Avorians Cricket Club, Cobham.  |
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At the beginning of this year, PSU IT Voice and Data became involved with the Avorians CC. Founded in 1928, the Avorians Cricket Club celebrated its 75th Anniversary in 2003 but the question most frequently posed by both club members and visitors alike is “Who are the Avorians Cricket Club.”
The club’s history can be traced back to shortly after the end of the First World War when following de-mob from the armed forces young men returned back to their villages. Cobham at this time had only one village cricket team so there was a need for another team.
The club in its 75 years has boasted some really top class cricketers and probably top of the list has to be one R.G.D. Willis. Bob played for the club for two seasons in the late 1960s and displayed what a great fast bowler he was to become. Two years after leaving the club to become a professional he was opening the bowling for England against Australia.
Bob introduced another soon-to-be international skipper to the playing ranks in Geoff Howarth, who played for the club for a couple of seasons. Just as quick as Bob Willis was the incomparable Mick Mitchell who opened the bowling for the Avorians in the 1970s. He was the opening bowler at Middlesex when John Price was their number two and Pricey went on to represent his country.
On 30th May 1983 Avorians played host to the touring New Zealand Cricket Team on the opening game of their tour. The New Zealanders fielded a full strength Test X1 against the hosts including Lance Cairns, Martin and Jeff Crowe, Ewan Gray, Jeremy Coney, Glenn Turner, Ewan Chatfield, Warren Jones, Bruce Edgar and John Bracewell. The side was led by ex-Avorian Geoff Howarth.
Hundreds of interested spectators witnessed a very close game with the tourists just winning the day.
In recent years the First XI has benefitted from the talents of home grown ex-Essex captain Paul Prichard who has also played for his country. From abroard the Avorians have also had the services of Matt Daykin, Mark Higgs and Aaron O'Brien and would have had Brad Haddin had he not been picked for Australia for the 2005 Ashes Tour.
The Avorians will continue playing in the Surrey Championship First Division in 2006 and although their cavalier approach is not appreciated by all clubs in the league, they can certainly party with the best, and frequently do.
For more information visit www.avorianscc.co.uk
