This season the Club and its members faced the tough challenge of trying to repeat the level of success that we enjoyed during the previous summer. Rightly, there was much expectation within the Club that promoted teams would carry momentum into their 2009 campaigns and reach new heights by September. Although a review of the summer shows that the Club’s achievements fall short of the high standard set, the Club’s progress continues on an upward trend – thanks to the commitment and enthusiasm of its members.

On the field team performances have been mixed. The 1st XI and 2nd XIs adapted well to their new league format of a mix of limited-over and declaration games. Despite finishing a creditable third in their first season in Division 3, the 1st XI players were disappointed not to achieve back-to-back promotions – a reflection of how far the team feels it has come over the past couple of years. The ambitious goal of repeating our extraordinary 20/20 exploits came to a premature end at Stoke d’Abernon, but not before Division 1’s Walton was again swept aside in the early rounds – the Walton XI were so dismayed to draw their bogey team again that they forgot where the game was being played!

On a more positive note Kully Banwait led the 2nd XI on its continued charge up the league, the team finishing second in Division 4 and earning another promotion. Meanwhile the 3rd and 4th XIs both produced strong performances finishing sixth and third in their respective leagues. But perhaps one of the key playing highlights for the Club in 2009 was the reappearance of the 5th XI – evidence that there is a healthy desire for club cricket at the weekend. Captained by Daniel Simper, the team played seven games and provided an opportunity for many of the Club’s developing Colts to play a longer format of the game. In fact, the progress of Colts and younger adult players was a driver for competition for positions throughout all the senior sides this year. Although often the cause of headaches for the selection committee, this dynamic augurs well for the future of the Club and must be encouraged.

The Ladies still wait to learn their fate from the league committee. Despite finishing in a potential relegation spot in Division 3 of the Women’s Cricket Southern League, the Ladies can take many positives out of their season. They regularly fielded full-strength sides, thanks to the arrival of several new lady members, they did not default on any games, and several individuals produced personal-best performances.

On Sundays, the Club continued to field two sides for the majority of the season led by the new captains Jon White and Graham Doggett with support from this year’s ever-enthusiastic Aussie overseas player Trent Nash. Trent made valuable contributions to the Club both on and off the field throughout his stay with us this summer, and he didn’t moan too much when his nation’s side yielded the Ashes to Strauss and his heroes – I’ll overlook the one-day results.

The Colts teams enjoyed mixed results, the pick of the sides being the U17s. Thanks to the enthusiasm of our volunteer managers and coaches the Club continues to nurture the talent that we hope will ensure its success in the future.

For more personal insights on each team’s performance in 2009 I direct you to the captains’ and Colts’ managers’ reports included with this mailing.

Back in May a group of members made the long trek down to the south-west for the annual Devon tour, and thanks must go to Paul Frost for taking up the reigns and organising this successful venture. On the topic of tours, the General Committee is currently exploring options for another overseas tour to run in 2010/11. Watch this space for more news.

Off the field the mood in the Clubhouse remains buoyant. Thanks to our bar manager Tracey, the clubhouse remains an enjoyable place to spend time with friends and family. Many of the events in this year’s social calendar received good support; the time and effort of the organisers of these events and other members, who help around the Club collecting subs, running the Friday night barbecue etc, are much appreciated. Thanks must also go to Safdar Butt for managing the bar rota once again and to the growing group of members who are willing to help out behind the bar on Monday and Tuesday evenings.

Throughout the year there have been more improvements to the facilities at the Club (for example new fencing around the patio, recovered seats etc). These have been achieved by a group of keen members who take pride in enhancing the Club appearance, and they deserve our thanks too.

A read of Club Treasurer Paul Frost’s report and the detailed breakdown of the Club’s income and expenditure, which accompanies this mailing, show that the Club has experienced a challenging year financially. Factors resulting in the net loss of £952 for the year include a decline in membership numbers, the conclusion of a programme of funding through the ECB Chance to Shine initiative (which for the previous three years provided £1000 per year), additional cost incurred (including player costs), as well as investment in ground materials. Although determined to right the Club’s financial performance in 2010, the General Committee still remains committed to investing in the development of the Club’s facilities and performances on the field. Thanks in part to a grant secured from the ECB, the Club will boast a much-needed new roller next season. The Club is also continuing its commitment to reimburse the cost of coaching courses incurred by members who want to acquire UKCC Level 1 and 2 qualifications and coach our colts. The General Committee wants to hear from members or Colts’ parents interested in getting involved with Colts’ coaching.

Two events remain in the Club’s 2009 calendar, the first of which is the Annual Awards Dinner at Ashford Manor Golf Club on Saturday 14th November. I look forward to seeing many of you on the night (some 90 tickets have been sold). Following the dinner, on Monday 23rd November, the AGM will take place at the clubhouse, starting at 8.00pm. Accompanying this letter is a copy of the agenda and the minutes from last year’s AGM. Among other business for the evening the General Committee will be proposing changes to annual subscriptions and match fees for 2010. I encourage members to attend the meeting.

Looking towards next season I can report that winter nets are booked at Matthew Arnold School, Staines. Net sessions will start for Colts on Saturday 2nd January (3.00–4.30pm) and for adults on Sunday 3rd January (4.00–6.00pm).

To conclude I thank the members for their support during a year that saw the Club achieve further progress. Long may this continue – let’s hope 2010 brings more success for us all.

James Berressem
For and on behalf of the General Committee