Wanstead and Snaresbrook Cricket Club

Jon Gritten, Head of Junior Cricket

Jon’s most pleasant surprise in life was discovering when he moved to Wanstead, sixteen years ago, that he lived on the doorstep of a fantastic cricket club. He’s been involved with the Juniors for almost twelve years now and as Head of Junior Cricket for the past two. He says he just wants to help as many youngsters as possible, “play and enjoy our wonderful game.” He adds that he is particularly pleased to have seen the number of girls playing grow and is focused on seeing this continue.

Jon loves to talk cricket, so please feel free to find him for a chat or if you have anything you need to discuss or if you’d like to get involved with supporting the Junior section in any way.  You can often find him at the club or send him an email at jongritten@gmail.com

Len thanks his 9 year old son, SImon, for introducing him to Wanstead CC in 1993.  Well, I think we probably all owe a debt of gratitude to Simon!  There’s not much Len doesn’t know about cricket or about how to persuade others to get involved - just ask any of our coaches!

Although Len will be found doing any task, what he loves most is coaching and his enthusiasm, energy and expertise has rubbed off on hundreds of juniors at the club over the years. Cricket has given Len many great memories including captaining Courtney Walsh. But it was seeing Wanstead, as National Champions, defeat the MCC at Lords with nine members of the Wanstead team having graduated through the junior set up, he describes as one of his proudest moments.  

Peter modestly claims, “A limited cricketing pedigree despite the name!” With that name Peter of course is a Surrey & England fan and says he loves a nail-biting finish to a test.

Pete’s two children are junior members and as a family, love spending their weekends supporting and relaxing at the club. Pete plays a vital role liaising with all the coaches and ensuring the Friday sessions run smoothly. 

Although he’d like to think he looks far too youthful, Jim has been at the club for 15 years or so. He’s a west country boy, so it’s no surprise he follows the fortune of Somerset and idolised IT Botham as a boy. He states that no cricket tea is complete without a fruit scone (Jim adds, ‘with cream then jam - obvs’).

Cricket lookylikey: Jack Leach

Samran Saleem, U13s Head Coach

Samran joined around 7 years back because he felt that he was, “bringing my kids to a club which I knew had a wonderful nurturing setup, one where they would thrive and continue to excel in the sport they loved.” And indeed they have thrived all playing key roles in their respective teams.

Samran started coaching a few  years back when he was “roped in by Len” (weren’t we all) but says “I have not looked back!” adding, “I may be a bit old fashioned, but I still believe playing in the “V” is the way to go!” 

Simon Osborn, U13s Manager

Simon joined the club in 1999 as a junior and went on to captain the club’s fifth XI for 10 years before moving in to help with coaching. Simon’s first cricketing hero was Shane Warne and he has two bits of advice for any young captain: the first is to put the fielders where you think the ball will go secondly, do whatever the opposition want least.

Carl Lewis, U14s Head Coach

Carl has been a family member for ten years now and has been coaching this year’s U14 for five years. His favourite team is his beloved West Indies and although he says he models his game on the mighty Chis Gayle(!) most admires Sir Viv.

Carl’s coaching philosophy is “primarily for the children to enjoy the game and develop their skills no matter what their level is. Keeping their love for cricket is so important in order to keep them playing into adulthood.”

Atiq Nazir, U15s Manager
Atiq joined the club in 2015 so his son and daughter could fulfil their passion and eight years later says that ‘The club has been a joy for the whole family!’ Atiq started managing the u10’s in 2018.  Both Atiq and his team are very committed to their cricket, you’ll always find them practising. Maybe that’s the reason why they’ve won a number of trophies and are looking forward to the nationals this year. Good luck in that Atiq.

Phil Smith, U16s Manager

Phil has been involved with Wanstead CC for nine years, managing this year’s U16s since they were the U10s. Phil is a keen believer in the ‘spirit of cricket’ - “The way we play, represent Wanstead CC and carry ourselves is more important than any result.” He adds that he believes, “when children are young, participation and equal opportunities outweigh results.”

Although Phil loved the era of Botham and the great West Indian team and also loved watching Flintoff and Harmison the truth is he will, “Happily watch any cricket, at any level, at any time.” We’re with you there Phil!

Ash Patel,  U19s Manager

Ash has been at the club since 2011/12 when his son Zaid attended Dave’s Monday sessions. “Len and Dave weaved their magic spell and abracadara I became a qualified coach!”. 

Ash says that his philosophy as a coach is, “to try and give every young person the best chance possible to develop and play.