legacy, a major refurbishment of the Club’s bar and bar area is undertaken, incorporating new bi-fold doors out on to the ground. It’s a big improvement and completely modernises the facility.
2018
Robert Page is elected as SCC President.
Thanks to a significant donation to SCC by Manohar ‘Sai’ Saigal, a former player and umpire for the Club, and a Vice President for more than 30 years, a complete refurbishment/modernisation of the Mens Toilets/Showers is undertaken, together with the construction of a separate facility for umpires: altogether a massive improvement for the Cricket Club.
Ex SCC player, Stuart Poynter, scores 170 for Durham in his maiden century in county cricket.
It is a summer with a long dry and very hot spell which impacts on both the cricket and the ground where the outfield resembles a desert in colour. A good measure of remedial attention is needed in the off-season.
It is a disappointing season in terms of results generally. Batting problems occur too frequently in the 1stX1 and in the league they finish 5th, lower than they have for several years. The 2ndX1 are 3rd and both the 3s and 4s in mid table.
The 1stX1 have one major success, however, retaining the Bertie Joel Trophy in an exciting final against Bexley. Sunbury score a respectable 242 for 9 off their allotted overs thanks largely to vital contributions lower down the order by Conor Fulton [65] and Ishy Sohi [50]. In response, the Kent side get very close, reaching 230 before being bowled out in the final over. Kevin Smith takes the last wicket and finishes with 3 for 29 off his 7.1 overs which is as crucial as his 16 not out has been at the end of the Sunbury innings.
This is after an amazing performance by Kevin earlier in the season - a remarkable 9 for 8 away at East Molesey in the Surrey Championship, the best bowling return by anybody in Sunbury’s 80 year history.
2017
It has been another good financial year for the Sports Association which has enabled further improvements and repairs within the pavilion, including fire and security measures, and to the flat, the roof and the guttering. The hope is that more enhancements, particularly to the changing rooms and showers, can continue in the future. Extra money has also been allocated to the playing surfaces, including removal of the old artificial wicket, to maintain the existing high standard.
Amar Virdi makes his first class debut playing for Surrey. In the Autumn he plays for the England Lions on their Australian tour and has an excellent debut.
Former colt, Toby Roland-Jones makes his England ODI debut against South Africa. In July, Toby has a dream Test debut with 5 for 57 [4 wickets in his first 6 overs] in South Africa’s 1st innings v England at the Oval. With some quick runs when needed and 3 more wickets in the 2nd innings, it is a memorable performance all round.
The 1stX1, having lost the ever reliable Adam London due to his new employment, suffer a horrible start to the league season with 3 defeats. Thereafter, however, things really pick up and they finish runners-up for a very decent season. Sam Burgess and Kevin Smith top the aggregates with bat and ball respectively, and Rhythm Bedi also has a very good year with bat. There are a lot of other important contributions, not least by wicket keeper Conor Fulton in his first full season with the 1s, and an amazing century by Ishi Sohi which produces a most unlikely win at Ashtead, an outstanding performance which really gets the team’s season going. The three spinners, Sambhi, Virdi and Manro, all do well with more than 20 wickets each.
There is a major success in winning the Conference Cup, the successor to the Evening Standard Trophy, where the team comprehensively beat long standing rivals Ealing by 100 runs. Batting first, a splendid 125 from John Maunders, well supported by fellow opener Sam Burgess’ 37 and then Martin Andersson’s 56, sets Sunbury up for a final total of 292 off the allotted 45 overs. The bowlers then comfortably control Ealing’s reply which is 100 short when their innings closes. Ishy Sohi takes 1 wicket and bowls very economically, the spinners Amar Virdi, Vishal Manro, and A Sambhi share 6 wickets between them, and Kevin Smith takes the other 2 as Sunbury cruise to victory.
The 2ndX1 show what a difference a year makes – in a relegation fight in 2016, Runners up in 2017 after winning 8 for the first 11 matches. Things do not go as well in the latter stages of the league season but it is a good one nonetheless. Much improved batting is the key and the aim will be a bit more consistency overall next year.
The 3rd and 4thX1s both improve on the previous year, finishing 4th and 3rd respectively in their divisions. The 3s win their first 5 games but thereafter suffer from players moving up to a higher team and injury to their new captain, plus a lack of consistency. Some good results against the better teams are offset by poor ones against teams in the lower half of the table, but there is reason for optimism for the future. The 4s with their 3 or 4 veterans supporting a lot of youngsters, including several Colts making debuts in senior cricket, also have a decent season. They are unbeaten at home throughout and are involved in several excellent games that go right to wire.
Kevin Smith reaches 500 wickets for the Club, mostly in the 1s.
Veteran 1stX1 off spin bowler, Matt Todd reaches 500 wickets in the Surrey Championship.
2016
Clive Shaw takes over as SSA Chairman, and Karl Burgess takes on the role of SSA Secretary.
It is a good year financially with a loan from England & Wales Cricket Trust enabling a new auto-roller for the square to be purchased and grant support being obtained from Action Surrey towards two energy efficiency projects to be undertaken – LED lighting installation and improved boiler controls and central heating in the pavilion. Other welcome improvements, including replacement of the remaining, old, pavilion windows with double glazing, and new equipment purchases for the ground and in the bar and kitchen areas also prove possible.
The SSA Management Committee plan additional pavilion improvement work for later in the year to support the hall hirings, music nights, and running of the bar generally, all of which provide vital income to support SCC.
On the field it is another excellent season for the 1stX1 with the team retaining their Surrey Championship title, something never achieved by the 1s previously. It proves to be a close run thing in the end with the final match against immediate rivals Reigate Priory the crucial one and on the day the weather assists Sunbury. Overall, however, well led by John Maunders, and with 13 of their matches already won, it is a well -deserved triumph and a great effort by a largely young and developing side. Adam London and John Maunders are leading run scorers, with Sam Burgess and Rhythm Bedi also having good seasons. Vishal Manro has consistently bowled well, as has a rejuvenated Adam Stanier.
The team also win the Surrey 20/20 Cup. In the semi-final, Ashtead score an impressive 161 but Adam London and Sam Burgess see Sunbury home with an excellent 2nd wicket stand. Tight bowling by Kevin Smith and Ishi Sohi help the team restrict Weybridge to 126 in the final and an opening stand of 95 by Adam and Ollie Roland-Jones sees Sunbury to a comfortable win. Unfortunately, in the National Area match which follows, the team is outgunned by a strong Tunbridge Wells side.
It is not anywhere near so good for the other X1s. All struggle and up until the last games in their respective divisions, could have been relegated. Several of the 2ndX1 players of 2015 do not play during this season, which has a knock on effect through the sides, but fortunately all avoid the drop. A few new players would be welcome for next season!
The Squires ‘friendly cricket’ X1 has more fixtures than ever.
John ‘Nobby’ Clarke reaches 25000 runs for Sunbury, the second player to achieve this milestone. He has played for the Club for 40+ years and more than 10000 of these runs are for the 2ndX1 where he scored over 1000 runs in 2003 and where he has been leading run scorer for 5 seasons.
