July

After weeks of u-turns and rumours, recreational cricket for the 2020 was finally given the all clear late on Friday 3rd July, and eight days later four Upminster sides were lined up and ready for action. That the club was in a position to field four sides just days after the all clear was given was a huge credit to all those involved both on and off the pitch, and the spirit shown to keep the club running through the worrying times of March, April, May and June, would be very much in evidence over the next 10 weeks.

The first weekend of the season saw friendly fixtures take place, and new captain Alan Ison took his new look 1st XI to Orsett and Thurrock. Ison's men could be excused for their rusty looking batting performance, but 14 year old Callum Berry showed his exciting potential by top scoring on his first team debut as Upminster were bowled out for 108. Orsett also struggled in reply but veteran Matt Hills steered his side to victory. It was a different story in the 2nd XI game between the two clubs at Upminster Park where another veteran, Shaffiq Rahman, made an unbeaten half century as Upminster picked up a six wicket win. Upminster also won the 3rd XI game at School Lane where Stew Hammond was in the runs and Mark Schofield picked up a sensational four wickets in four balls to take his side to victory (however this may not have happened as it is not on PlayCricket). The 5th XI completed the day's action, and although they fell to a defeat against Oakfield Parkonians there were four wickets for 13 year old Jamie Green and 46 with the bat for his colts team mate Gus Siggins. Sunday saw one of only two appearances for the Sunday Friendly XI during the season as they beat Tetherdown Trundlers thanks to wickets from stalwart Karim Govani and runs from youngster Nathan Brown.

Monday saw the SNEL Committee announce the reformatted divisions for the 2020 league season, and the make-up of the Ten Doeschate Division, which the 1st XI would compete in, was the cause for much debate!! However, Saturday came and Alan Ison's side made the short journey to Harrow Lodge to face Hornchurch 2s in their first competitive game. Kiran Kullar and Pulkit Gupta put together a fine partnership as Ison's men made 209-5, and while there were a few nervous moments later in the afternoon Upminster picked up a 46 run win. The 2nd XI also started with a win as they overcame Brentwood 3s. Stu Connor and Adam John Quested were in the runs, something which would continue over the coming weeks, before Louie Collins and Sam Twine picked up three wickets apiece to help Upminster to a 35 run win. The shock of the opening day came at Campion where the 3rd XI, Premier Division champions in 2018 and 2019 fell to a defeat against Gidea Park and Romford. Half centuries for Oliver White and Pete Thompson helped Upminster recover from 6-4, but Mark Hope steered the visitors to a comfortable win. There was no such problems for the 4th XI who beat their Gidea Park counterparts by seven wickets, Jamie Green in the wickets again, but the 5th XI fell to a defeat at Hutton despite an excellent innings from Alex Bottoms.

Windmill Whack V got underway the following day, and the first edition of the Windmill Whack Women's Edition also started. The Apple Finance Firebirds saw off the Hunter Hurricanes in front of a healthy crowd, while the Chairman's Choice returned to action, rather aptly on the Chairman's 40th birthday, with a win over the Kushoom Bugh Tigers. Meanwhile the Phoenix overcame the Panthers in the first ever women's match of the inaugural competition.

