It has been another busy and successful year for Newdigate Cricket Club, with almost 100 senior and junior matches played on the Brocus. It has also been another season of challenges, achievements, hard work and, most importantly, plenty of cricket.
The extreme heat made this a particularly demanding year for our ground staff, but once again the dedication of everyone at the club ensured that the clubhouse, pitch and outfield remained among the best facilities in Surrey in which to play cricket. A huge thank you goes to all our volunteers, players, coaches, ground staff and supporters who have contributed throughout the season.

A notable development during 2026 was the installation and utilisation of the club's solar panel system. This important project represents another step towards reducing energy costs and supporting environmental sustainability. Special mention goes to Club Chairman, James Penfold, whose vision and leadership were instrumental in bringing this valuable initiative to fruition.

Juniors
Friday evenings once again belonged to our juniors, with up to 100 young players enjoying their cricket, followed by a well-earned barbecue, while parents and other club members provided plenty of support from the pavilion.

Our junior section enjoyed another excellent season in the Surrey Junior Cricket Championship, with nine teams competing in the various leagues. There were some fantastic performances across all age groups.

The Under-11s were division winners, while the Under-10s finished an extremely creditable 2nd in Surrey Tier 1. They also produced another outstanding campaign, winning all of their league matches — a fantastic achievement.

The season was rounded off with a packed junior presentation evening, celebrating the achievements of all our young players. A huge thank you to Dan Jones and his coaching team for all their hard work, enthusiasm and commitment throughout the year.

We also once again hosted the Dorking Schools’ Cricket Competition for boys and girls. With three matches taking place simultaneously over the two-day event, it was another great showcase for junior cricket and a successful event for the club.

Finally, this year’s Russell Haigh Bursary will take place at the new venue in Horley, with the selected juniors being notified by Dan and the team. A massive thank you to the Haigh family for their continued generosity and support of this fantastic ongoing programme. It’s hugely appreciated and makes a real difference to the next generation of juniors.

1st XI
Saturday cricket brought a fantastic end to the season for our 1st XI. After a few early-season scares, the team really found its rhythm, winning 10 of their final 12 matches to secure promotion to Division 5 next season.
This is a significant achievement and one that has been a long time coming. Promotion has been an ambition for the side since the success of 2017, and the team finally achieved its goal through some excellent performances and, above all, outstanding teamwork.
Congratulations to everyone involved. The challenge now is to build on this success and see what Division 5 has in store in 2027!

2nd XI
Unfortunately, it was another difficult season for the 2nd XI. Player availability proved a major issue, with the team forced to forfeit two matches before eventually being relegated for the second consecutive season.
Despite the disappointment, there are plenty of reasons for optimism. With several notable absentees expected to return, the team will look to regroup, rebuild and come back stronger next year.

Ladies’ Cricket
Our ladies also enjoyed another competitive season, finishing with an impressive 50% winning record.
There are some exciting new faces coming through the ranks, which provides plenty of encouragement for the future. The team will look to continue developing and building on this season’s progress as we head into 2027.

Midweek Cricket
Wednesday evenings once again provided a great mix of cricket, socialising and, of course, the occasional beer!
The midweek team hosted a number of matches against local companies and organisations, with mixed results on the field but plenty of success off it. The Wednesday evening combination of cricket, a barbecue and a few beers afterwards is one of the highlights of the club calendar.

Sunday Cricket
Our Sunday side completed almost 30 matches during the season, with a mixture of old favourites and new fixtures taking centre stage.
Sunday cricket continues to play an important role at the club. It provides an excellent platform for our juniors and younger seniors to gain experience, showcase their talent and push for places in the senior sides.
At a time when many clubs are struggling to put even one team out on a Sunday, Monjur once again did a fantastic job of getting two teams out on several occasions. His efforts, and those of everyone who supported Sunday cricket, deserve a special mention.

Remembering Bill Turner
Following the loss of club legend Bill Turner in July 2025, Newdigate Cricket Club hosted the inaugural Bill Turner Memorial Match during the 2026 season.
Bill's contribution to the club over many years helped shape Newdigate Cricket Club into the community-focused organisation it is today. His commitment, friendship and passion for cricket will never be forgotten, and it was fitting that players, members, friends and family came together to celebrate his life and legacy. Rest in Peace, Bill.

The club continues to be built on the commitment of its volunteers, players, coaches, ground staff, supporters and families. Their contribution is what makes Newdigate Cricket Club such a special place.
So, as we put the kit away for another year, a huge thank you to everyone who played a part in making 2026 another memorable season. Enjoy the winter and we’ll see you all at the Brocus in 2027!