Adam London reaches 10000 runs for the Club, the vast majority for the 1stX1.
Amar Virdi plays for England u19s and takes 5 wickets on debut.
One of Sunbury’s stalwarts, Micky Serpant, reaches 7500 runs for the Club to go with his 600+ wickets – an excellent achievement from a very useful all rounder.
Rhythm Bedi reaches 7500 runs for the Club, a good proportion of these for the 1stX1.
Veteran, Jerry Smith, also reaches the 7500 runs landmark, with a high proportion of these for the 2ndX1.
Adam Stanier reaches 500 wickets for the Club, more than half for the 1s.
Toby Roland-Jones makes a major contribution in Middlesex CCC’s County Championship win [their first for 23 years] in their crucial final game with a hat-trick and 6 for 54. The season also sees him picked for the England squad.
Sunbury’s Colts are recognised for the best achievement and development of Colts by the Middlesex Colts Association West Area.
In Autumn, however, and casting a large shadow over everything, it becomes a very sad fact that, now, with the passing of Bill Kincaid added to that of Bruce Macdonald in 2013 and of Frank Sharman in 2015, SCC has lost three stalwarts, each of whom in his own way has been an outstanding contributor to the Club, in the space of 3 years.
2015
Richard Barker is elected SCC President.
Former 1stX1 Captain, Clive Shaw, takes over from Michael Lowe as SCC Chairman.
Tony Schaffer takes on the SSA Chairman role.
Les Wood, current Treasurer of SSA, completes 40 years in office having in this time held positions as Chairman, 1stX1/Club Captain and Treasurer of SCC, and Chairman of SSA for 20 years. It turns out to be a most time-consuming and challenging 40th year!
In the first half of the year, some major problems come to the fore and it proves to be a difficult time for the SCC and SSA Officers and Committees, and especially the new Bar Committee Chairman, Peter Browne. However, mid-year, some decisive and significant changes are made regarding the running of the Club - the bar and catering in particular - resulting in a much better situation financially and much happier place altogether.
On the field, it is a great year – 1stX1 are Champions, the 3rds are 3rdX1 Champions, and the 2nds finish third after a poor start to their league campaign.
A run of 10 straight wins in the first 10 games set the 1stX1 up for their triumph, and although there is a bit of a wobble in the second half of the season, the team overcome it. New Captain, John Maunders is leading run getter, with Adam London only a few runs behind him; the latter additionally has an excellent season behind the stumps. It is, however, a real team effort with everybody making valuable contributions, and a fully deserved league title 17 years after previously winning the top division in Surrey.
The 3s league triumph is their first for 15 years and is decisive, being achieved with 3 matches to go. It too follows a flying start with 9 wins in the first 11 games. Captain, Curtis Higgins leads by example being leading batsmen with over 600 runs and Lomesh Sharma’s positive and consistent batting is a major factor. Colin Bentall is excellent with his slow bowling, and his and Matt Golding’s experience are important in a generally young team where all members make useful contributions over the course of the season.
The 2ndX1 finish a commendable 3rd after disappointing early performances which leave too much to do to challenge eventual winners Reigate Priory. The side progressively improves, however, and the performances of some of the younger players give encouragement for the future.
It is a tough season for the 4s, not least with injury and unavailability issues, and they finish 7th in their division with a few long serving players again giving valuable support in what is mostly a team relying on youngsters.
Anoop Manro becomes the Club’s fifth player to reach 20000 runs, the majority of these for the 2nd and 3rdX1s. He has been a regular player for nearly 40 seasons, and with 800+ wickets as well, a very valuable team member.
Now in his mid 70s and with nearly 40 years playing for Sunbury, injury means that it is Bill Kincaid’s last season of regular cricket. With some 2300 wickets to his name, he is the Club’s second highest wicket taker. More than half of these have been for the 2ndX1 where, for 9 seasons, he had the best season aggregate, including more than 100 wickets on 3 occasions.
Adam London reaches 5000 runs in 1stX1 Surrey Championship matches.
The excellent work of Ian Pope, ably supported by John London, on the ground is recognised when Kenton Court Meadow is stated to be the best ground in the Surrey Championship.
2014
Frank Sharman takes over from Peter Browne as SCC President.
Stuart Poynter wins a contract to Durham CCC and makes his debut. He also plays for Ireland v Sri Lanka.
In July, his brother, Andrew, captains Ireland in a 3 match series of ODIs against Sri Lanka ‘A’
It proves to be a fantastic, albeit ultimately frustrating, year in the Cup Competitions – 2 of these being ‘Nationals’ - with runners-up medals in all three.
In late July, the 1stX1 are finalists in the Surrey T20 competition but after beating Valley End convincingly in the semis, they lose by a disappointing 7 wickets to Ashtead in the final after scoring 128-9 in their allotted overs.
At the beginning of September, the Chieftains play in the finals of the ECB, u19, T20 competition at Leicester CCC. The report of the day reads as follows -
Sunbury Chieftains enjoyed a great day at Grace Road (Leicestershire CCC) playing in the finals of this new ECB competition – being played for the first time this season. Having won the Surrey competition, they were drawn against York in the semi, and, batting first, won by 38 runs. In the second semi, Bexley (Kent), also batting first, beat Tudhoe (Durham) by 58 runs, their total of 167 always looking too much for Tudhoe.
In the final, Bexley won the toss and chose to bat. Some excellent batting saw Bexley post 146-7 (20), and a couple of dropped catches didn’t help the Sunbury cause. Robbie Hughes started well, but tight Bexley bowling and the fall of a couple of wickets put more pressure on Sunbury, and further wickets fell as Sunbury chanced their arm with the bat, finishing on a disappointing 87-9 (20), beaten by a better team on the day.
Two Sunbury players won individual performance awards:
Leading Wicket Taker: Haroon Aslem, 13 wickets,
Fielding award (most catches from fielder, excl WKs): Sam Burgess, 7 catches,
Stuart Broad presented the trophy and medals.
In mid August, Sunbury have a home semi-final in the National Knock Out against Essex side, Brentwood. The visitors bat first and start well before Sunbury get a grip on the game and bowl them out for 184. After losing 2 early wickets, Adam London [89no] steers Sunbury to victory, firstly in company with Ollie Roland-Jones and then with David Nash [49no].
Finalists for the second time in the Club’s history, Sunbury head for Gloucestershire CCC’s ground at Bristol on 14th September.
It turns out to be an excellent match – one of the best National finals - with Sunbury just unable to defend their hard earned 197 total and going down by 2 wickets with just a couple of balls left. The report on the game reads -
ECB report on Royal London Club Cup Final
Sunbury CC v Sandiacre Town CC
Dan Wheeldon produced a captain’s innings to lead Sandiacre Town to the Royal London Club Championship national title in a thrilling final at Bristol.
The all-rounder hit a boundary with just three balls remaining to finally see off the challenge of Surrey Championship side Sunbury by two wickets and clinch Town’s first national crown since their 2003 success over Bath.
Wheeldon’s 25 not out, batting at number seven, spanned more than an hour as wickets fell around him but, combined with man of the match John Jordison’s 25 from 20 balls, he completed a dream weekend for the Derbyshire Premier League side.
