Walton Smash 2024
As the first lockdown came to an end in 2020 and cricket found itself adjusting to self-made teas, two metre distancing and changing by the outfield, a new tournament created by Dan Roberts brought new joy and excitement to Walton on Thames CC. The Smash now begins its fifth year and remains one of the most popular events at the club. It offers a chance for in game match-ups between club rivals, treasured father and son combinations and days where the whole club can enjoy the game and just as importantly, create memorable moments on the pitch.
As Dan adjusts to the unique and daily challenges of balancing fatherhood with a Division One campaign, stewardship of the tournament has now been taken on by Alex Donnelly. Dan’s fantastic and tireless efforts will live on.
Sunday sees the first games of the 2024 tournament with the line ups and rule changes as follows:
Thames Turtles vs Silverdale Swans, 1:00 pm start:
Last year’s semi-finalists kick off the first match of the 2024 tournament. School friends Lance Lavery and Matt Murray will be an interesting opposing match up with ball, bat and verbally. Who will come out on top? The first ball of 2023 finals day saw an unlikely dismissal as Cameron Allen bounced Yusuf Hafiz out first ball. Surely not again?
Thames Turtles: Adam Hafiz, Yusuf Hafiz, James Dann, Shirsh Bedi, Alex Chertkow, Lance Lavery, Pratyush Ramesh, Alex Jackson, Rory Annandale
Silverdale Swans: Ed Crook, Ed Pomfret, Matt Murray, Cameron Allen, Sam Smith, Dave Rolton, Curtis Mackenzie, Gautam Sureshkumar, Luke Jenkins
Walton Bridge Badgers vs Ashley Park Panthers, 3:30pm:
A repeat of the 2023 finals sees some fresh faces on both teams. Only two of the victorious Badgers team from that day remain as winning manager Mark Donnelly has ordered a full squad clear out ahead of the new season. Is this enough to retain the title? Matt Harris managed to obtain both the 2024 overseas player as well as the most expensive player in the draft, David Fletcher. Will this strategy pay dividends?
Walton Bridge Badgers: Uddhav Umakanthan, Chris Cole, Paul Bainbridge, Tricki Wilson, Lewis Bainbridge, Josh Lavery, Rory Lavery, Pete Kane, Cameron Terry
Ashley Park Panthers: Christiaan Olberholzer, Alex Homes, Rhythm Bedi, Lewis Razey, Tom Cates, Dan McQuillan, David Fletcher, Harry Palmer, Mark Bainbridge, George Cates
Rule Changes:
Bonus points are now available and will vary for each game day. In week 1, bonus points are rewarded for team scores of 150+ and 5/6 wickets taken
Powerplay rules have been changed. 3 mandatory Powerplay overs must be used at the start of each innings. The final two must be used by the 13th over
Classic Match – Gameweek 1 – 19 July 2020
The first ever game day of the 2020 Smash saw the Ashley Park Panthers take on the Walton Bridge Badgers. No-one really knew what to expect. What was a good score? How should you target the powerplay? How would first team stars fare against fourth team regulars?
The answer came quickly enough with Matt Bailey top scoring and hitting well against three of the 2024 Golden Oldies, Matt Nicholls, Paul Bainbridge and Dave Rolton. Bobs Hey also snared captain Joey Abbott second ball as the Panthers hit 100 from their 15.
The Panthers attack was strong led by four first teamers and the Badgers struggled to get going. A breezy 27 from Nicholls and a few starts left Chris Williams and Harry Palmer with much to do in the final three. The penultimate over saw one of the most memorable shots in recent times as Palmer dispatched Tricki for a straight six into the sight screen and the Badgers sneaked over the line with a ball to spare. The second game may see Tricki bowling at Harry again. Will history repeat itself?
Walton Bridge Badgers won by 3 wickets
Ashley Park Panthers 100-7 from 15 (Matt Bailey 31, Tricki Wilson 24, Chris Williams 2-6, Bobs Hey 2-16)
Walton Bridge Badgers 103-7 from 14.5 (Matt Nicholls 27, Chris Williams 17*, Louis Wilby 2-12, Joey Abbott 2-20)
What else do we need to know?
The first two teams are asked to arrive ahead of Game 1 to assist with set-up and so we can get started on time.
Please can everyone in possession of a Smash shirt bring it on the day.
The BBQ and bar will be open to all.
Friends and family are most welcome.
Thank you
Walton on Thames CC