Week two of the league programme was ruined by the weather. After weeks locked inside with the sun shining it was somewhat ironic to see heavy rain fall across the County throughout much of the afternoon. The weather almost certainly robbed the 1st XI of victory after they had piled up 301-6 against Old Brentwoods. Pulkit Gupta kept up his brilliant start for the club with a wonderful century, while Alan Ison and Louis Pickering both passed 50 before the weather set in. The 2nd XI looked set for a good game with Gidea Park and Romford as they made 200-7 thanks again to Stu Connor and Adam John Quested, as well as Josh Lamont and Nicky Ison. However, the weather meant the game never started again after the end of the Upminster innings. It was a similar story for the 3rd XI at Harold Wood where Matt Mccarthy and Akibar Rahman helped Upminster to 174-5 before the game was abandoned. The only completed league game of the day was the 4th XI match against Brentwood 5s at Coopers, but captain Ian Munn may have wished it had rained there to!!! George King made 43 to help Upminster to 173-9 but Shane Surujbally made a brilliant 81 not out as Brentwood reached 145-2 before the rain came, but the visitors won on run rate. Alex Bottoms continued his remarkable start to the season with another half century for the 5th XI, but they were also thwarted by the weather at Oakfield Parkonians. The 6th XI braved the conditions but ended up losing out to Hornchurch Athletic in a thrilling friendly at Campion. Upminster were in huge trouble early on but Don Triggs made his highest score (79) for 17 years, and with support from Jordan Southan and Azim Choudry helped to set a challenging total before Athletic squeezed home by two wickets with two overs to spare.

The Windmill Whack action continued the next day as the Kushoom Bugh Tigers overcame the Govani Maestros, while in the Womens Edition the Panthers lost to Burley's Bandits and the Sharks underlined their favourites tag with a win over the Ace Avengers.

August

The 1st XI started the month with a victory over Goresbrook as they continued their promising start to the shortened season. Alan Ison’s men had looked in some trouble early on at May & Bakers, but veteran James Evans kept his cool to make a wonderful 117 and with support from Callum Berry (60*) they helped their side to 258-5 which was to many for the home team. Ehsan Afzal picked up four wickets and Louis Pickering three as Goresbeook were rolled out for 104. That win was one of six on the first Saturday of the month as all of Upminster’s senior sides picked up victories. A week later and Upminster travelled to Gallows Corner for what many expected would be their sternest test to date as they faced Gidea Park & Romford. Once again Upminster didn’t make the best of starts as former player Will Chuter picked up two early wickets, but Pulkit Gupta and captain Ison made half centuries to lead the recovery. Louis Pickering, Ollie Peck and John Curtis also chipped in as Upminster made 223, and despite 43 from Park skipper Jamal Francis and 41 from Chuter, Park were never in the chase and were bowled out for 192. The mid August contest with Brentwood 2s turned out to be Ison’s men’s toughest assignment to that point of the season. Ben Sach and Kieran Emmanuel helped to put Brentwood in a good position, before five wickets for the evergreen Ollie Peck pegged them back, but Brentwood still posted a challenging 193-8. Upminster’s reply was a stuttering one as they looked on more than one occasion to be getting on top before losing clusters of wickets. Ison made 48 and Nehal Butt and James Aggio-Brewe kept their cool to see Upminster home by three wickets. Their win over Shenfield 2s a week later was a more comfortable affair. Gupta continued his sensational first season at the Club by making 126 and with Evans and Butt also contributing Upminster piled up 263-9. Peck then continued his good form with four wickets as Shenfield were bowled out for 121. The month ended in frustration though as the game with AGHAB was abandoned after 37 overs due to rain. Louis Pickering made 100 not out and his side were on 177-5 when the weather meant an early finish.

There were four wins from five for Nicky Ison’s 2nd XI during August, beginning with a thumping victory over Goresbrook. Nehal Butt made his first century for the club and there were 50s for Tom Daniels and captain Ison as Upminster amassed 307-3 at Upminster Park. Youngsters Sam Twine and Ellis Pickering then starred with the ball as Goresbrook were restricted to 182-8. Ison's men were equally efficient a week later as they overcame Harold Wood in the local derby. Mark D'Cruz and Scott Simmons were both amongst the wickets as Wood were bowled out for 122 and Daniels then continued his fine form with an unbeaten half century as Upminster cruised home by eight wickets. A week later and the rain intervened in the top of the table clash at Hutton. The home side had reached 225-6 from 37 overs when the game was abandoned. That result would become more crucial as the season evolved!! Daniels' remarkable season continued at Old Brentwoods as he scored a wonderful 108. The captain joined in the fun, making 96, as the title chasers piled up a whopping 293-4. Pickering and Ehsan Afzal then proved strong for the Old Boys who were dismissed for 88. Orsett & Thurrock were next to be on the wrong end of a Daniels masterclass as the youngster made another half century, and with Josh Lamont and Adam John Quested also making 50s Upminster posted another huge total, this time 302-4. Jordan Owen put up a fight for Orsett with 56 but his side finished on 138 and fell a long way short.