Sunbury had surprisingly opted to bat after winning the toss on a cloudy morning at the home of Gloucestershire County Cricket Club but their decision looked a wise one as Justin Granger and John Maunders put on 67 for the opening wicket. But once Granger went in the 17th over to the impressive Marius Conway-Jones, who took 4-32, wickets fell at regular intervals.
The prolific Adam London went to Jordison cheaply and Sunbury suffered a further setback when Maunders was caught behind by Curtley Read, again off Jordison, just two balls after drinks. Captain Olly Roland-Jones was then brilliantly run out by a direct-hit from point by Conway-Jones and Sunbury had lost 4-23 in 10 overs.
That brought David Nash and Rhythm Bedi together and they added 57 in 11 overs before Nash was bowled, stepping across his stumps, by Conway-Jones. Bedi continued busily – despite the further losses of Kevin Smith and Vishal Manro – before he fell for 52 off 45 balls in the final over, Amar Virdi also departing to Conway-Jones as they were dismissed for 197.
Andy Rhodes began the pursuit of 198 in fluent fashion with four boundaries in his 22 but he went lbw to Maunders’ third ball. Ollie Swann was just as positive and hit four boundaries in his first 10 deliveries to move Sandiacre beyond 50 in eight overs. They were up to 97 in the 17th and cruising home when Swann played-on to the off-spin of Matthew Todd to depart for 40. And in the next over the game turned when the spinners applied the pressure with Virdi having opener James Chapman caught behind by London for 33. Rob Cook became Virdi’s second wicket and Read followed an over later, caught behind off Manro, before John Trueman was run out by a direct-hit from Bedi to leave Sunbury in the driving seat. Jack Anderson helped Wheeldon rebuild before he went in the 39th over, bowled by Matthew Todd, but Jordison arrived to turn the tide. He hit 25 off 19 balls only to be bowled with six required off eight deliveries but Ryan McFadyean managed to get Wheeldon the strike and a powerful pull for four off Maunders clinched a stunning win.
In the Surrey Championship, the 1stX1 are disappointed to finish in 4th place, crucially losing in both their matches against the ultimate Champions and Runners-up.
Adam London is leading run maker and has a fine season aggregate of 1441 runs over all in 1st X1 matches. For the third successive season, he and John Maunders are the leading Sunbury batsmen in the league matches.
Back in the Premier Division the 2ndX1 show true form and finish as runners-up. After a slow start in the league the top batsmen and the slow bowlers really get going and they end the season with 11 wins.
The 3rdX1 are disappointed with their batting but they bowl and field well and the young side show a lot of promise. 12 wins and 3rd place is a decent season but they believe they could do better in 2015.
The 4thX1 use 40 players during the season but show good form from June onwards to finish a very creditable 3rd.
With a full set of Sunday matches played, Sunbury remains somewhat unique in club cricket these days and combined with the amount of midweek cricket played, the ground is heavily used especially with Middlesex v Surrey, County 2ndX1 and Colts matches, and Surrey over 60s fixtures being ‘regulars’ now.
With 9 ‘age group’ Colts Managers now and some 150 fixtures in the season, the Colts Section is as active as ever and Sunbury now host the ESCA/ECB T20 Competition finals day.
The u17s finish as runners-up in the Middlesex League Cup.
Peter Browne hangs up his boots after playing during 50 seasons, the second person to achieve this in the Club. A great character and servant to Sunbury, Peter started out as a quick bowler [off an enormously long run!!], playing mainly in the 2nd and 3rdX1s and taking just over 1000 wickets in the process. In recent years injury has prevented him bowling but he has turned out regularly as a batsman for the Squires.
With his house move to Dublin, Michael Lowe finishes his 10 years stint as Club Chairman and his 40 season career playing senior cricket at Sunbury. He has played most of his cricket in the 4thX1 and made more than 12000 runs all told. He has been a major part of the Club and has devoted an immense amount of time and effort to its administration during this time, filling the roles of Club Captain, Secretary for 5 years, 4thX1 Captain for 10 years, Chairman of the Cricket Sub-Committee, and Team Secretary – a colossal contribution all round and there is no doubt his presence will be missed.
At the SSA AGM, Paul Watts stands down as SSA Chairman after 5 years during which time he has worked hard exploring possibilities as to how the Club might be re-developed to ensure a long term future.
2013
75th Anniversary year with several special events including
The launch of Bill Kincaid’s excellent new book “Reaching for the Sky” setting out the history of the Club over its 75 years of existence since 1938;
A fete;
A 40 over match between a Middlesex X1 and a Surrey X1;
A past and present Players Supper.
Additionally the season’s fixtures schedule includes hosting some Surrey 2ndX1 and Surrey over 60s matches, together with an England v Australia over 70s match.
The 1stX1 have another good year, finishing 3rd, the fifth successive year in which they have been in the Premier Division top 3. They finish as runners up in the T20 competition. John Maunders has an excellent season and scores over 1000 runs for the 1s, the first time this has been achieved for several years.
The team also reaches the semi-final of the Conference Cup.
2ndX1 bounce straight back into their Premier Division by winning Division 1 with 12 wins and a defeat only in the last game after the job had been done. It was a strong team with a good mixture of youth and experience which augurs well for next season in the top flight. Max Hall’s 168no v Beddington is a league record for the 2ndX1.
Both the 3rdX1 and 4thX1 have excellent seasons finishing 2nd in their respective divisions. The 3s unfortunately have an indifferent start to their campaign but this young side then has 7 wins in 8 games to give the ultimate champions, Wimbledon, a good run for their money.
The 4thX1 are much improved from the year before and with Sunbury stalwarts, Messrs Clarke, Kincaid and Manro, supporting the youngsters, there is good team spirit. Overall, it is an enjoyable season which includes 1 tied game and a wonderful spell of 8 successive wins.
On Sundays, the Squires expand their fixture list and enjoy their ‘friendly’ cricket as always.
In the Colts, the u17s win the final of the Middlesex County Cup; the u15s and u13s both finish with runners-up medals.
It turns out to be Max Hall’s last playing year after a good many in the 1stX1 where he was Captain for 3 seasons. He has scored 18685 runs for the Club with nearly 12900 in the 1stX1, including 1000+ in the season on 5 occasions.
Micky O’Sullivan also calls time on his competitive cricket playing career. Having played first of all in 1968, he is one of 9 players in the Club to have taken more than 1000 career wickets. All told he has taken 1220 wickets, mostly for the 2nd and 3rdX1s, having been the 3rdX1 leading wicket taker in Surrey Championship matches in 11 seasons.
Ollie Roland-Jones, Adam London and Paul Edwards each reach 7500 runs for the Club during the course of the season and Nobby Clarke completes his 40th season playing for the Club, during which he passes 750 wickets for the Club.
Colin Bentall completes 25 seasons for the Club; during this time he has been Chairman of the Cricket Sub-Committee and has been leading wicket taker in the 2ndX1 in 4 successive years, and once in the 3rd and 4thX1s. He has taken more than 850 wickets for the Club all told.
