The 1st XI season was a tale of two halves. The first half of the league campaign saw some bad luck and injuries contribute towards a number of defeats, many by fine margins, before the second half of the season brought a run of victories that led the side to a mid-table finish.

Preparation for the new season had gone well, with new captain Nicky Ison running some well attended and enthusiastic net sessions and some useful pre season fixtures taking place. The first competitive game took place way back on 22nd April, as the side travelled to Winchmore Hill in the National Cup. Due to the wet weather in April the game took place on Hill’s second ground and the home side posted 207-4 from 40 overs, with new man Mo Rahim the pick of the Upminster bowlers. Upminster struggled in reply and were eventually rolled out for 113 to lose by 94 runs. Rain the following weekend meant that the League Cup tie at Chingford was put back a week and when the game was played Chingford skipper Alfie Taylor made a wonderful century to help his side reach 242-5. Louis Pickering made 61 in the Upminster reply and for a while they looked like they were in the hunt, before eventually fading to 193-9.

The League season began a week later, but again the weather was not at it’s best, and on this occasion it cost Ison’s side an almost certain victory. Rahim and fellow new boy Ejaz Khan produced fine displays with the ball as visitors Harold Wood were dismissed for 135. Upminster were looking good at 41-1 as they chased victory before heavy rain came to washout the rest of the afternoon and deny Upminster an opening day success. It was another derby date on Week 2 as the side made the short journey to Gallows Corner to face Gidea Park and Romford. John Curtis, Alan Ison and Louis Pickering picked up two wickets apiece as Park were restricted to 206-8. It had earlier looked like they would struggle to pass 200 but 76 not out from Sam Hewitt turned out to be crucial. Shafiq Rahman made 37 and captain Ison made 36 as the visitors chased victory but they never looked like reaching the target and were dismissed for 136. Things went from bad to worse on Week 3 as Hainault & Clayhall skittled Upminster for just 89, despite 43 from Kiran Kullar, before coasting to a nine wicket win with plenty of time to spare.

There was an improved performance against Orsett and Thurrock the following week, as the game ended in a draw. Shahbaz made 65 and there were several other double figure contributions as Ison’s side posted 201-9. Veteran John Curtis then ran through Orsett’s top order on his way to collecting five wickets, as Upminster sensed a first victory of the season. However, Mark Pavitt dug in to make 61 and Orsett held on for the draw at 184-9. The captain was not fit for action the following week, so Frankie Hazle stepped in as captain, and there was a further improvement in the batting. Shahbaz made another half century and received good support from Louis Pickering and Harry Jenkins as Upminster piled up 240-5 against high flying Colchester at Upminster Park. Ejax struck early in the visitors reply but half centuries from Kieran Dale, Joe Austin and Jack Hebron helped Colchester to a four wicket win and consigned Upminster to another defeat. The theme continued the following week as the side travelled to top of the table Hutton. Upminster batted first and Kiran Kullar (53) and Farid got them off to a good start that was then consolidated by Louis Pickering and Shahbaz. Joe Parry and Vivian Paver then fought back for the home side as Upminster were bowled out for 226. John Curtis reduced the table toppers to 7-2 early in their innings, but then in a story that was to become familiar through the season, Paver followed up his wicket haul with an unbeaten 104. His efforts were the difference between the two sides as Hutton won by six wickets.

Going into Week 7 without a win was not ideal but it looked like the game with Buckhurst Hill was going to produce that crucial first victory for much of the afternoon. With Mo Rahim having departed to fellow strugglers Hainault and Clayhall, Nabeel Aziz came into the side. He bowled a tidy spell, as did Ejaz, John Curtis and veteran Ollie Peck, but Russ Beckett made 56 and there were six other double figure scores as Hill made 247-7. Upminster’s reply started slowly but Louis Pickering and Shahbaz put on 80 for the third wicket and then Pickering was joined by Aziz and they put on a further 89 to take Upminster towards that illusive win. Pickering completed a sparkling century before falling for 111 and Upminster ended up finishing agonizingly short on 244-7.

