Long Ditton CC v St Mary’s Church
Friday 9th July
Friday 9th dawned bright and sunny – a fitting start to the day which marked the inaugural match for St Mary’s Cricket Team.
Long Ditton Cricket Club had kindly offered the Church a Twenty Twenty match to help raise much needed money to renovate the Church.
Within St Mary’s an appeal went out for at least 11 men and women who felt they could play a game of cricket – whether or not they had actually played the game was almost irrelevant!
However, a team of 11 men and one woman was put together (following two evenings of net practice) under the captaincy of John Freestone. The team, together with its loyal band of supporters, arrived with some trepidation at Long Ditton’s lovely cricket ground at about 6.15pm for a 6.30 start.
The Cricket Club obviously did not fear their opponents too greatly as they put out a junior side – but boy what a side! Their bowlers, principally Imogen (3 wickets for 14 runs) and Freddy (2 wickets for 22 runs) – were fantastic and Charlie was a quite brilliant fielder, managed to limit St Mary’s to 143 for 8.
Congratulations to all our batsmen – our leading scorers were Neil Williams 17 runs, Christian 34 and Chris Burton 43 not out. Cat Smith who was to later prove herself an able bowler scored 6.
In the fading light, Long Ditton took to the field and they too batted very well. Their leading run scorers were T Daniel 27, C Neely 26 and S O’Rouke. Our leading wicket taker was Chris Burton with 3 for 7. (England Selectors please note!) Long Ditton were all out for 116 which meant that St Mary’s won by 27 runs.Throughout the match, the spectators from both the Cricket Club and the Church enjoyed a supper wonderfully prepared by Margaret and her team. They worked tirelessly throughout a very hot evening – thank you so much.
Once stumps had been drawn, we were able to draw the raffle – the prizes for which had largely been generously donated by the Cricket Club, including a bat signed by the Surrey First XI and a Surrey shirt.
The proceeds of the raffle plus the profit made on the food which was also kindly donated to the appeal raised a total of £300.
In her speech of thanks, the Rector, Vicki Burrows, asked if we could come back again next year but this time to help the Club raise some money for their funds – this offer was gratefully accepted and it is hoped that we may be able to have two matches next year.
We will publicise the dates of the matches well in advance – do come along and watch – you can form part of Long Ditton’s version of the Barmy Army and enjoy the Club’s hospitality.
Our grateful thanks go to Long Ditton Cricket Club for both their generosity and welcome – we all had a wonderful evening – even if there were a few aching limbs the next morning it was worth it! The junior players at the Cricket Club are a group of very talented youngsters – Imogen already plays for Surrey – their coaches and parents should be very proud of them.
If you would like to watch some cricket in lovely tranquil surroundings do go along to the Long Ditton Cricket Club – it is off Betts Way (just past the British Legion) – you will be sure of a warm welcome. Their last match of the season is 29th September.