In October, the Past and Present Players 75th Anniversary Supper is very well attended. Special ‘outstanding long-service’ awards are made to Nobby Clarke, Bill Kincaid, Michael Lowe, Bruce Macdonald, Tony Schaffer, Frank Sharman and Les Wood.
2012
The season starts with the weather bad and it turns out to be one of the wettest ever. It proves to be the all-time worst for cancellations with almost one third of the scheduled fixtures not played, some due to oppositions cry offs or concessions.
Yet another good season in the Surrey Championship sees a rather frustrated 1stX1 finishing runners-up for the second consecutive season after a few significant factors did not go their way. These prove crucial in the end but there were a lot of positives nonetheless.
It turns in to a disaster season for the 2ndX1 after they are docked 41 points by the League for a very unfortunate, and entirely accidental, administration error, and finish up being relegated. On the field of play, it is not a vintage year particularly with bowling lacking penetration, but the team is easily good enough to come straight back to the top division next year.
A young 3rdX1 have a very good season, coming 3rd after playing a lot of excellent cricket. With a bit more consistency and continued progress by the youngsters, it is a team capable of even better in 2013.
The 4thX1 finish a very creditable 3rd in the Surrey Championship 4thX1s’ Premier Division with a side containing a mix of youth with some very considerable experience.
Matt Todd reaches 500 wickets for the 1stX1 with the bulk of these in Surrey Championship matches.
After 20 seasons playing for Sunbury, it is Ray ‘Gus’ Utting’s last year as a regular player as he decides to switch to umpiring. He has captained the 3rdX1 and scored 10158 runs during this time.
Colts have an excellent season, with the u10s winning the Gubby Allen Cup for the 5th time. They also win the Surrey Cup, and their leagues.
The u15s win both the Middlesex and Surrey Cups beating Ealing and Guildford respectively.
The u14s beat Esher to win the Surrey Cup, the u13s win their Surrey league and the u11s their Middlesex league.
Robbie Hughes represents the South of England at the annual Bunbury Festival.
Paul Stirling is in Ireland’s World Cup team and Toby Roland-Jones wins a 5 year contract at Middlesex CCC.
Former 1stX1 captain, Jack Prosser, stands down after 27 years dedicated work as Editor of the excellent Surrey Championship handbook. He will be a hard act to follow.
2011
Contracted Surrey CCC players are allocated to the top clubs in the Surrey Championship to play in the Premier and 1st Divisions. All-rounder Chris Jordan is Sunbury’s allotted player.
Three Sunbury players – Stuart Poynter, Paul Stirling and Andrew Balbirnie -play for Ireland v Namibia in their Intercontinental Cup match.
Adam London scores 172 no v Reigate Priory in the home Premier League game – the highest individual score for Sunbury in a 1st XI league game in the 1st XI’s top division.
It is another good season in the Surrey Championship.
1st XI have a highly successful season, finishing runners-up and being very much in the title race until, very disappointingly, a couple of abandoned games near the season end scupper their hopes.
2nd XI are somewhat inconsistent but there are several good young players coming through and they finish in a very creditable fourth place, with 7 wins in their 13 matches played – 5 abandoned!
The 3rds, also with several up and coming youngsters in the team, finish a very satisfactory fifth, the same position as the 4ths who do well often with the actual team much changed from that originally selected.
The Colts have another good year, with the u15s Middlesex champions.
Sunbury host the Surrey Trust League finals day.
The wickets have been good throughout the year but problems persist with the nets surface and arrangements are made for remedial work on this in the winter.
Kempton Park Juniors and Sunbury Galaxy football clubs link to the Sports Association for a combination of junior and senior football in the winter.
A new Playgroup operates midweek throughout the year in the Clubhouse.
A series of ‘live music’ evenings are held at the Club; these prove very successful, with some excellent musicians, and are well supported.
2010
An ‘open day’ is held by the Club in April – c. 100 new families attend resulting in some 60 new Colts joining.
A ‘Sunday morning café’ is established with Neil, Nicky and Ryan McAndrew, Debbie and Laura Salter, and Dave and Bev Smith running it, very successfully.
Congratulations go to Stuart Poynter on making his debut for Middlesex in their match against Oxford University at The Parks.
This is a double promotion for Stuey who has found himself moved up firstly from the Middlesex Academy to the Middlesex 2nd XI, initially as temporary cover, which in turn led to a well deserved debut in the full Middlesex side in a 3 day match.
With both Adam London and Toby Roland-Jones also playing in the side this is the second time that 3 Sunbury players have played in a County match together.
With the ground in superb condition and with Sunbury now a Focus Club, several Surrey Colts games are hosted.
Additionally games are played involving touring teams from Canada and Australia, including an over 60s England v Australia match.
It is another good season in the Surrey Championship.
1st XI finish 3rd, being particularly successful in the limited over format. It is a young and enthusiastic team, with excellent team spirit, and they will be hopeful of doing even better next season.
2nd XI finish as runners up, being very much in the running for the title for much of the season before finishing rather disappointingly. Max Hall is outstanding with 1065 runs, by far the biggest league aggregate ever for the 2nds.
The 3rds and 4ths also do well with third and fourth places respectively.
The new nets surfaces are proving something of a problem with too much irregular bounce.
‘Gus’ Utting reaches 10000 runs for the Club, the majority having been scored for the 3rd XI.
Colin Bentall reaches 750 wickets for the Club, spread largely between the 2nd, 3rd and 4th XIs.
Halliford Colts Football Club affiliate to the SSA to play home games for some of their younger members, an arrangement that unfortunately does not work out as well as hoped for and only lasts for one winter.
2009
Following Les Wood standing down as SSA Chairman after 20 years in that role, Michael Lowe takes over on a temporary basis. In March, Paul Watts formally becomes SSA Chairman.
Ian Pope in now the SSA’s ground contractor.
Andy Poynter is in the Ireland squad for the 20/20 World Cup qualifier, which they win.
Thanks in no small way to the hard efforts of SCC Secretary, Penny Hughes, funding/grants are arranged to enable a superb new, 4 lane nets facility to be installed. Sita provide a grant of c.£23000, Sports Foundation £10000, Lord’s Taverners £3000, and Surrey Cricket Trust £4000, while some 50 members and colts parents donate close on £5000.
The new nets are ready in July, and officially opened by Mayor of Spelthorne on 2 August.
Adam London now has a contract with Middlesex CCC. On 17 July he is England’s substitute at Lord’s in the Test Match v Australia. He scores 68 on Middlesex debut against Gloucestershire.
Stuart Poynter is in the Ireland u19 World Cup squad. He is also awarded a scholarship at Middlesex CCC for 2010.
John Maunders, having earned a contract with Essex, scores 150 for them against his former county, Leicestershire.
In August, Sunbury host the inaugural England over 60s v Australia over 60s match, which England win. Two days later, Sunbury’s ‘Squires’ win their match against Australia over 60s.
It is a decent year for the 1st XI who finish 3rd in the Surrey Championship Premier Division, up three places on the previous season.
James Kuiper sets a new Club Record scoring 217 not out for the 1st XI against Aldershot.