Week 8 bought baking hot weather and finally that crucial first win of the season!!! Upminster won the toss against Wells at Upminster Park and sat back to watch Farid (74) and Kiran Kullar (70) put on 101 for the first wicket. Louis Pickering then made a run a ball 66 before late flourishes from Shahbaz, Alan Ison and James Evans, as well as a generous 32 extras, saw Upminster reach 365-9!!! John Curtis and Ejaz then ripped through the Wells top order to essentially end the game as a contest. Jonathan Gaffney made a battling 57 for his side, but four wickets for Ollie Peck saw Wells dismissed for 152 and Upminster claimed their first win of the season by 213 runs!!!

With the weather still sweltering and the World Cup in full swing the side travelled to Belhus for what turned out to be a mid July run fest. Promotion chasing Belhus were in trouble early on as they fell to 36-3, but a fourth wicket partnership of 260 between Danny Joyce and Max Osbourne looked like it had taken the game away from Upminster. Joyce unfortunately fell for 99 but Osbourne went on to make an unbeaten 177 from just 118 balls, including 27 boundaries, as Belhus piled up 328-5. Upminster then fell to 80-4 in reply before a fifth wicket partnership of 103 between Alan Ison and Kiran Kullar got them back into the game. Ison made 73 from 39 balls but when he and Kullar fell the game looked over. John Curtis and James Evans did not give up the fight though and put on 59 for the ninth wicket but it proved just to much and they were bowled out for 291. The defeat meant Upminster remained in the drop zone at the halfway stage of the season, but they then went on a remarkable run, finding form at an important time of the season. It was unfortunate that captain Nicky Ison had to move down to the twos around this time due to injury concerns. This certainly turned out to be a positive for the 2nd XI, as he helped them chase the title, but it was sad that having put so much into pre season and winter training that Nick’s body didn’t allow him to complete the season as captain.

The second half of the season began with a convincing win over Harold Wood. Ejaz was the star of the show with the ball, as his 6-45 tore through the Wood top order. Ollie Peck, who had taken over the captaincy due to Ison’s injury issues, and Louis Pickering also picked up two wickets apiece as Wood were dismissed for 159. Shahbaz fell early but Farid and Kiran Kullar put on 83 for the second wicket and although there were some late wobbles Upminster cruised home by six wickets. There was another local derby a week later as Gidea Park and Romford came to Upminster Park. The Butt Brothers started well for the home side and Shahbaz went on to make a crucial 62. Upminster looked set for a big score but lost wickets at crucial times, and it needed and unbeaten 43 from the experienced Shafiq Rahman to help them reach 241-9. Harry Phillips and Park captain Jamal Francis batted well in their wicket partnership but when they fell Park collapsed against the spin of Nabeel Aziz. He claimed 5-22 as Park were spun out for 103 to give Upminster victory. The win moved the side out of the bottom two ahead of their crucial clash with Hainault and Clayhall. Youngsters Kiran Kullar and Louis Pickering were in the runs at Forest Road, both making half centuries as Upminster tried to set a big target. Once again wickets fell quickly in the middle order and they may have felt their total of 254-8 was a little under par. Irfan Shah and Mousshin Ismail started well in the Hainault reply but once they went it was left to Shafiq Rahman to show his skills with the ball as he spun his way through the home side’s line up, claiming 6-40 to give Upminster a win by 51 runs.

