Chertsey Cricket Club – Celebration of 250 years of the middle stump

6th September 2026 will be the 250th anniversary of the first game of cricket officially played with a middle stump. Prior to 1776, the game was played with only two stumps – what we now know as leg stump and off stump – and with a single double-length bail across the top.

Chertsey Cricket Club is fiercely proud of the fact that that first match was played between Chertsey (the home team) and Coulsdon on a piece of ground by the river Thames at Laleham Burway.

The story of this momentous change to the game of cricket actually begins in May 1775 during a game played at the Honourable Artillery Ground (HAG) in Finsbury Park in north London and involves Edward “Lumpy” Stevens – recognised as the game of cricket’s first great bowler – who played many times for Chertsey under Lord Tankerville (a patron of the game).

It’s not clear exactly who Lumpy was playing for at the HAG that day – nor can we be sure how he came by his nickname. But what is known is that Lumpy – bowling underarm as was usual in those days – put the ball between the two existing stumps three times without dislodging the bail. What made it more significant was that the batter on each occasion was John Small – the best batter in the country at that time.

Lumpy was understandably furious that he wasn’t credited with the wicket and – backed by other senior players – demanded a change in the laws. …and the middle stump was born (although at the outset it was optional!)

Chertsey Cricket Club’s (CCC) bar is proudly called “The Third Stump” and the club’s badge features that middle stump.

Chertsey Cricket Club are in the process of arranging a match at Chertsey’s current ground (where they have played since 1922) on the 6th September 2026 between those pioneering teams.

Coulsdon has been amalgamated over time to become Chipstead, Coulsdon and Walcountians CC while CCC remains the town’s leading club.

They are also planning to hold a cricket week from Sunday 21st June 2026 showcasing all aspects of CCC – the men’s teams; the ladies’ teams; the juniors’ (boys and girls) teams; the Social League which they run during the season for local business and sports teams; and the veterans (The Strollers and walking cricket) – all culminating on Sunday 28th June with a charity-fund-raising visit of a team from The Lord’s Taverners.

Sunday June 21st to Sunday 28th June – Cricket Week

Sunday 21st June – Chertsey Strollers v Surrey Seniors Cricket

Monday 22nd June – Ladies Interclub Match

Tuesday 23rd June – Walking Cricket Celebration

Wednesday 24th June – Chertsey v The Stage

Thursday 25th June – Social League – Dad’s Army v Bab’s Army 6pm

Friday 26th June – Colts Challenge Night

Saturday 27th June – League Match – 2nd XI v Hampton Hill 12pm

Sunday 28th June – Chertsey v Lords Taverners

Sunday 26th July – Chertsey v MCC XI

250th “To the Day” Anniversary Matches

Sunday 6th September – Chertsey v Coulsdon (H) & Chertsey v Hambledon (A)

For more information please visit https://chertseycc.org.uk/