2nd XI struggle in comparison with the previous season but finish mid-table, while the 3rds stay 7th as in 2009.
Max Hall scores centuries 3 weeks in succession in 2nd XI league matches.
The Colts have another brilliant season. U11s win the Surrey League and Middlesex Cup. U12s win the Surrey League and Middlesex West Area Cup. U13s win the Middlesex West Area League. U14s win the Surrey and Middlesex West Area Leagues. U15s win the Surrey league. U17s are runners-up in the Middlesex League and win the Middlesex Alan Crowl Cup.
It is a fitting testament to Frank Sharman who stands down as Colts Manager after a fantastic 30 years in this role. He has overseen the progressive growth and development of the Colts Section and its transformation into one of the best Colts Clubs in this part of England. A special award is made to him in recognition of all his service to the Club over some 50 years of membership.
Bill Kincaid reaches 2000 wickets for Sunbury, most of these being for the 2nd and 3rd XIs. He is the 3rd person in the Club’s history to reach this milestone, having 3 times taken more than 100 wickets in a season – 119 in 1989 being the highest – and having 9 times been the 2nd XIs leading wicket taker.
Max Hall reaches 15000 runs for the Club, with more than 10000 of these for the 1st XI.
Anoop Manro reaches 15000 runs for the Club, split largely between the 2nd and 3rd XIs.
Toby Roland-Jones is awarded a contract at Middlesex CCC.
Following his retirement as Sunday cricket ‘supremo’ and Fixture Secretary – a role he has undertaken for 23 years all told – Bill Kincaid receives an award from the Club for all his work over many years. At various times, he has been Chairman, Club Captain, 2nd XI Captain, and Fixture Secretary, some years combining more than one of these jobs. Author of the excellent book, “Half Century”, the history of SCC in its first 50 years, as well, he has been a major contributor to the Club throughout his 30+ years membership.
Mavis McAndrew receives a special award at the annual Supper to mark her retirement from scoring after some 30 yrs as scorer, mainly for the 3rd XI, and more recently for the Squires.
At the AGM, Tony Schaffer stands down after 5 years as President; Peter Browne is elected as the new President of the Club.
2008
4 Sunbury players are selected for the Club Cricket Conference Tour to Australia – Max Hall [captain], Neil Farnsworth, Charlie Holcomb and Justin Grainger.
A new trial format is introduced for the Surrey Championship 1st XI Premier Division. Half the games are to be limited overs matches [50 overs], the remainder on the same basis as previously. There will be just a single league and winners of a limited overs match get 10 points.
The 4th XI join the newly formed Surrey Championship 4th XI Division.
Joel Pope gains a contract with Leicester CCC.
Adam London secures a summer contract with Middlesex CCC.
Luke Woodcock returns from New Zealand for a second season with the Club, and takes over as 1st XI Captain.
The Sunday 1st XI has a great run in the Evening Standard Cup, reaching the final after a nerve wrecking 1 run win against Wimbledon, defending a total of 133 in the reduced overs semi-final.
Unfortunately bad weather prevents the final being played at the Oval and Ealing draw home advantage in the re-scheduled game.
A 135 run opening partnership between John Maunders and Toby Roland-Jones sets Sunbury up but after the latter is dismissed, the batting collapses. Despite John scoring a high quality 102, the upshot is a rather disappointing 202 total. Some very steady bowling and keen fielding keep Ollie Roland-Jones’ side in the hunt throughout the Ealing innings but the home team grasp a 2 wicket victory in the end.
The Surrey Championship season is again disrupted by periods of poor weather but this does not stop the 2nd XI finishing runners-up in their league. For a long period it looks as though Matt Golding’s side will take the title but they just fall short in the final couple of weeks.
The 4th XI, in the inaugural league for 4th XIs, do really well and finish in 2nd place.
The 1st XI have a very up and down season; for weeks they are unable to win league matches of the ‘traditional’ format but they do well in the limited overs games. Improvement in the latter part of the season, however, sees them finish in a reasonably comfortable 6th place.
The 3rd XI also struggle in their league until rallying in the last few games.
The Chieftains, captained by Kevin Smith, win the Surrey Trust League.
The U15s win the Middlesex league with a 7 wicket victory over Potters Bar in the final.
Clubmark accreditation at long last is achieved.
2007
Matthew Todd takes over as Director of Cricket.
SCC acquire the services of Luke Woodcock a left hand batsman and slow left arm bowler from Wellington in New Zealand – he does well for us with both bat and ball, scoring 1000+ runs and taking 50+ wickets in all matches played for the Club.
Disappointly, the season is ruined by a lot of bad weather and abandoned/cancelled games. The 1st XI consolidate their position back in the Premier Division by finishing an encouraging fifth. The 2nd XI and 3rd XI have decent seasons but the 4th XI are out of their depth in their division and finish last.
Max Hall reaches 10000 runs for the 1st XI where he has been the season’s leading run scorer on 5 occasions.
Anoop Manro reaches 700 wickets for SCC – mainly for the 2nd and 3rd XIs.
On one of the few fine days, a very successful benefit day is held for David Nash.
Nashy’s benefit book talks about his time at Sunbury
The Sunday 1st XI win the Middlesex Federation Cup – although they only have to play 1 game!
All the Colts XIs reach the semi-finals stage in their Cup competitions, but only u15s go on to lift a trophy.
The Squires XI are invited to play Crawley Down in the latter’s centenary match.
2006
Jamie Hewitt is appointed Director of Cricket.
The main scorebox is adapted and a new electronic scoreboard is installed
It proves to be an outstanding season for the Club.
The 1st XI, led by Gareth Lewis, win Surrey Championship Division 1 to gain promotion to the Premier league, recording victories against Spencer, Ashtead, Avorians, Banstead, Purley [twice], Normandy, Cheam, Camberley and Beddington.
Jamie Hewitt [545 runs], Richard Gould [451], and Adam London [432] are the leading run getters, but valuable contributions also come from Andy Poynter, Max Hall, Olly Roland-Jones, Neil Farnsworth, and David Nash, the latter making a brilliant century against Purley in a vital match near the end of the season. Matthew Todd is the leading wicket taker with 36 and bowls consistently well. Danny Pope [24], Olly Roland-Jones [18], Adam Stanier [18], and Jamie Hewitt [15] all produce important performances, while Neil Farnsworth and Joel Pope do the wicket keeping duties.
The team completes an excellent year by winning the FMS 20/20 competition.
The 2nd XI also have a great season winning their division, finishing the league with 9 successive wins. Victories come against Malden Wanderers [twice], Weybridge [twice], Dulwich [twice], Normandy, Reigate Priory, Esher, Beddington and Sutton.
Gavin Spencer captains the team to this success, and is leading run scorer with 486. Charlie Holcomb [354], Matt Golding [328], Martin Miles [261], Owamir Afzal [246] are the other leading batsmen, but there are good contributions also from Max Hall, Joel Pope, Richard Gabb, Neil Khanna and Neil Farnsworth. Colin Bentall leads the bowling with 32 wickets, followed by Steve Lewis [19], Owamir Afzal [15], Toby Roland-Jones [15], Jason Orr [14] Scott Anstiss [12] and Kevin Smith [10].