A mixed month for the 3rd XI started with a nervy win over local rivals Hornchurch. Mark Schofield was the pick of the Upminster attack as Hornchurch were restricted to 180-8. Upminster looked in control early in the chase but then fell to 98-5 and were indebted to Rob Mack and Oliver White to help steer them to a four wicket win. They fell to a narrow defeat at Hutton a week later in one of the games of the season. Paul Middlemiss top scored for the visitors but their total of 181-7 always looked a little under par. Andrew Berry took three wickets to keep Upminster in the hunt and when Jordan Tolan dismissed top scorer Craig Miller it looked like they may scrape to victory, but last pair Andy Bliss and Daniel Rickard scampered one from the final ball of the match to take Hutton to a one wicket win. Berry took five wickets a week later against AGHAB at Coopers and with Louie Collins taking four an early finish looked on the cards as the visitors were bowled out for 74. However, Upminster old boy Russ Savidge combined with Anthony Downes to reduce Upminster to 41-7 and then 61-9 before the home side scrambled home by one wicket. There were no such issues a week later at Orsett & Thurrock where Collins claimed six wickets as Orsett were bowled out for 92 and Akibur Rahman (54*) and Will Frost (37*) then saw their side to a 10 wicket win. And it was a similar story on the final Saturday of the month as Collins and Rohan Mayor combined to bowl out Shenfield for 75 before Rahman and Dan Simpson took Upminster to a nine wicket victory which kept alive their slim title hopes.

The 4th XI recovered from their defeat to Brentwood at the end of July with a brilliant win over Hutton. Joe Hills steered Hutton to 173-5 and Upminster looked out of the game as they fell to 89-7 in reply. Rohan Mayor and Arun Kullar had other ideas though, and their partnership helped Upminster to a two wicket win. Ian Munn's side stayed in the title race with a win over Harold Wood a week later. Will Frost made 86 and with contributions from Kullar, Steve Limn and Rob Bannister Upminster reached a challenging 225-5. 13 year old Jamie Green then stole the show with the ball as his five wicket haul helped dismiss Wood for 143. Kullar's innings against Chelmsford a week later then moved Munn's side right into the title mix as they overcame the morning leaders by two wickets. In pursuit of Chelmsford's 201-7 Upminster looked in trouble as they lost early wickets, but Kullar, with help from Mike Larke and Ben Hamberger, saw Upminster to an excellent win. There was no league game a week later but the side picked up a friendly win over Shenfield, with Max Gordon claiming four wickets, and they finished the month with another friendly victory, this time over AGHAB, after Goresbrook had been forced to concede. Kevin Roome claimed five wickets in that success.

Rafe Smallman's return to action helped the 5th XI to start the month with a win over Ilford. Smallman made 73 and Ben Calder made an unbeaten 65 and with help from Paul Stratton and in form Alex Bottoms Upminster were able to make 262-3. Youngster George King then took three wickets to help restrict Ilford to 195-8. Smallman made 71 a week later against Brentwood 6s, but he was outshone by youngster Harvey Daniels who made a brilliant 128. Nathan Brown also made an unbeaten 63 as Upminster piled up 311-2. Jai Mayor, Ben Hamberger and Shrey Shah each took three wickets in the Brentwood innings as they were skittled out for 59. Three wickets for captain Aalok Latey and another half century for Brown were not enough the following Saturday as Harlow 4s won an excellent game by 26 runs, but they bounced back against Old Brentwoods as four wickets for Ant Limn helped secure a 46 run victory. Wanstead & Snaresbrook started the last Saturday of the month as divisional leaders but they were put to the sword by Latey's men who picked up a stunning 10 wicket success, thanks in no small part to an unbeaten 78 from Max Carter Miller.