The result moved Upminster a little further away from the drop zone, and they entertained bottom of the table Orsett and Thurrock a week later at Upminster Park. Orsett batted first and made a solid start before that man Aziz came into the attack and turned things the way of the home side. He took 4-33 and with captain Peck claiming 2-19 the visitors collapsed to 158 all out. Alan Ison made a quickfire 42 in the Upminster reply, but at 95-5 the game was in the balance. However, youngster Louis Pickering combined with the experienced Terry Wyatt and they saw Upminster home without any further alarms, finishing unbeaten on 35 each. This mean there was now a little bit of daylight between Peck’s side and the bottom two as they made the long journey up the A12 to face high flying Colchester and East Essex. On a good track John Curtis and Ejaz bowled superbly to tie down the home batsmen early on, but Joe MacGregor battled through this to make a wonderful 109. Ollie Lovejoy contributed an unbeaten 55 but two late wickets from Pickering helped the visitors restrict Colchester to 235-7. Farid made a rapid 59 to get the Upminster chase started, but the innings of the day, and maybe of the season, came from Shahbaz. He timed the chase to perfection and in partnerships with Pickering, Rahman and Ollie Heazle took Upminster to the brink of victory. With the run rate just climbing slightly Shahbaz let loose in the 47th over, striking four consecutive boundaries to secure a four wicket win, and take himself to a marvelous 100 not out. The win meant Upminster were no longer looking over their shoulders as top of the table Hutton came to Upminster Park for what turned out to be an extraordinary afternoon. Hutton won the toss and chose to bat but saw Ejaz reduce them to 32-4 with the new ball. John Curtis then claimed the crucial wicket of Vivian Paver, and as so often for Hutton, when Paver fell the rest of the line up followed quickly. Curtis and Ejaz swept away the rest of the batting order as the table toppers were shot out for 49!!! Ejaz finished with 6-21 and Curtis with 4-27. Upminster lost two wickets in the reply but eased home by eight wickets. The entire contest lasted just 36 overs!!

Upminster’s remarkable run finally came to an end on Bank Holiday weekend at Buckhurst Hill, who were themselves chasing promotion by this stage. Hendro Puchert made 96 for Hill as they made 245-4, and it proved to much for Peck’s side as they were bowled out for 134, with only Farid and Aziz making a significant contribution. The side returned to winning ways the following week with a win at Woodford Wells. Farid continued his good form with 38, and runs from Rahman and Aziz meant Upminster reached 214-8. Joe Johnson made 63 for Wells, still battling against the drop at this time, but Aziz was at it once again as the innings wore on, picking up 6-33 as Upminster won an exciting contest by 10 runs. The League season finished with a heavy defeat to Belhus, who sealed promotion with their victory. Matt Doran and Joe Joyce both made centuries for Belhus as they made 274-3 before declaring early. Six Upminster batsmen made double figures but nobody could make a really meaningful contribution and Peck’s side were bowled out for 168. Belhus celebrated their deserved promotion while Upminster were left to mull over a sixth place finish.

One of the highlights of the season had come on the late May Bank Holiday Monday when the club hosted one of the Essex League T20 groups, and upset the odds to progress to Finals Day. In the early morning group semi-final Upminster overcame Hadleigh & Thundersley in a low scoring contest. Old Boys John Curtis and Ollie Peck starred with the ball, Curtis with remarkable figures of 3-6 from 3 overs, as Hadleigh were skittled for 97. Upminster looked in trouble at 24-3 and the game was in the balance at 52-4 but Shahbaz made an unbeaten 57 and with support from Nabeel Aziz Upminster progressed by six wickets. In the other semi-final Billericay caused a huge upset, beating holders Wanstead and Snaresbrook, and so Upminster faced the Premier Division new boys in the afternoon final. Upminster batted first and Shahbaz was again in the runs, making 55, and Louis Pickering made an unbeaten 34 as Upminster made 133-4. Billericay started well in their reply but the spin of Nabeel Aziz and captain Nicky Ison turned the game around. Billericay countered again and the game moved towards a thrilling finale. It was fitting that the skipper bowled the last over, and held his nerve, to send Upminster to Finals Day with a 5 run victory.

Unfortunately Finals Day ended in the same way as many previous visits, with an early departure. Having decided to bat against Colchester and East Essex Upminster were never in the contest and were rolled out for 60 in just 14 overs. Alan Ison’s 16 was the top score. Upminster picked up three wickets in reply but it was not nearly enough as Colchester eased home with 11 overs to spare. Colchester were then beaten in the afternoon final by Hornchurch.

In the end the season could be deemed a relative success, although the performances in the second half of the campaign left a sense of what might have been. A number of the youngsters in the Team progressed well throughout the year, with Kiran Kullar and Louis Pickering making a number of eye catching contributions that bode well for the future. The older heads within the side also put in consistent performances during the campaign, with Farid enjoying his most productive season for the Club. Hopes are now high for 2019!!

