2009 Review
1st XI
Victory on the final day would have seen the 1st XI finish fourth in the Premier, but defeat to Spencer resulted in sixth position. This did not do justice to the progress that the team made, notably in the 120 over format of the game. Guildford lost just one in the longer format and became a tough, competitive and gritty outfit, claiming some notable scalps in the process. Victories over Reigate Priory, Malden Wanderers, Sunbury and Avorians demonstrated how a strong team spirit, thoughtful captaincy and well executed plans can overcome often more talented, heralded opposition.
Ross Skidmore, with dedicated assistance from coach Bill Clutterbuck, lead the team with great skill and enjoyment – his deteriorating ,chronic knee injury the only scar on a successful return to the helm. The team suffered in the 50 over format, generating just two wins against Wimbledon and Avorians. Progress in this form of the game is essential if the team has pretensions to break into the top echelons of the league in 2010.
Solid, if unspectacular, contributions underpinned the season. With the batting, Tariq Kalam served a promising full apprenticeship as an opening batsman, registering his maiden century against Avorians in August, finishing with a total of 501 runs @ 28. Andy Hollingsworth, made a telling contribution to the side – when he played the 1st XI was stronger for it and with greater availability he made 457 runs @ 35. Promoted to number 3 Ed Young gave a clear indication that he has a very exciting future at the top of the order – time on the ball, comfortable against pace & spin and a sound technique will equip him well for the future. Carman Mapatuna, with 518 runs @ 32 made some significant contributions, his ton against Malden Wanderers setting up a fine victory. The fireworks for the season were confidently supplied by Tinoi Christie with the highlight being provided by Dean Skidmore’s 91 from 90 balls and Thushara Managei with 85 from 41 balls versus Wimbledon, when the pair added a colossal 88 in 5 overs of batting powerplay to set an impregnable total.
With the ball, the team lacked a real cutting edge at the top of the innings and often proved costly in the first 10 overs. Dean Skidmore (19 wickets @ 29) provided control first change with an economy rate of 3.48 whilst Ed Young (18 @ 29) showed that when conditions are right he can rip through any opposition, a broken finger in August cutting short his season. Tom Jewell continued to develop and further reinforced the impression that Guildford and Surrey have a talented, intelligent and productive all-rounder who will only get better. A dramatic 5-for by Carman Mapatuna versus Reigate Priory snared a late victory, reassuringly demonstrating that his leg-spinning skills were still alive and kicking. Behind the sticks Alex Nash further enhanced his reputation as one the league’s top glovemen – at 17 he showed bravery up to the wicket, quick feet and a batting talent that will see him rise in the order in 2010.
Ross Skidmore will be satisfied with 2009 but certainly excited at the potential evolution of the team in 2010.
2nd XI
After narrowly missing out on promotion in 2008, the 2nd XI was keen to improve on last year and begin taking steps back towards the Premier league. The return of key players to the club and meant that the side was strong all year. An exceptional and varied bowling attack conceded in excess of 200 on only 3 occasions, as Luke Tillbrook shuffled his bowlers to great effect, dismissing the opposition in 11 out of 16 completed games.
With the introduction of 50 over cricket, there were limited opportunities for standout individual performances with the ball, but mention should be given to Jonny Nolan’s ruthless 6-47 away at Sanderstead and Josh Cummings’ 5-27 against Esher. In addition, Lance Rodrigues was a consistent threat with both the old and new ball, and runs never came easily off Ed Lowe.
Guildford’s strength with the ball meant that the batsmen were frequently chasing low totals, and often deprived of the opportunity to make substantial individual scores. Despite this, the team still managed to post four 100s and eighteen 50s during the season, with 5 of the top order scoring in excess of 250 runs at an average of over 40.
Notable performances with the bat included two classy hundreds from batsman of the year Rob Jones, Luke Tillbrook’s crucial 101 away at Ashtead, and Tinoi Christie’s brutal 130* from a mere 63 balls. Credit should also be given to Tom Tremewan, whose four 50s in the last six games ensured that Guildford’s title challenge never waned.
In all, a season tally of played 18, won 14, drawn 2 and abandoned 2 was a reflection of the strength and dominance of the side and, had it not been for a Devine act away at Esher, the 2s would surely have been promoted as Champions. As it was, Guildford had to settle for second place, but will be hoping to continue to play exciting cricket next season in their quest for back to back promotions.
Special mention should be given to Eddie Slaven and Monty Milburn for umpiring and scoring throughout much of the year, and for putting up with some often appalling banter within the team. Finally, the team would like to thank their captain, Luke “Skywalker” Tillbrook, who has retired from cricket in an effort to pursue other leisure activities in Madrid. We wish you all the best.
3rd XI
Superbly led by Dean Johnstone, the 3rd XI won the Division 1 title by a mile. The team had 14 wins, was undefeated and totalled 191 points from 17 games.