The 6th XI completed two friendly fixtures in August. Four wickets from Ben Hamberger and 37 from Ray Calder helped them to a four wicket win over Hornchurch, before the experienced trio of Calder, Ian Twine and John Morley saw them to a 95 run win over Gidea Park & Romford.

The Men's and Women's Editions of the Windmill Whack continued throughout the month. The result of seven Sundays of action was the Apple Finance Firebirds going straight to the Final while the Chairman's Choice and the Govani Maestro's made the play-off in the men's event, while in the women's event the Sharks remained unbeaten and qualified for the final alongside Burley's Bandits.

September

As the season moved into September four of Upminster’s senior sides remained in the hunt for league titles which was a great credit to everyone involved at the Club. The action for the month actually began though on a Friday night, with the U19s losing a thriller to Saffron Walden in the U19 T20 County Cup. Despite the long journey Tom Daniels was able to name a strong looking side for the daunting trip to North Essex, but Walden also fielded a powerful line up. For much of the evening it looked like Upminster were out of the contest, but a marvellous knock from Nehal Butt got them back in the game, and they took things to the last over before heartbreakingly missing out by two runs in the gloom.

The following day saw the 1st XI take a huge step towards the Ten Doeschate Division title with a 32 run win over closest rivals Springfield. It was the first ever competitive game between the Clubs 1st XIs and Upminster were in trouble early on as they slipped to 63-4. Harry Jenkins, often at his best in a crisis, once again showed his fighting spirit as he made 63, and with support from youngsters Ellis Pickering and Callum Berry the home side reached a competitive 171. Louis Pickering and John Curtis then produced their best opening burst of the season to put Upminster in charge and although the Springfield middle order put up a fight they were dismissed for 139.

The 2nd XI were not affected by the long trip up the A12 as they won convincingly at Colchester to stay on course for the Prichard Division crown. There were runs once more for Tom Daniels (51) and Stu Connor (82) but the star of the show with the bat was captain Nicky Ison who made a brilliant unbeaten 112 as his side piled up 304-4. The home side were always up against it after that, and a good all round bowling performance from Upminster saw Colchester all out for 138 before Ison’s men also claimed the beer pong honours in the evening fixture!!!

The 3rd XI began the month knowing their title chances were slim, but they kept them alive with a convincing win over Brentwood 4s in their final home game of the season. Upminster were in trouble early on against some tight bowling, but half centuries from Dan Simpson, Akibur Rahman and captain Olive White saw them to 224-5 before the skipper starred with the ball to dismiss Brentwood for 127. Meanwhile the 4th XI completed their league season (a week earlier than our other sides) with a convincing win over Shenfield. There were excellent innings from Harvey Daniels (61) and Matt Mccarthy (78) before a late flurry from Ryan Brown and Jamie Green took the score to 237-4. Will Bowden made a brilliant 111 for Shenfield in reply but with Green and Stewart Hammond picking up two wickets each the home side were bowled out for 186.

After finishing August with a fine victory to throw open the title race, the 5th XI slipped up the following week against fellow title hopefuls Chelmsford. Upminster’s top order were blown away by the Chelmsford attack, with only youngster Gus Siggins and Will Bottoms making meaningful contributions. Michael Jones and captain Aalok Latey gave Upminster hope as they reduced Chelmsford to 54-5 but Matt Spinks and Ryan Cheverall saw their side to a four wicket win. The 6th XI enjoyed a friendly fixture with new opponents Stoke Newington. Stoke batted first and made 260-6 despite excellent spells from Ryan Oakes and Graeme Lawes and it proved to much for Upminster even though Nathan French made a brilliant 55 not out and Ibraheem Choudry made 28.