The 3rd XI, under John Salter’s leadership, finish the season runners-up in their league. Darren London is leading scorer with 347 runs and Stuart Poynter scores 305. Shane White, Paul Scott, Anoop Manro, and John Salter each score more than 200. Veterans Anoop Manro [30 wickets] and Bill Kincaid [29] are leading wicket takers with Andy King, Paul Scott and Nobby Clarke backing them up.
The 4th XI look due for relegation to Kookaburra League Division 3 but perform creditably in a really tough division. In the event they retain Division 2 status
The Colts have a very successful season as well, winning 3 West Surrey titles, 3 Middlesex county and 6 area titles. The U17s win the Middlesex Chairman’s Cup and the U10s beat Ealing at Lord’s to lift the Gubby Allen Cup.
The Club also achieves the bronze and silver standards in its aim to reach full Clubmark status.
A successful benefit day is held for Richard Johnson, our ex Colt and England, Middlesex CCC & Somerset CCC player – one of the few professional cricketers to take 10 wickets in an innings [Middlesex v Derbyshire 1994 – 10 for 45].
Micky O’Sullivan reaches 1000 wickets for the Club, the majority of these being for the 3rd XI where he has topped the bowling aggregates in league matches on ten occasions.
Richard Gould reaches 10000 runs for the 1st XI – where he has topped the batting aggregates in league games on three occasions.
Les Wood’s long playing career with SCC is brought to a close by knee injury. He started playing in 1956 and has played in 50 seasons. He was a regular, usually as an opener, in the 1st XI for 25 seasons and was 1st XI/Club Captain for six years. He has nearly 25000 runs in total – the second highest in the history of the Club – with 20000 of these for the 1st XI. In addition he has taken nearly 600 wickets with his left arm slow bowling, one of the best all round returns for the Club.
Peter Richardson calls time on his career at Sunbury. He has scored over 16000 runs and taken more than 650 wickets, in both cases the vast majority for the 1st XI. He has been leading scorer in league matches in 4 seasons and has been one of the very top all rounders ever to play for SCC.
After more than 40 years as a player, Philip Forman decides it is time to retire. He has scored 12000+ runs and taken 700+ wickets, including nearly 3000 runs and 200+ wickets for the 1st XI, with most of the rest for the 2nd XI. His 1028 in 1978 was the first time 1000+ runs had been scored in a season for the 2nd XI.
It is also the last season for Alan Cox following his move to Cornwall. He has played since 1980 and scored more than 11500 runs, mainly for the 2nd and 3rd XIs, both of which teams he captained. His wicketkeeping also produced a high number of ‘victims’. He has been an excellent ‘Clubman’ throughout, contributing significantly off the field as well, having been Treasurer and Secretary for 8 and 2 years respectively.
At the Player’s Supper, Tony Schaffer and Les Wood are presented with salvers to mark 50 years service with the Club.
Further major work is done on the top square.
2005
David Kaye and Les Wood are appointed as SSA Trustees.
SCC have a ‘non-playing’ tour to Cape Town to see South Africa v England test match.
Chris Notton of CN Sportsground Maintenance takes over as ground contractor. The top square, in particular, plays better but still needs improving. Major re-levelling/re-seeding work is arranged for the Autumn.
Lower pavilion rebuilt by Chris Page, with new scorebox constructed.
4 SCC players selected for the Club Cricket Conference team to tour the West Indies – Max Hall [CCC captain], Neil Farnsworth, Richard Gould, & Charlie Holcomb.
Andy Poynter and Joel Pope selected for the Middlesex CCC Academy.
New Honours Boards and a Life Members Board – funded by donations from members – unveiled in memory of Geoff and Wyn Kaye. Their sons, David and Philip, present portrait of Geoff to the Club.
The teams in the Surrey Championship all finish rather disappointed with their seasons. The 1st XI challenge strongly for a promotion spot in the first half of the season but fade in the end. The 2nds put themselves in positions to win more often than
not but suffer too much inconsistency. The 3rd XI, with a mix of youngsters and veterans, miss too many chances and finish mid table.
The 4s perform creditably in their first season in Kookaburra League Div 2.
The 1s have good cup runs in the National Knock Out – reaching the quarter finals before being beaten by Horsham – and in the Evening Standard Cup by High Wycombe.
They also reach finals of Middlesex 20/20 competition, losing to Finchley.
Other Sunday cricket continues to go extremely well.
Not such a good season for the Colts but U10s and U13s win their West Surrey leagues. U17s win West Middlesex’ Alan Crowl Cup.
Andy Poynter makes his first class debut with Middlesex CCC. He is also selected for the Ireland U19s World Cup squad.
Thanks not least to the generosity of certain long standing members in making significant donations, and to several years of good levels of sponsorship, the Club’s finances are in as good a shape as they have ever been.
Les Wood, current Chairman of SSA, completes 30 years in office having also in this time held positions as Chairman, 1st XI/Club Captain and Treasurer of SCC, and Treasurer of SSA.
SCC President, Tony Schaffer, completes 25 years in office having previously held the Chairman, Secretary and Team Secretary positions.
2004
SCC tour Tobago and take in the West Indies v England test match in Trinidad.
New artificial wicket surface installed, with financial assistance from Middlesex County Youth Trust and Lord’s Taverners.
New club shirts, with a navy trim and individually numbered acquired – auctioned to club members in a successful fund raising exercise.
New water storage tank acquired and installed with a view to improved watering of both top and bottom squares.
Sunbury register as a Community Amateur Sports Club.
Mark Gillespie from New Zealand ‘A’ and Wellington plays for the season for the 1st XI.
A modest season for XIs in the Surrey Championship after a wet start to the season and some disappointing early performances – although a much improved second half to the season.
4th XI finish 3rd in Kookaburra League Division 3 and gain promotion.
Resurgence of Sunday cricket continues under Bill Kincaid’s direction – the most games played on Sundays for 10 years.
Sunbury reach finals of the Middlesex 20/20 competition.
Academy XI enter the 3 Counties 2nd XI Sunday league and win at the first attempt.
Colts again have a great season, taking the Victor Ludorum Trophy for the fourth time in six years – very fitting, with Colts Manager, Frank Sharman, completing his 25th successive year in this role.
U10s, 12s & 13s win their West Surrey Leagues. U13s & 15s win their Middlesex Leagues. U11s, 15s, & 17s win their Middlesex Cups with the 15s reaching the last 16 of the National Competition. U16s again win the John Charcoal Cup. U10s again win the Sir Gubby Allen Cup in the final at Lord’s.
Chris Page’s wickets in Surrey Championship matches for SCC now exceed 750 – 764 to be precise.
The lower pavilion is very badly damaged in an arson attack. Insurance claim made and rebuild arranged for the coming Spring.
