Walton Cricket Club all-rounder Jamie Mann’s spontaneous trip back to the UK proved well worth it after bagging his first ever century, writes James Hepworth.

Mann, who is currently studying at the German Sports University in Cologne, booked a last-minute flight back to London to score 102 not out in a winning draw for Walton- on-Thames third team at Normandy last month.

The 21-year-old, who is on a four-month exchange in Germany, had previously not missed the start of a cricket season at Walton in the 10 years he has been a member since first picking up a bat as an 11-year-old.

Mann, who is studying for a bachelor in Sport Coaching at the University of Brighton and returns from his studies in Europe late next month, will now have his name etched in gold lettering in the clubhouse – a dream he says has been many years in the making.

“I was called into action for the third team, as it has been a while since I have played competitive cricket and I needed to get back into the swing of things,” he explained.

“I seriously can’t believe I managed to secure my first every century, it is a surreal feeling and I never expected to clock more than 100 runs in such circumstances.

“It is an honour to have my name chiselled among some of the other greats in the clubhouse. I managed 92 against Leatherhead last season in the seconds, but I thought I’d have to wait a lot longer to make that first hundred after moving out to Germany.”

Six wickets from Jack Dominy (6-34) ensured Valley End were dismissed one run short of Walton’s 128 all out on Saturday to fire captain Liam Desai top of Division One of the Surrey Championships’ third team competition.

Mann did not feature, but he hopes to return to help his team to promotion.

He added:“This team has a great bunch of players with belief, and they are in a great shape to secure back-to-back promotions.

“Everyone is hungry for success, and I think the thirds can achieve this.”

Walton’s previously unbeaten first team slipped to defeat at Chessington in the Surrey Championship Division Two on Saturday.

James McNeill’s 87 was the bed-rock of Chessington’s 199 all out at the Sir Francis Barker Ground as he defied Mark Bainbridge (4-63) and Anthony Alleyne (4-17).

Walton were dismissed for 117 in reply.