Hatch End Cricket Club Celebrates Club Day and Honours the Legacy of Chris Rew

Hatch End Cricket Club came together on Saturday 12 September for our annual club day and presentation evening, bringing players, families, friends and club legends together for a memorable day of cricket, celebration and remembrance.

The day began with an interclub friendly between players from the 1st and 2nd XIs. It was fantastic to see so many players in attendance, alongside family members and friends of the club, as we enjoyed a relaxed day of cricket and community.

However, this year's club day held a special significance as we came together to honour our former President, Chris Rew, who sadly passed away in January.

Remembering a True Club Legend

Chris joined Hatch End Cricket Club in 1968 and dedicated more than five decades of his life to the club. Throughout his remarkable time at Hatch End, he served as Chairman, Captain and Secretary, established a colts team from scratch and spent the last 15 years of his life as our President. In more recent years, following the club's move to Elstree, Chris continued to undertake countless tasks behind the scenes to keep the club running.

But more than anything, it was Chris's presence at the club that made him so special. He was immensely proud of everyone who represented Hatch End and would always want to shake the hand of anyone wearing the club shirt. Chris was a true legend of Hatch End Cricket Club and is absolutely irreplaceable.

We were delighted to welcome a fantastic turnout of club legends, alongside Chris' family and friends, who joined us throughout what was a wonderful and respectful day.

Reflecting on the Season

On the pitch, it was a challenging season for the club. The 1st XI saw relegation from Division 8 East, while the 2nd XI secured a respectable mid table finish in Division 14 West.

The unusually hot and dry summer also made conditions challenging across the leagues, with players having to contend with some particularly tough conditions throughout the season. Despite the challenges, there were plenty of individual performances and moments for the club to be proud of, with players continuing to represent the club with commitment and enthusiasm.

The day also marked the end of an era for 2nd XI captain Sean Gibbons, who announced that he would be stepping down from the captaincy at the end of the season. Sean was recognised for his dedication to Hatch End, both on and off the pitch, and the club thanked him for his commitment and leadership.

2026 Club Awards

The annual awards were presented by Chairman Andy Williams, 1st XI captain Inayat Rahman, 2nd XI captain Sean Gibbons and Chris' son, James.

1st XI Players' Player of the Season: Inayat Rahman

1st XI Captain's Player of the Season: Dhanushka Premasinghe

2nd XI Players' Player of the Season: Rahi Abdur

2nd XI Captain's Player of the Season: Jay Thanki

Performance of the Season:
Ricki Saha

Chairman's Award and Jitu Vadera Award: Anil Patel

Chris Rew Memorial Award:
Taz Mahmood

Inayat has been a consistent performer for the 1st XI throughout the season, contributing with both bat and ball and leading from the front. His performances earned the respect of his teammates, making him a deserving recipient of the Players' Player award. Dhanushka has been a valuable contributor to the 1st XI this season, producing a number of important performances and showing his quality on the pitch, as well as putting time into assisting with maintaining the pitch.

Rahi has enjoyed an excellent season with the 2nd XI, producing strong performances throughout the campaign with both bat and ball. Jay has been an important player for the 2nd XI this season, contributing consistently both on and off the pitch.

Performance of the Season went to Ricki Saha for his innings of 92 against Kings Langley early in the season. Ricki's performance with the bat has been a real highlight of the season, with his consistency and ability to produce important innings making him a worthy recipient of the award.

Anil Patel was recognised with the Chairman's Award and Jitu Vadera Award following a tireless season both on and off the pitch. Alongside enjoying a superb season as a player, Anil excelled in taking on the responsibility of selection. His dedication and contribution throughout the year could not go unnoticed, and the club was proud to recognise his hard work.

For the first time, the club also presented the Chris Rew Memorial Award, which was awarded to Taz Mahmood. Taz has worked tirelessly for many years to ensure that the club and its facilities remain fit for purpose. His efforts in maintaining the clubhouse and pitch, along with his continued dedication to Hatch End, made him a fitting recipient of this inaugural award. It is an achievement that Chris would have been incredibly proud of.

The club also took the opportunity to recognise several other individuals for their contributions throughout the year:

Sid Lawrence, for his continued dedication to keeping the club running throughout the season and during the off-season.

Andy Byrne, for his hard work maintaining the facilities and pitch.

Jay Thanki, for his efforts in organising work parties and helping to keep the club in good shape.

Alastair Lawrence, for his work in developing and maintaining the club's website.

Sean Gibbons, for his continued work in keeping the club compliant and organising winter net sessions.

These contributions are a reminder that Hatch End Cricket Club would not survive without the countless hours put in by individuals throughout the year, often purely for the love of the club.

The Chris Rew Pavilion

Following the awards presentation, we were honoured to welcome Chris' family and friends for a particularly special moment: the announcement that the pavilion would be renamed The Chris Rew Pavilion.

The new sign on the clubhouse was also unveiled, marking the new name and providing a lasting tribute to Chris. The club would like to recognise Mike Sherman and Neil Short for their work in organising the new sign and helping to make this fitting tribute possible.

A particularly touching tribute also came from a young member of the Hatch End family, who painted a beautiful picture of Chris during his playing days. The painting will be framed and hung in the club, providing a lasting reminder of Chris and his place within the Hatch End family.

Chris' son, James, also shared a few words about his dad and his many years at Hatch End. He spoke warmly about his memories of Chris and his time at the club, while sharing some personal memorabilia that gave everyone in attendance a special insight into Chris' life and the important place Hatch End held in it.

In a moving tribute, Chris' family then scattered some of his ashes on the wicket, as players, family members, friends of the club and those in attendance applauded.

It was a fitting way to commemorate a man who gave so much of his life to Hatch End Cricket Club.

A Fitting Tribute

Overall, the annual club day was a successful and emotional occasion for everyone at Hatch End. While we reflected on a challenging season on the pitch, the day was ultimately about celebrating the people who make our club what it is.

A special mention must go to Chairman Andy Williams, who organised the day and led the tributes to Chris. Andy delivered a fitting and heartfelt tribute, reflecting on Chris' remarkable involvement with Hatch End Cricket Club and the enormous contribution he made throughout his 50 plus years with the club. His words captured just how much Chris meant to Hatch End, both as a leader and, more importantly, as a friend and fellow club member. Andy's tribute was a fitting recognition of Chris' life at the club and set the tone for what was a very special and memorable day.

The community and family feeling within Hatch End is something we are all incredibly proud of, and it is something Chris worked tirelessly to build throughout his many years at the club. He would have been proud of the fantastic turnout, the celebrations, and the way the club came together to honour his legacy the proper Hatch End way.

Thank you to everyone who attended, everyone who played this season or contributed off the pitch, bought a drink at the bar, showed up to watch a game, attended a work party, helped maintain the facilities, organised fixtures and events, supported our players, brought along family and friends, or simply played their part in making Hatch End Cricket Club the community it is.

Rest in peace, Chris.

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