It brings new faces into the club’s cricketing family, gives our emerging players the opportunity to enjoy the great game, and creates plenty of fun, laughter and sociable moments at the end of matches. Together, these moments create memories that stay with players, parents and spectators long after the cricket is over.

During the 2026 season, the Sunday XI welcomed a handful of emerging players from our Colts groups. A number of parents also joined in enthusiastically, while our ever-reliable veterans were there to complete the team dynamic. It was a wonderful mix of youth, experience, family and friendship — exactly what Sunday cricket should be about.

But the real purpose of this report is to acknowledge the most important part of Sunday cricket: the teas!

Over the years, Newdigate’s Sunday teas have become something of an institution. Players and spectators have enjoyed an extraordinary variety of tastes, textures, cultures and culinary traditions. The sheer variety and generosity of the spread has often been overwhelming — and, quite frankly, difficult to resist.

Our tea ladies have put in relentless effort week after week to impress the foodies among us. Every Sunday seemed to bring a new selection, prepared with an obvious amount of love, care and passion. Somehow, they continued to surprise us.

And they certainly didn’t appear overly concerned about whether they were staying within budget!

A very special thank you must go to Ayam Fatima, who has been the driving force behind this enormous task week after week in 2026. Her commitment, organisation and generosity have been remarkable.

Kirsty Havard, Annabelle De Vrij, Tricia Kehl and Bosseau Boshoff also deserve huge thanks for regularly stepping in and contributing their time, energy and culinary talents.

To all of our tea ladies — thank you! You have been an essential part of the Sunday cricket experience at Newdigate CC.

And to all the players who have entertained us on the field throughout the season:

Well played, my heroes — and perhaps spare a thought for the real heroes working quietly in the backdrop! Andrew Major, James Penfold for preparing the pitches and setting up the club. David Callcut and Ian Shields for handling the Electronic Scoreboards, Live Streams. Ian Kehl, Aiden Jones, Safwan Ahmed - for being the masters in capturing the scores. DC again for setting up the pre-match stumps, umpires coats. Ian Kehl again for religiously preparing drinks for breaks and cordoning the squire after each match. You are my unsung Heros!

After all, at Newdigate CC, Sunday cricket isn't just about the runs, wickets and results.

Sometimes, it's all about the tea.