It was an unfortunate start to the new club season as rain washed out the opening week’s action – with one exception, reports Richard Spiller.
All those carefully laid plans had to be put on hold for a week as the opening week of the AJ Surrey Championship campaign was washed out.
Steady rain from mid-morning might not have worried those attending the coronation but it was enough for every first team match in the six divisions to be abandoned.
Among those disappointed to be missing out on a game were a number of Surrey players due to be representing their clubs. Ryan Patel, having been left out of Surrey’s side at Chelmsford, was due to help Wimbledon launch their defence of the Premier Division title against Guildford.
It should also have been an opportunity for the visitors’ to unveil their new overseas player, Jono Merlo. The 24-year-old all-rounder, who had only arrived the previous afternoon from Melbourne – where the weather was similar – has played for Australia U19s and Big Bash League side Melbourne Stars.
Guildford were also due to field three sets of brothers – Oli and Jason Soames, Fred and James McMillan and Freddie and Tom Geffen – in the match. They did likewise 30 years ago, when the trio of siblings comprised Darren and Martin Bicknell, Dean and Ross Skidmore and Andy and Simon Hollingsworth.
Amar Virdi, fresh from taking 8-65 for Surrey seconds against Middlesex at Woodbridge Road on Thursday, was due to line up alongside county colleague Nico Reifer for Sunbury against Normandy while Ben Geddes and Nick Kimber were on the Ashtead teamsheet for their trip to promoted Cranleigh.
Yet there was some cricket in Surrey and it came in the Second XI Premier Division at East Molesey. The weather abated long enough and speedy wiping up by a gang of helpers assisted the groundsman, making a 20-overs per side match possible against Dulwich.
It paid off for the ever-resourceful Moles, restricting the visitors to 109-6 with the help of Matt Tigg (3-15) and Jack Miller 2-16. Then openers Kieran Burge (59no) and Tom Phillipe (36) put on 100 as the hosts knocked off the runs in 14.1 overs to win by nine wickets.
Their evening curry undoubtedly tasted all the better for it.