For some time it looked like the 2nd XI may pull of the unthinkable and claim the Premier Division title in 2018. Having finished third in 2017 and fifth in 2016 it may seem strange to use the term unthinkable, but it should be remembered in what context the season was played. The side were forced to use 38 players due to injury and availability, saw several of their star men called up to the 1st XI and had two captains through the season. To finish third, and still be in with a shout of the title up to week 17, was a remarkable achievement. Much credit must go to Billy Wright who led the side with enthusiasm and skill throughout the second half of the campaign and constantly got the best out of everyone who played.

After two weeks of the season things had not looked so rosy. Rain saved the day on the opening day, with Harold Wood sitting on 52-0 in pursuit of Upminster’s 156, from which James Evans contributed 30. And then in the local derby with Hornchurch the following week Upminster were easily seen off as Hornchurch coasted home by ten wickets after Upminster had posted 133. Things began to change over the next two weeks as the side picked up two excellent wins. On Week 3 Alan Ison, who was not available for the 1st XI due to work commitments, made a wonderful 102 not out, and with support from Harry Jenkins and James Evans Upminster were able to pile up 312-3 before an early declaration. Ilford’s reply did not start well, with Will Chuter doing the damage early on, and despite some late resistance from the home side three wickets for Chuter, Ollie Peck and Dan Tyler helped bowl out Ilford for 175 to give Upminster victory. And a week later Upminster proved to strong for Wanstead and Snaresbrook as they made it two wins in two weeks. Jordan Tigg and Jake Giddings were the main contributors to an Upminster total of 200-5 before Mark D’Cruz produced one of his best ever spells for the 2nd XI (5-54) to bowl Upminster to victory as Wanstead were dismissed for 112.

The good run of form came to a halt a week a later at Chelmer Park where the home side proved to strong for Upminster. Adam Quested and Ollie Heazle both made half centuries but to many others got out at the wrong time and Upminster stumbled to 198-9, frustratingly just short of full batting points. Mark D’Cruz and Arun Kullar reduced Chelmsford to 111-5 in reply but Lee Cranmer and Tom Iliffe saw their side to a five wicket win with unbeaten half centuries. Upminster returned to winning ways the following week with a win over struggling Colchester and East Essex at Upminster Park, in the first of the limited overs fixtures. Jordan Tigg and James Evans opened the Upminster innings and put on three figures for the first wicket as both men made half centuries. Shaffiq Rahman and Nathan Woods then added some late impetus to take Upminster to 244-4 from their 45 overs. Mark D’Cruz and Mark Schofield made early inroads into the visitors batting before Rahman produced a fine nine over spell to claim 2-14 and push Upminster towards victory. Kieran Savill made an unbeaten 50 for his side but it was not enough as Colchester finished on 232-7 to give Upminster a 12 run win.

June then ended with two away wins in local derbies as Upminster moved towards the top end of the table. Firstly at Shenfield, James Evans continued his good form with 69 before Adam Quested, who seems to love batting at Shenfield, made an unbeaten 59 and with contributions from Nathan Woods and Mark Schofield it meant Upminster made 244-6. Will Chuter picked up early wickets in reply and then Shaffiq Rahman continued his excellent form with the ball taking 4-29 as Upminster secured a 51 run win. A week later, and just half a mile up the road, and it was a similar situation as Brentwood were seen off at the Old County Ground. Schofield made 74 and there were contributions from Steve Mack, Shaffiq Rahman, Frank Hazle and Ollie Heazle as Upminster all but matched last week’s score by compiling 241-6. Brentwood were always in the hunt in reply, despite two early wickets from Jeff Mack, but Arun Kullar came into the attack and picked up 5-56 as Brentwood were bowled out for 230 to give Upminster an 11 run win.

