The long and illustrious careers of Rikki Clarke & Jade Dernbach have been celebrated during the final week of the 2021 season at The Kia Oval.
Clarke has now retired from professional cricket while Dernbach has left the Club following the end of his current contract.
At Thursday night’s awards evening, the pair became only the second and third people to receive Honorary Life Memberships of Surrey County Cricket Club. Kumar Sangakkara was the first to bestowed with the honour when he retired in 2017.
🤗 @RikkiClarke81 & @Jwd_16 received the ultimate honour we can award last night.
They are now Honorary Life Members of Surrey County Cricket Club. pic.twitter.com/XLhq8PoxHL
— Surrey Cricket (@surreycricket) September 24, 2021
On Friday, during the final day of play for the 2021 season, Rikki was nudged slightly up the order to ensure he got one final innings at The Kia Oval. He finished 12 not out as the draw was confirmed against Glamorgan but it was the two guard of honours that will live long in his memory.
The first, on his way to the crease after tea, was from the entire Glamorgan. The second, at the end of the match, was from both teams and all the staff at Surrey. This was followed immediately by Dernbach receiving the same.
😢 There they go…@RikkiClarke81 & @Jwd_16 get a guard of honour from their teammates & coaches as they leave the field for the final time. pic.twitter.com/zR3cnS9TMt
— Surrey Cricket (@surreycricket) September 24, 2021
Finally, Clarke spoke to Mark Church shortly after a short speech in the changing rooms with his teammates.
🎙 INTERVIEW | Rikki Clarke speaks to @backandacross to reflects on an incredible career. pic.twitter.com/X95iIjX9VK
— Surrey Cricket (@surreycricket) September 24, 2021