The following day saw Finals Day for both the women’s and men’s Windmill Whack. The weather played ball and a large crowd was in attendance throughout the day. In the women’s final the Burley Bandits looked for a while like they may spring a surprise against the Sharks as Vicky Waters picked up a number of wickets. However, Claire Dixey led the Sharks’ fightback with the bat before Freya Killilea’s bowling put them on top and they eventually became the first winners of the event, with captain Jemma Creswell receiving the Trophy from Chairman Ollie Peck. In the Men’s event the in-form Maestros proved to strong for the ageing Chairman’s Choice in the morning play-off and advanced to the Grand Final to face the Apple Finance Firebirds. The Maestros won the toss and batted first and their innings stopped and started throughout but was given crucial, and match changing, late impetus by Arun Kullar. The left hander hit a flurry of boundaries, continuing his good form from recent Saturdays, as the Maestros totaled 175. Firebirds captain Harry Jenkins led his side’s reply but when he was controversially given out the Firebirds innings began to unravel. Tom Hilson held firm and remained unbeaten to the end, but without much support the Firebirds were defeated by 29 runs and Maestros captain James Aggio Brewe was able to lift the Trophy. The tournament was once again a huge success, and the addition of the women’s event helped to make this the best Windmill Whack summer we have had.

The final day of the league season came and for differing reasons it was to be an unforgettable and exciting one. At Chelmer Park the equation for the 1st XI was simple. A win over second placed Chelmsford 2s, or six bonus points for Alan Ison’s men in defeat, would see the one off Ten Doeschate crown reside at Upminster Park. Chelmsford won the toss and chose to bowl and they soon had Upminster in trouble as they fell to 71-7. 14 year old Callum Berry stood firm though and found support in veteran John Curtis . Berry made 32 not out and with Billy Wright also chipping in Upminster scrambled to 152. Curtis and Louis Pickering both picked up two early wickets as Upminster continued to fightback and at 66-6 and 126-8 Chelmsford looked to have lost their chance, especially as one more wicket (and the subsequent bonus point) would have given Upminster the title. Chelmsford kept their nerve though to take the game to the last over where 15 were needed, and then the last three balls were struck for four by James Liddiard to give the home side a remarkable win and the title. Despite the defeat the season was a positive one for Alan Ison’s men. Youngsters Berry and Ellis Pickering were brought into the side and made excellent contributions, while Pulkit Gupta and Nehal Butt were both excellent additions to the club. While the last day defeat was disappointing the team spirit bought about by a run of victories was excellent, and hopes are high for the 2021 campaign in Division One.

For the 2nd XI the equation was even more simple. Win and the Prichard title was theirs, lose and it wouldn’t be. As with the 1st XI, there appeared to be a few nerves around as Nicky Ison’s men slid to 129-8 against AGHAB, despite a half century from Shaffiq Rahman. Another veteran, Terry Wyatt, kept his nerve as he has done so many times down the years to make an unbeaten 47 and with support from Jordan Tolan, Upminster climbed to 195-9. Any thoughts that the title was nearly secured were soon diminished as AGHAB reached 121-3 and looked to be in a good position. However, the man for the big occasion, Josh Lamont, stepped in with three wickets as AGHAB collapsed to 141 all out and Upminster claimed the title. It was great reward for the side who won eight out of nine games played (the other was rained off) and a great way to respond to relegation from the Premier Division in 2019. Several batsmen enjoyed excellent seasons, while Ehsan Afzal was a great addition to the side and to the club. Ison and his men will be hoping they can mount a promotion challenge from Division One in 2021.

