Surrey county cricket team (pre-1846)
Until 1845, the Surrey county cricket team, always known as Surrey, was organised by individual patrons and other groups, particularly Chertsey Cricket Club in the 18th century, and by Montpelier Cricket Club in the 19th. The team played important matches from the early 18th century until the formation of Surrey County Cricket Club on 22 August 1845.
The first definite mention of cricket anywhere in the world is dated c.1550 in Guildford. Cricket became established in Surrey during the 17th century, and the earliest village matches took place before the English Civil War. It is believed that the earliest county teams were formed in the aftermath of the Restoration in 1660.
The first recorded inter-county match took place in 1709 between Kent and Surrey on Dartford Brent. Surrey held important status throughout the 18th century, depending on the quality of their opponents, largely due to the Chertsey Cricket Club, and famous patrons such as Charles Bennet, 4th Earl of Tankerville. Noted Surrey players included Lumpy Stevens, William Yalden, and Billy Beldham.
19th century
The present Surrey County Cricket Club was formed at a meeting which took place at the Horns Tavern in Kennington following a match between Gentlemen of Surrey and Players of Surrey at The Oval on 21 and 22 August 1845. The earliest important match at The Oval was Surrey Club v Marylebone Cricket Club on 25 and 26 May 1846. Only 194 runs were scored in the match with a top score of 13. W. R. Hillyer took 14 wickets to help MCC win by 48 runs. Surrey County Cricket Club played its first important match v Kent at The Oval on 25 and 26 June 1846, winning by 10 wickets.