He first came to the attention of Surrey Cricket through a system developed by the Evening News - a London newspaper that sponsored a scheme to give junior cricketers an opportunity to get coaching at the Alf Gover cricket school in Wandsworth. Out of that, George was picked for Surrey U15 and had a truly prolific season, opening the batting and registering numerous 50's, 60's and70‘s; often in partnership with another graduate of the same system who went on to play First Class level. Jim Blackwood of Olinda was also in the same U15 with Surrey.

George began in club cricket at Olinda at around the same time aged 15, the introduction having been made by his sister who was also playing good club cricket and tennis. Apparently, George would cycle to games on his single speed Reynolds 531 racer with his bag hooked over his shoulder. We‘re not sure if this was just home games or whether he'd cycle to away games as well.

It's typical of the man that the balance of conversion between 50's and hundreds in his career has been simply appalling for a player of his talent and quality. He could face the quickest bowling and still hit it even though it might be moving around. He successfully mastered a very rapid and slippery junior West Indies quickie, along with all the other rising stars in the meanest sides that Weybridge and Walton have been able to throw at George across his years of league and friendly cricket.

Perhaps even more legendary than this awesome capability was the amazing sequence of scores that he put together against Chris Notton, who at Weybridge was one of the most devilish and legendary spin bowlers in Surrey cricket over the last few decades. Chris was having a fantastic season in Weybridge Ones - castling everyone who was anyone — but in that same year GWB rattled up 3 scores of over 60 against this same attack, often "marbelising" Chris‘s bowling to all corners of the Green at Weybridge and causing the dear chap possibly more consternation than perhaps anyone else at more illustrious clubs.

In his prime, GWB has to be in Chris‘s top 5 least favourite batsmen to bowl at and that's a huge thing, because Chris was awesome himself.

George played hard at Olinda and then at Olinda Vandals throughout a long and successful career — as first eleven captain in 1972, then again in 1987 but also as second eleven captain in the early 80's, before moving into coaching and umpiring.

The conversion rate of 50’s to hundreds is in part explained by the attitude - somehow, he either gets bored after 50 or he feels that 50 is enough for him, he'll just get out and let some of the other guys have a go. He has no big ego. GWB is a team man.

GWB is a role model of sportsmanship. He scored his first century, 108 fittingly at Byfleet CC relatively late on in his career. That was an innings of great beauty combining late cuts with drives all round the arc. He has scored countless half centuries and held numerous wonderful catches. He has captained at all levels and coached the colts over 30 years. It was always a pleasure to play in the same team as George.

George is very interested in his players as people and has a phenomenal knowledge of his players' abilities. He is a very patient and determined man. His house emblem of old father time as seen at Lords combined with Daphne's musical instrument shows us all how a successful and loving marriage can stand the test of time. Daphne and George make a wonderful partnership for us all to see.

George has had a great impact on players past and present, both from a sporting and social perspective. At the time of writing, the most recent game played by the 1st Xl included ten players who were coached by George, with many other former colts playing for the 2's and 3‘s. This is a great testament to George and without his incredible commitment to the club and in particular the colts set-up, the club would not be the success it is today.

His dedication has never wavered, from the countless hours of coaching to driving around Surrey, George's commitment and passion have been an inspiration for those around him. On top of this he has dedicated himself to umpiring the 1st and 2nd XI's for a number of years and continued to help develop and shape the cricketing careers of those around him. That said, I am sure that a few of our shot selections have made him realise that not everybody remembers the early coaching sessions where the emphasis was on ‘getting your head over the ball and keeping a high elbow'!

Whilst George has been a great coach and umpire to us all, more importantly he has become a good friend and someone we all enjoy discussing the game with over a couple of beers.

It is a great delight to the Weybridge Vandals Cricket Club to be celebrating with George his unbeaten run of 60 years with the club.

Memories of 60 years in the game....

I faced one ball bowled by George (it was a President’s Day)
IT BOWLED ME! So I hate him. I should have left him in the cave in Castleton that we visited on a rainy day on tour while the other lads spent the day in the hotel bar, we had a lovely day walking in the peaks.
Lional Avery

I would like to take this opportunity on behalf of myself and my brother, Nitin to say congratulations on reaching your 60th season in the sport of cricket. What an amazing achievement! I can only say how great your hospitality was when we spent three seasons with you. You made us both feel so welcome and we thoroughly enjoyed our time with Olinda Vandals Cricket Club. We wish you well with the many cricket seasons ahead and hope that we too are involved in the game for as long as you have been.
Rohit and Nitin Jagota

Having George Balchin in my cricket team is like having an extra uncle on my side, George is an unassuming modest English Gentleman. Olinda and Weybridge Vandals Cricket Club is very proud of his achievements over 60 years as a cricketer, coach and leader of men. I wish him and Daphne every happiness and fond memories from this special President’s Day. George you have touched so many hearts as a cricketer! You are a true Brownacres Legend.
Adrian Waldock

I played my cricket in Hersham Recreation Ground for Hersham & Claremont in the late 50's early 60's when all matches were "friendly", at this time George was performing with his colleagues (and their dodgy umpire Arthur Englefieldl) at Esher Rugby Club. They would never give us a fixture as they considered themselves to be above our level. Vandals always managed to get a report of their matches on the back pages of the local newspaper with George prominent with his batting abilities.
I moved away had children and moved back to the area in the 70‘s. I joined the Vandals in the late 80's with two of my three sons very interested in cricket. George coached them both and I thank George for all his work keeping Vandals going for his coaching not only of my two sons but for all the boys that have been through his hands.
John Powell