Another season of cricket at Leatherhead has raced by as thoughts turn to autumn and winter sports. The last game of the season has been played and this week work has already started on the square and the outfield to ensure that the ground is in the best possible condition for next season. Scheduled maintenance will also be completed on the nets and the artificial pitch.

Longer term actions, including ambitious plans to build a new clubhouse and explore options for additional playing space, or a second ground, are also underway. Realising these ambitions will be challenging, and may take some time, but it is essential that we continue to build the financial strength of the club so that we are ready to invest when the time comes. Our social and fundraising activities, which add so much energy and enjoyment at the club, are critical in this regard so please continue to support them as much as you can. Many thanks to Emma Baldwin and her team for organising the social and fundraising events this season.
Our junior section is thriving with 300 members and waiting lists in several age groups as demand for our fabulous coaching and fixtures programme continues to grow. Our Junior Chair, Lauren Ireland and Head Coach, Alex Waterman, along with all coaching staff and age group volunteers, have done a fantastic job this season and we are very lucky to have them!

Women’s cricket at LCC took a giant leap forward with hard ball competitive cricket in the Surrey Championship. A tough first season against strong opposition has not dampened the ladies’ enthusiasm and we look forward to running two women’s teams next season with Sunday and midweek matches.

Our new men’s beginner’s section was also very successful. Their regular weekly training sessions were very well attended and friendly fixtures against Dorking and our own Women’s team were much enjoyed towards the end of the season.

Adult cricket was extensive with 4 Saturday league teams and 3 midweek teams playing in Surrey Championship, Surrey Downs League, Surrey Slam and Over 40s matches. The Sunday Strollers continued to play their much-revered version of social cricket accompanied by entertaining match reports by Paul Dolan. Our 1st XI had a strong season with outstanding contributions from opening batsman, James Crowson, and our Australian overseas player, Tom Menzies. Whilst our 2nd, 3rd and 4th XIs all had challenging seasons, our U21 team performed particularly well in the very top tier of junior cricket in Surrey, with strong performances against leading clubs across the county and we have many young players who have developed through the junior section already playing adult cricket which bodes well for future success.

I hope to see many of you before next season, perhaps at the AGM on Wednesday, November 13th at the club or at Winter Nets about which you will hear more information in the coming weeks. If not, keep warm and dry this winter and I look forward to seeing you next season. Remember to sign up early and secure your membership for 2025! It will be the 175th anniversary of Leatherhead Cricket Club which was first established in 1850, and we look forward to celebrating that with you all during another enjoyable season of cricket!

Ken

Chair, LCC