Whilst strong in all departments at this level, it was the seam bowling that swept all before it. The best opening stand against Guildford was 30 and the top score by any opposition batsman was 57 in the fifteenth match. Joining Guildford from village cricket, Edwin Armstrong steadily improved and became the best and most hostile new ball bowler in the division. He took 36 wickets at 7.6 in the 11 matches he played. Armstrong was well supported by his opening partner the left-armer Scott O’Brien (27 @ 11.9), and first change bowlers David Shilcock (26 @ 10.7) and Logan Grobbelaar (20 @ 8.8). O’Brien’s experience and left-arm swing invariably gave control and he will be sadly missed in 2010 when he returns to Australia. Shilcock made an impressive return to Guildford, and his off-cutters brought him two six-wicket hauls. Grobbelaar playing in his first season in the Championship made an impressive start with a six wicket haul in the first game and his consistent wicket to wicket bowling throughout made him a tough competitor. Quality back up was provided by Simon Pitt, Mike Smith, Rob Pigden, Neil Harding and Tim Goodman. Spin was not often needed but Mainul Hossain did well in the early games and Chad Murrin showed that he still had the ability to flummox batsmen with an impressive spell which helped secure a win against Ashford.
With Johnstone winning 12 tosses and invariably electing to bowl first, the batsmen usually chased small totals. Murrin generally ensured a decent start with 425 runs @ 60.7. The fireworks were provided by Gihan Jayawardena (355 @ 35.5), who made four 50’s and murdered several attacks. James Savundra (184 at 30.7) had an impressive first season and has much potential. However, the batting success of the season was Ishan Singh-Levett. He forced his way into the side from the 4th XI and took his chance with both hands, probably ending as the most improved player in the entire club. He made 302 runs at 60.4 with a top score of 86* to win the game at Ashtead. Also breaking in after a prolific 4th XI season was Lasith Yasakethu, who will surely feature in 2010. Accomplished batsmen such as Johnstone, Hosking, Walter, Armstrong and Grobbelaar had little opportunity.
In the field, Johnstone set and demanded a very high standard, which was nothing less then their bowlers deserved. Murrin was superb in supporting the skipper and teammates with his perceptive comments and encouraging words. Ben Walter’s wicketkeeping was impressive - especially so when he turned down the volume - and he reached 20 dismissals including 5 catches in an innings at Egham. Johnstone had 10 outfield catches, followed by Pitt (8) and Jayawardena (7).
Credit to Dean Johnstone for the way he has transformed this team since becoming captain in the second half of 2008. This was a happy and well organised group with an excellent practice ethic and an ever growing desire to improve. They deserved their success. Finally, a big thank you to Ahmed Hussain (umpire) and Charlotte Lee (scorer).
Sunday Academy XI
Having finished as Runners Up in 2008, Guildford approached the 2009 season with confidence. Placed in a very strong group, the side narrowly failed to qualify for the Zonal Play off and ended with a record of Won-4, Lost-3 (of which one was conceded after a fixture mix-up).
The campaign could not have started better. Sunbury (last year’s STL winners) were defeated by six wickets at Woodbridge Road. After Ben Robinson took 4-32, Lance Rodrigues (51) and Tarique Kalam (40) saw us home. A win at Cranleigh followed, with Alex Nash (90) and Tom Tremewen (30) ensuring a competitive total. Alex Brown took 3 wickets and we finished with a comfortable win.
Next came a reality check, when a strong Thames Ditton batting line-up posted 286-9 at Woodbridge Road. Tremewen (41) and Tim Goodman (51*) led a spirited reply, but we were able to reach only 222-8.
An excellent bowling and fielding display limited Reigate to a modest 184 all out on another flat pitch at Woodbridge Road, with Chris Coombs taking 4-24. However, despite a good start by Kalam (28) and Nash (27), the middle order fell away. A late flurry by last man Edward Evans (31) included four sixes, but we ended on 153 - a real chance missed.
The team returned to form with a thumping away victory at Cheam. Superb pace bowling by Tom Collins (4-36) did the damage, and Coombs bowled his 8 overs of offspin for only 11 runs. Cheam’s 180 was never going to be enough, and Kalam ((104*) batted beautifully, with fine support from Coombs (43*) giving us an eight wicket win.
Kalam (56) was again in dominant form at Ripley. Tremewen (46), Ed Sutton (33) and Coombs (30) pushed the total to 241-8, a huge score on a worn track. In reply, Collins (3-16) and Rory Snowball (3-22) were too good and Ripley were skittled for 155.
The team was again superbly led and organised by Brett Hosking, who now stands down after two highly enjoyable seasons. All of the Club’s best young cricketers were keen to play and Hosking unselfishly ensured that everyone had a chance to contribute. Tom Collins was nominated as our Player of the Season. Thanks to Dale Considine for umpiring most of the games and to Jonathan Farley for scoring. Chris Combs will skipper in 2010.
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