The Chairman's View From the Middle - February 2026

While we’re all trying to remember what sunshine looks like, the Committee and I are hard at work with on and off field preparations for the coming season. 

Andy Sewell, our Facilities Manager, has broken the world record for policy compliance, making sure the club is safe and protocols are being followed. Murray Sanger, Grounds Manager, has his feet up to avoid the water on the outfield, waiting for it to drain away before getting our groundworks started.

Our new colts chairman Dan Shepherd is tackling the monster that is our junior section and has everything well in hand. Winter nets are in full swing and it’s wonderful to see such an amazing turnout across all the sections of our club. 
 

We can announce the signing of a senior overseas for the men’s section - a New Zealander left arm fast bowler who will help coaching on a Friday evening as well as representing the club for the 1st XI.

We are also discussing the potential for an overseas player for the women’s senior team, replicating the successful partnership Shepperton had with the Brazilian ladies squad and working with them to include Chertsey in this initiative.

We welcome back an ex-Chertsey player in the form of Ed Marsh. Ed rejoins us after a stint playing and coaching in Australia and will be an exciting addition to the club. As well as more than a handy cricketer, Ed will become a paid coach at Chertsey CC. 

This was agreed at committee in consultation with club captain Ben Hanger, senior players' requests for additional coaching and as a foundation for our new pathway project and Trust League to improve future cricket at the club. Ed will be working under the leadership and supervision of Ade Clayton (our new cricket development manager) and of Eric Osner, who we’re delighted to say will be continuing to represent Chertsey CC.

I’m happy to announce there will be no increase in membership fees this year, however, part of running the club is to ensure financial stability, cricket needs to covers its costs. With rising pitch fees, a demand for more pitches and a general increase in costs across the board, we will be increasing match fees. This isn’t a profit making exercise but a reaction to the above.

New match fees will be:

Senior 1s/2s - £14.00

Senior 3s/4s - £12.00

Ladies Senior Slam - £10.00 (£8.00 no tea)

Ladies Slam - £7.50

Sunday Senior - £8.00 (visiting team £90)

Junior - £6.00

Social League - £7.50

Trust League - £8.00

Our 250 Year celebrations are starting to take shape in the form of a cricket week from June 21st culminating in a flagship match against the Lord Taverners on Sunday 28th June. Each day of the week will be represented by a section of our club - ladies, seniors, colts, social and walking cricket. You will also start to notice additional signage around the club highlighting our history and celebrating our middle stump fame.

As always, I and the committee are available if you would like to discuss anything happening at the club.

Felix Reisch, Chertsey CC Chairman