Throughout 1975 discussions took place between the management committees of the University Vandals and Olinda Cricket Clubs. The result was that in 1976 a new Cricket Club — Olinda Vandals C.C. took to the field at Brownacres. Olinda C.C. was founded in 1924.

For the majority of the years that most people reading this brochure can remember Olinda C.C. played on what is now best known as the Esher R.F.C ground at Molesey Road. Forced to move from there by Esher's development scheme, a new 'home' was found at the Old Cranleighan Club at Thames Ditton. Prohibitive rent demands made that arrangement untenable by the mid 70's. At this time the University Vandals C.C. was in a similarly parlous stage, but for a different reason. Static ageing membership, whether or not a direct result of poor playing conditions, and a general lack of enthusiasm had led to the facilities of the Club being under utilised, and the summer months were fast becoming a millstone on the Clubs resources.

The time was right. Olinda, with its strong membership and attractive fixture list would give a much needed boost to the cricket season at Brownacres. The facilities, albeit with more than a little time and effort, would provide security for Olinda. With such emotive topics as the name of the new Club out of the way the 1976 Season was the first for Olinda Vandals C.C.

Much has been said in the past about the need for cricket to be played on wickets which are true and give both bat and ball a reasonably equal chance. Frank Hodgkinson was appointed Groundsman late in 1980 and in the short time that he has been with us an almost miraculous transformation has taken place. This is to the unquestionable advantage of both cricket and rugby players alike. lt is to be hoped that Frank will be given every help and encouragement to maintain Brownacres in top class condition for many years to come.

On the field the Cricket Club has not yet reached its true potential. The poor playing conditions in the first two or three years, coupled with the passage of time, caused a number of stalwarts to hang up their jock—straps. A lot of ability and experience has gone. The outlook however is bright. The Club is numerically strong, fielding four sides on many Saturdays and Sundays, and many promising young players are emerging. In this connection no tribute is too great for George Balchin who for several years now has devoted time (and patience) to coaching young cricketers. It is by George's example that the future of the Club can be made secure for many years to come, and some former glories regained. May they come quickly and in abundance.

In 1982 it is possible to look back and marvel at the general simplicity of the merger and the fact that after the first season when each Club tended to play its normal fixtures under the name of the new Club, the total integration was completed very quickly.

Humphrey Weedon