Back at Chelmer Park and the 3rd XI knew they had to win and hope other results went their way if they were to follow up their two Premier Division titles with a Harmer Division win from this truncated season. Akibur Rahman and Dan Simpson were again in good form with the bat but from a strong position Upminster lost their way and were bowled out in the last over for 159. Captain Oliver White and Rohan Mayor looked to have done enough to see Upminster to a win but a ninth wicket stand of 32 for Chelmsford saw them to a two wicket win. Chelmsford finished second to champions Hornchurch while Upminster were left in fourth place. It was a strange season for the 3s with a number of one sided contests, a disappointing opening day defeat to Gidea Park and Romford and two narrow losses to Hutton and Chelmsford. Rahman and Simpson both impressed with the bat while veteran Andy Berry and leg spinner Louie Collins shone with the ball. The captain himself showed his all round capabilities and enjoyed an impressive season, and the Team will surely be back amongst the title challengers when normal service resumes (hopefully) next summer.

With their league programme already completed the 4th XI enjoyed a friendly fixture with old friends Hornchurch Athletic. Mike Larke rolled back the years to make 85 not out and Ian Munn’s side reached 190-2. Larke then picked up three wickets with his occasional left arm slow deliveries and with Harry King also impressing Athletic were restricted to 187-9 as Upminster won by three runs. Munn’s side had finished their league campaign in second place in the Wilcox Division. The side had included a number of youngsters throughout the campaign such as Jamie Green, Gus Siggins, Harry and George King, Nathan Brown and Ryan Oakes, and they had combined with the experienced Munn, Larke, Stewart Hammond, Steve Limn and Kevin Room to create an excellent team spirit and enjoy an excellent campaign.

While the 5th XI were mathematically still in the title hunt on the final day, the reality was they were playing for second place in the Pearce Division. Alex Bottoms crowned his excellent season with 60 not out while Vice Chairman Rob Bannister made 64 and Rafe Smallman and Nathan Brown also contributed to a total of 216-3 against local rivals Harold Wood. Billy Mortimer, a former Upminster colt, made 75 for Wood but three wickets from Will Bottoms kept Upminster on top and Wood finished on 198-7 to give Upminster victory. Other results meant Upminster finished third which was an excellent effort. New skipper Aalok Latey was able to call on a mixture of youth and experience and Alex Bottoms, Smallman and Bannister all starred with the bat. Will Bottoms and Michael Jones were consistent with the ball, while the two Nathans, Brown and French, did an excellent job with the keeping gloves, the former claiming the Club’s Fielder of the Year award.

The 6th XI completed their season with a one wicket win over good friends Rainham in a friendly. Mo Ali starred with the ball taking 4-25 before Ian Twine’s excellent half century and 23 from Graeme Lawes helped see Upminster over the line. It was great during such a strange summer to see the 6th XI back in action and taking to the field for five fixtures and thanks must go to captain Ray Calder, Chairman of Selectors Karim Govani and Fixture Secretary Nicky Ison for getting these games on.

Even after the league season was finished their was still enthusiasm for cricket and so three further games were played. A Saturday Friendly XI lost to Kensington and Chelsea despite an excellent all round performance from Sam Twine and a hattrick (the third by a UCC player in 2020) from 13 year old Jamie Green. And the Sunday Friendly XI lost to Old Fallopians despite a century from Adam Quested and to Putney CC who included a certain Nicky Ison amongst their ranks!!!

All in all it was a remarkable season for the Club’s Senior Section. In a season where no cricket looked like it would be played it is a credit to everyone that in the end 12 weeks of action was able to take place. Even more remarkable is the fact the Club played 60 senior matches against other clubs, including 43 league games (and 17 friendlies). On top of this the Windmill Whack saw 12 games take place in the Men’s event and 11 contests in the brilliantly supported and first ever edition of the Women’s event. In all over 150 adults played cricket for the Club during the season. There will not be many other clubs in the Country who played more senior cricket in 2020 than Upminster. Thanks must go to Ollie Peck and all of the Committee, Karim Govani and all of the captains, and everyone else who helped to make the season such a success.