The year ends on a very sad note with the passing of Geoff Kaye at the age of 84. Geoff and three school friends founded Sunbury Cricket Club in 1938, and it was always his ambition to see the Club progress and become one of the best. He served as an Officer of the Club throughout – for 23 years as Secretary -and this year was his 37th year as President. He was very instrumental in the move from Cedars Recreation Ground to the London Irish Rugby Club ground in The Avenue, and was again very much the driving force [heavily involved in negotiations and fund raising] behind the acquisition of Kenton Court Meadow where SCC amalgamated with Hampton Hockey Club to form Sunbury Sports Geoff was SSA’s first Secretary, was its Treasurer on a couple of occasions, and was one of its Trustees from 1960. In Committee Geoff could be awkward and argumentative, and was not averse to doing ‘his own thing’, sometimes to the annoyance of some other Committee members. However, socially, he was generous with his hospitality and excellent company, and he had very many friends.
The bottom line was that Geoff was very determined to make his Club, Sunbury, a top class club, and he got things done. Without doubt, the Club would not be where it is now but for his single mindedness.
Tony Schaffer takes over as President.
Richard Barker stands down after 10 years of sterling work in Committee roles – 3 years as SCC Chairman, 5 as SCC Treasurer and throughout as SSA Treasurer.
Arthur Hughes stands down as one of the SSA Trustees after 20 years in official positions with SCC and/or SSA.
2003
New practice nets surfaces and netting installed.
Relaid part of top square now in use.
Surrey Championship playing conditions changed as an experiment. Ist XI matches start at 12 noon and comprise 120 overs, with the side batting first entitled to bat for no more than 65 overs. For 2nd and 3rd XIs, matches start at 1 p.m., are over 100 overs, and the side batting first has a maximum of 55 overs.
Richard Johnson gains his first England cap v Zimbabwe at Durham and what an impact he makes. A quick fire 24 off 14 balls is followed by 6 for 33 as England demolish the tourists, and he earns Man of the Match, a terrific start to his test career.
2nd XI, led by Martin Miles, win the Premier division for 2nd XIs. 10 of their league games won including a run of 8 matches, to take the title ahead of Wimbledon and Guildford. In addition to the Captain, the squad comprised Scott Anstiss, Neil Farnsworth, Matt Golding, Neil Khanna, Bill Kincaid, Robert Lewis, Adam London, Darren London, Daniel Midwinter, Chris Page, Mark Reynolds, Neil Reynolds, Toby Roland-Jones, John Salter, Adam Stanier & Nick Turnbull.
The Sunday 1st XI, led by Scott Anstiss, win the Three Counties Sunday League for 2nd successive year.
The Colts have yet another tremendous season, their best ever, with 139 matches played – and win the Victor Ludorum Trophy again.
U10s win Gubby Allen Cup & league and the Middlesex West Area League. U11s win Middlesex and Surrey Cups. U12s win Middlesex West Area league. U15s win Middlesex and Surrey Cups and league. They also reach the Regional Finals, the last 8 in the country. U16s win the John Charcol Cup. U17s win the Middlesex West Area league.
2002
Top square back in play, albeit with the relaid center strips earmarked for 2003 season.
Ground work now in the hands of a contractor, Andy Webster, former groundsman at Teddington. Top square promises well for the future; bottom square now to be worked on.
Further sightscreens purchased; all the old screens now replaced, partly thanks to generous external sponsorship and donations from a number of Life Members/Vice presidents.
A very generous sponsorship deal from Serco enables purchase of some top quality wicket covers.
All three XIs in the Surrey Championship find the season a struggle, with disaster for the 1st XI which is relegated to Division 1. Inability to get sides out and/or to contain runs is a constant problem, and the team face several opposition scores of 300 plus, and one of 401 for 5 declared by Banstead.
4th XI have an excellent season in the Kookaburra League finishing 3rd and gaining promotion to Div. 2.
The Sunday 1st XI, led by Neil Farnsworth, win the Three Counties Sunday League. They also reach semi-finals of Middlesex Federation Cup.
A new programme for Sunday cricket, devised by Bill Kincaid, with Chieftains, Academy, Squires, Optimists, Pessimists and Nomads XIs playing a few games each, in addition to the 1st XI league and cup matches, is a major success. 62 Sunday games are played in total.
The Colts section has another outstanding year, with success at all levels. U17s win league/cup double in Middlesex, and U13s their cup. U10s, U11s, and U15s all win their competitions in West Surrey League.
Sunbury Colts represent cricket and take part in the Queen’s Jubilee parade past Buckingham Palace.
Max Hall captains the Surrey Championship XI to Sovereign Cup success in the Inter-Leagues competition.
2001
Major problems with the top square – 1st and 2nd XIs play their season on the bottom square, with 3rds and 4ths on the top using the half of the square which is playable, albeit poor in quality. Management Committee decision taken to relay the center of the top square at the end of the season.
3rd XI, captained by John Salter, win their League, 7 points ahead of runners-up, Reigate Priory, and are champions for the sixth time. John is leading run getter with 454, and Mickey O’Sullivan and Anoup Manro are leading wicket takers with 36 apiece. However, valuable contributions are made by most of the squad, the other ‘regulars’ being Graham Felce, Alan Cox, Nobby Clarke, Neil McAndrew, Colin Bentall, Neil Reynolds, Scott Napier, James House, and Tom Connors, with Andrew Poynter, Bruce Macdonald, Darren London, Richard Cook, Richard Gabb, James Barker, Robert Lewis and Bill Kincaid each playing a handful of games.
1st XI and 2nd XI each have good starts in their league campaigns but fade to finish 6th and 4th respectively. 4th XI have a difficult season but avoid relegation, Kevin Brown breaking his own ‘Club highest individual score’ when he hit 209 (187 in boundaries!) in the match against Putney.
Sunbury enter the Three Counties Sunday League in Division 2, and finish runners-up to gain promotion for the next season.
The Colts have another great season, and are awarded the Victor Ludorum Cup for the 2nd time as recognition for being the best Colts Section in Middlesex. U10s win their Surrey league and U16s win the John Charcoal Cup.
A record number of 248 colts are registered with the Club.
Richard Johnson becomes the first Sunbury player to be selected for a full England tour, to India in November/December.
Max Hall is elected Vice Captain for the Club Cricket Conference tour of Australia this coming winter.
Revised, more streamlined Management Committee structure for running the Club approved at last AGM comes in to effect from November, with Richard Barker taking over as Chairman from Tony Schaffer, who is retiring from this position after 7 years in office.
2000
Phil Chandler, from New Zealand, appointed Director of Cricket. A pretty dismal summer with a lot of rain, and with few good batting wickets either at home or away. Many games cancelled, and except for the 1st XI, availability of players is patchy. 1st XI have excellent start to season but fade later. Nonetheless 2nd place in the Premiership, quarter-finals in the Evening Standard Cup and a run in the National Knock-Out Cup make for a good season overall. The other XIs suffer from not having ‘regular sides’ and have generally disappointing seasons. Chris Page becomes the second player in the Club history to take more than 2000 wickets (1900+ for the 1st XI)
The Colts have a record year, with 23 colts representing either Middlesex or Surrey at the various age groups. 238 colts registered all told. 4 county titles gained, the U11s winning both the County League and Cup. U16s runners-up in Charcoal Cup. U17s win the County Cup final by beating Eastcote, and also the 4 Counties Tournament at Guildford.
