The relegation of the 1st XI from the Premier Division meant that overall the 2014 season will not be remembered with great fondness at Upminster CC, but this overshadows some positive performances in other areas of the Club.

 The 1st XI themselves actually started the season well, winning two of their first three games to be amongst the early season pace setters, but from then on things were a struggle. A mid-season victory over Shenfield raised hopes of a recovery in the second half of the season, but the campaign ended with a long run of defeats and a loss at Wanstead in late August confirmed the side’s demotion.

 Nobody showed any great consistency with the bat, but Shahbaz Butt and Billy Gordon led the way, while Alan Ison’s season was interrupted by injury. With the ball, John Curtis again led the way but although he received good support from Gordon and Shaffiq Rahman the bowlers were not able to contain the opposition as they would have hoped.

 The cup competitions bought little cheer, although there was a run to the last eight of the T20 before Wanstead proved to strong.

 Ollie Peck stood down as skipper at the end of the season having done an incredible job over the last 10 years. John Curtis will take on the role from next season and will be looking to push the side back towards the top flight.

 Having only sealed promotion to the Premier Division in the closing moments of the 2013 season, the 2nd XI made the most of their opportunity and finished in an excellent 3rd place on their return to the top flight. Nicky Ison continued to foster an excellent team spirit amongst his troops and his well drilled side shocked many of the top sides. They overcame Wanstead twice, once thanks to a remarkable 10th wicket partnership between Scott Fisher and Junaid Sarwar, and also upset champions Chelmsford later in the season.

 The most pleasing aspect of the campaign was the number of young players who contributed. Frank Hazel, Will Chuter, Max Carter Miller, Ollie Heazle and Louis Pickering were all regulars in the side and their performances bode well for the coming years.

 The 3rd XI had another consistent season and ended up as runners-up in their 13th consecutive season in the Premier Division. The batting was well below par when compared against prior years, but the bowling and fielding was amongst the best in the division. Mark D’Cruz and Danny Tyler led the way with the ball and they were supported by Andrew Berry, Max Carter Miller and Scott Fisher. There was a point in mid-season where it looked like the side may challenge for the title but defeats against Wanstead and Shenfield meant a strong Chelmsford side deservedly took the title. Youngsters Nathan Smith, Oliver White and George Sadek showed much promise and will be looking to push on under new captain Mark D’Cruz in 2015.

 After a great escape in 2013 the 4th XI needed some more last day heroics to avoid the drop in 2014. With the side needing to chase a huge total against fellow strugglers Harold Wood, 15 year old Ollie Heazle strode to the crease. He proceeded to make 164 not out and see the side to a stunning victory and survival. The other highlights of the season were the performances of youngster Harjass Sagoo with the bat and 15 year old Oliver White with the ball. Captain Billy Wright led the attack well once again and will continue in the role in 2015.

 There was also a last day escape for Mike Larke’s 5th XI. After a tough season the captain and 14 year old Alfie James batted for nearly two hours in their last day contest with Basildon to avoid defeat and thus condemn Basildon to the drop by just a single point. While the season was a tough one, the team regularly contained 7 or 8 Under 15s who will have learned from their experiences. Mike has stood down for 2015 and Alex Bottoms will pick up the reins.

 For the third year running the 6th XI finished in the bottom two, but thankfully this time they have been moved down a division as a result of this, which will benefit everyone involved with the team next season. Paul Scott continues to do an excellent job bringing through the next crop of young players and 2014 was no different. Jake Giddings, Nathan Bright, Jamie Squance and Ryan Brown all put in good performances and will be looking to move up the elevens over the next few years.

 The 7th XI entered the Friendly Division for the first time, but due to bad availability of both Upminster and opposition players, only managed a handful of games through this format. Glen Ashby led the side with enthusiasm when they were in action, and while the team will not be playing in any formal league in 2015, we hope to be able to field this side on a more regular basis.

 On Sundays the Sunday League side once again competed in the East Division of the Essex Sunday League and claimed promotion to the Premier Division after a last day title showdown with Gorsebrook. Ollie Peck led the side and with four or five first teamers making themselves available each week it enabled four or five of our colts to play in the side and gain some valuable experience. Freddie Butt will be running the side in 2015 and we hope the make up of the team will be similar to last season. The friendly side also played games on most Sundays and were lucky to play against some hospitable opponents, eat large pub lunches pre game and take on board some excellent teas mid match!!!

 The colts section continues to thrive, and the work of our coaching team, led by Freddie Butt, is really starting to be seen. The Matchplay side won their group to progress to the second stage (for the third consecutive year) but fell at that point after getting a tough draw. This side have been together under the leadership of Craig Chuter since they were 10 years old and we mist thank Craig for all his efforts as these lads now move into senior cricket. The U15s won the Havering League and reached the semi-finals of the Cox and Kings Cup, while the Under 13s reached the final of the Len Stentiford Cup as well as performing well in the Peter Coe Cup and the National Cup. We have high hopes that many of these young players will go on to represent the club’s 1st and 2nd XI over the next few years, and that the many players in our younger sides will continue to progress through the system.

 The Keith Martin Club Person of the Year award was deservedly won by Club Treasurer Andrew Berry. Andrew not only carries out the Treasurer’s role with enthusiasm and diligence, but plays a huge part in the Colts Section, helps to organise the annual benefit match, and still makes himself available to play every Saturday.

The Benefit Match against Essex has always been one of the highlights of the Year at Upminster, and in 2014 this was the case more than ever. A huge crowd, the largest we have ever seen, turned out to welcome England Captain Alastair Cook. The day reflected well on the Club and the whole community, but we must also thank Alastair himself, and his Benefit Committee Vice-Chairman Neil Foster, for their time and enthusiasm. Alastair signed hundreds of autographs and posed for hundreds of photos and was a great ambassador for Essex and England cricket.

 We should also take this opportunity to thank all other volunteers who score, umpire, make the teas, help get the grounds ready, help with transport, or assist in any other way which makes cricket at Upminster CC take place. This is especially the case these days with the number of people involved in the colts section, as it continues to grow.

We must also thank our sponsors, Pinney Talfourd LLP, the Alishan Tandoori, B F Mulley & Son Funeral Directors, Grove Road Tyres, James Read Opticians, Locksafe Windows, Waitrose Upminster and Apollo 2000 (First Class Car Body Repairers) for their financial support in 2014. The generosity of these local businesses is invaluable to the Club.

 Everyone at the Club would like to wish all SNEL Clubs an enjoyable 2015, and we look forward to welcoming you to Upminster Park or one of our out-grounds.