Surrey County Cricket Club have endured a torrid start to the 2009 season, winning just six matches out of a possible 24 in all competitions writes Matthew Kiernan.
The Brown Caps, who currently hold a mix of youth and experience within their squad, have enjoyed their most success in the four-day LV County Championship, where they currently lie 2nd in Division two.
After opening with a rain-affected draw against Gloucestershire at The Brit Oval and a disappointing loss to Derbyshire, Mark Butcher’s side have since remained on a four match unbeaten run.
The highlight of their season came in the form of an away win against Northamptonshire.
Surrey won by an innings and 95 runs after racking up a formidable total of 530, largely thanks to ex-England international Usman Afzaal’s 204 not out.
But despite being well placed for promotion back to the top tier, Surrey’s one-day form has been far from encouraging by comparison.
In the Friends Provident Trophy, a 50 Over competition, they slumped to five defeats in their eight group matches.
Flashes of brilliance were present though, especially in their emphatic 164 run win over Gloucestershire, which included a century from Mark Ramprakash.
But the consistency required to qualify for the knockout stages ultimately eluded them, unceremoniously finishing last in their division.
Their 20/20 campaign has been similarly tough, with only three wins from their ten matches in the southern division.
The inaugural 20/20 champions in 2003, the Brown Caps lost their final group game in a local derby against Kent at Beckenham.
They will be hoping their one-day form improves significantly ahead of the Natwest Pro40 competition, which begins later this month.
Published in Croydon Life Magazine