Levelling and re-seeding of the whole of the top square arranged at the end of the season, but work is seriously hampered by weather – the wettest Autumn on record.
Les Wood completes 25 years in office as either Chairman, Club Captain and/or Treasurer of SCC, or Chairman of SSA.
Tony Schaffer, now SCC Chairman, completes 20 years in office having previously been Secretary and Team Secretary.
Arthur Hughes has now done 15 years in official positions, 6 years as SCC Chairman followed by continuing years as one of the SSA Trustees.
1999
Colt’s trophy cabinet installed in the pavilion. The first year of the Premiership in the Surrey Championship – 10 teams playing each other home and away, with 2 to be relegated, matches starting 11 a.m. and finishing 7.30 p.m., being based on a minimum of 120 overs, with side batting first having a maximum of 66 overs, and a minimum over rate requirement of 16 per hour. 1st XI finish a commendable 3rd. 2nd XI, led by Mark Reynolds, win the top division for 2nd XIs for the first time. 10 of their league games won including the last 5 matches, to take the title ahead of Esher, who they beat in the last game, and Reigate Priory. 3rd XI third in their division – the best set of league positions for the top three elevens. 4th XI retain mid table position in their league. Chris Page leading wicket taker for the 1st XI for the 15th time, 4 times achieving 100+ wickets in a season.
U13s and U15s win their leagues in Surrey. U15s also win their league in Middlesex. Frank Sharman in his 20th successive year as Colts Manager.
1998
Geoff Kaye – 60 years an Officer of SCC. Sunbury Cricket Society formed to sponsor and promote Sunbury cricket. Jimmy Adams (Jamaica and West Indies) appointed Director of Cricket at Sunbury.
1st and 2nd XI Championship matches now 12.30pm to 7.30pm with side batting first able to bat 65 overs. 1st XI, captained by Chris Cowell, play outstandingly well as a team and win the Surrey Championship Division 1. Victories, including several in the last over, are achieved against Avorians, Spencer, Cheam, Honor Oak, Beddington, Limpsfield, Banstead, Farnham, Walton, Reigate Priory, Old Emanuel and Weybridge. Jimmy Adams is first SCC player to score over 1000 runs in a season in the league – 1047 runs and 29 wickets is a major contribution but there are notable performances throughout the squad, namely:- Rene Addabo (566 runs and 21 wickets), Peter Richardson (523 and 21), Peter Wellings (385 and 11), Chris Cowell (190 and 28), Gareth Lewis (134 and 7), Neil Farnsworth (172), Gavin Spencer (129), Richard Gould (145), Andy Cook (18 wkts), Dean Spencer, Marcus Robinson. SCC 1st XI awarded the Arthur Rackham ‘Team of the Year’ trophy, presented in conjunction with the Surrey Herald.
The most successful Colts season in the history of the club. SCC Colts win the Victor Ludorum as the top Colts Club in Middlesex. U10s win Gubby Allen Trophy at Lords. U13s win Middlesex League beating Eastcote in the Final, and also the County Ken Barrington Cup to qualify for the Subaru National Cup Regional Play-offs. The team finish 3rd overall. U15s win County League and Cup, and reach last 4 (out of 1400) in National Finals where they finish 3rd. 22 SCC colts selected to represent county sides during the season. Frank Sharman receives Spelthorne Mayor’s Award for special achievements and services to sport in the Borough.
1997
Following English Cricket Board announcing structural changes for cricket and the desire for ‘Raising the Standard’, Surrey Championship indicate intention to form a Premier Division of 10 clubs in 1999 – top 10 teams in Divsion 1 in 1998 to qualify. Playing hours extended (basic 12.30 pm. – 7.30 pm.) in Championship 1st XI matches in 1998 – up to 65 overs for side batting first. Special General Meeting held following Hockey Club’s request for an all weather pitch to be installed on ground. The meeting votes against agreement with the vast majority of members, while sympathetic to the Hockey Club’s aims, feeling that it would be severely detrimental to SCC’s future and top class stature. SCC subsequently establish a Sub Committee to consider future development in case the Hockey Club move from Kenton Court Meadow. Pavilion re-roofing is completed. 3rd XI, captained by Gus Utting, finish runners up in their Division.
1996
A difficult year with SCC one of four clubs in dispute with Surrey Championship regarding the arrangements for registration of players. A Court dispute is avoided but it is a very unsatisfactory episode. Mens showers area in the pavilion refurbished. Chris Page leading wicket taker for 1st XI for 14th time. Bill Kincaid leading wicket taker for 2nd XI for 9th time, having taken 100 wickets on 3 occasions. Bill Kincaid retires from office after 17 years during which he has, at various times, been Chairman, Club Captain, and/or 2nd XI Captain and, throughout, Fixture Secretary.
1995
Another very average season for the Club as a whole. Four 1st XI batsmen score 1000+ runs (Peter Richardson 1541, Max Hall 1342, Chris Cowell 1211, Richard Gould 1082). Richard Johnson awarded Middlesex cap and selected for England’s winter tour of South Africa – but injury forces his withdrawal. David Nash is selected for England U19 XI – he and Jamie Hewitt make Middlesex CCC debuts.
1994
A wet start and finish to the season, with a long hot spell in between – a generally disappointing season, apart from 4th XI. Gary Denne scores 1000+ runs for 1st XI for 6th successive season. 4th XI have their best season – 24 wins. Richard Johnson selected for England A Tour to India. David Nash selected for England U17 v India. U17s win their league but lose in the Middlesex Final to Winchmore Hill. U16s lose to Addiscombe in final of the John Charcol Cup.
1993
1st and 2nd XI Championship matches now 1.30pm – 7.15pm. 3rd XI league split into two divisions with promotion and relegation. Peter Richardson scores 1000+ runs for 1st XI for 7th successive season. Richard Johnson plays for England U19s v Sri Lanka. A complete refit is undertaken to the pavilion’s kitchen.
1992
Evening Standard Challenge Trophy introduced for the 64 top London clubs. 1st XI reach Semi Finals but lose to Fives and Heronians. The first SEAXE week at Sunbury is held in July. A large part of the pavilion roof is renovated. Part of the bottom square is relaid. All the XIs finish in the top 6 of their respective leagues. 4th XI join the Slazenger League and, led by Dave Poynter, win Division 5 at the first attempt. Subsequent promotion is to Division 3. 3rd XI finish runners up in their Division. Same four batsmen as in previous season score 1000+ runs in 1st XI (Richardson 1281, Denne 1169, Shaw 1140, Bennett 1079). Kevin Brown sets new Club record score of 179 during a Club record partnership of 305 with Ian Gamble in 4th XI match v West Drayton. Richard Johnson makes Middlesex CCC debut and is selected for England U18s tour of South Africa. David Nash plays for England Schools U14 XI. U15 XI finalists in National Cup v Eastcote.
1991
New artificial wicket installed on bottom square. 3rd XI, captained by Neil Eastman, win their league. Also, 3rd XIs best ever season with 29 wins. 2nd XI, led by John Salter, finish runners