World Cup Quarter Final day bought Upminster’s charge up the table to a halt as Woodford Wells took the points at Upminster Park. Terry Wyatt made a fine century for the home side while Tom Daniels made 33 and Adam Quested 47 as the title chasers posted 237-7. After the football it was Wells who reacted better and Alexander Gilbert’s 78 helped the visitors to a four wicket win. Upminster recovered a week later with an extraordinary win over Harold Wood, thanks to Harry Jenkins. 35 extras and ten double figure scores enabled Wood to piled up 282-9 and when the home side slumped to 41-5 the game looked all over. However, Jenkins went on the attack and produced one of the best knocks of his career as he struck 166 from 132 balls to put his side back in the game. Nicky Ison provided solid report and last pair Billy Wright and Mark D’Cruz then saw their side over the line by one wicket with four balls to spare. Belief was growing and it increased further following the local derby with Hornchurch at Harrow Lodge Park. Captain Billy Wright produced his best spell of the season, when it mattered, claiming 5-37 as Hornchurch were shot out for 132. All of Upminster’s top five made double figures in the chase and although nobody made more than 28 it did not matter as the visitors cruised to a seven wicket success. And a week later it was three wins in three weeks as Ilford were seen off at Upminster Park. Nathan Woods, Jordan Tigg, Terry Wyatt and Ollie Heazle were all in the runs as Upminster built steadily, before some late hitting from the captain Billy Wright, now in charge on a permanent basis, lifted the score to 234-7 on a windy afternoon. Maz Malik Pronob Roy started well as Ilford began the chase, but the captain removed both of them on his way to figures of 3-29 and Mark Schofield mopped up the tail with three quick wickets as Ilford were bowled out for 200.

Upminster were now well and truly in the title hunt as they travelled to Wanstead and Snaresbrook at the start of August. With a much changed side Upminster were expected to struggle, but Jordan Tigg (42) and Adam Quested (a superb 62) put Upminster into a good position before Arun Kullar, Luke Read and the captain struck some late blows to help the visitors post 228. Upminster kept things tight at the start of the reply, but a fourth wicket partnership between Ismail Dar and Adam Lord put the hosts in charge. Enter Tom Daniels to remove Dar and run through the middle order to swing the game back in Upminster’s favour. Lord remained though and he took 19 off of the 43rd over to push his side towards victory. With Wanstead nine wickets down and needing three runs to win from the final over two singles were taken before Lord carved Chuter into the grateful hands of Rob White at backward point as the game finished in a tie. Daniels finished with remarkable figures of 6-25.

With five games to go Chelmsford arrived in Upminster but Upminster started well and reduced the visitors to 122-5. At that point Rob Catchpole and Lee Cranmer took the game away from Upminster with a partnership of 104 that enabled Chelmsford to reach 254-9. Only Tom Daniels, with 40, offered serious resistance as the home side were bowled out for 172. The long journey to Castle Park to face Colchester and East Essex a week later produced a draw as Upminster were denied by the last wicket pair. James Evans, Jordan Tigg and Nathan Woods all made half centuries as Billy Wright’s men posted 246-5. Casper Everett got the chase off to a good start with 70 but Mark D’Cruz, captain Wright and Arun Kullar chipped away at the middle order only to be denied maximum points by the last pairing as Colchester closed on 230-9.

With three games to go Upminster knew they probably needed to win every one to have a shot at the tile. First up was Shenfield on what for 2018 was a rare grey and miserable day at Upminster Park. Paul Middlemiss, Nathan Woods, Mark Schofield and Frankie Hazle all made contributions in an Upminster innings of 204-7, which was curtailed due to the rain. This meant Upminster only had 43 overs to bowl out the visitors but they started well with Mark Schofield picking up three wickets. Shenfield kept playing their shots in pursuit of victory but Nathan Bright grabbed two wickets as Upminster sensed victory. With just two balls remaining and Shenfield nine down, Nicky Ison bowled the last man to spark joyous scenes as Upminster claimed victory. This set up a title showdown at Upminster the following week as Brentwood, now leading the table having leapfrogged Hornchurch, came to town. Kieran Emmanuel made a fine 94 for the visitors and Richard Horswill provided support with 71 as Brentwood posted a solid score of 222-5. Upminster’s reply started well as they reached 43-0 and 78-2 but spinner Jack Levy started to take control and he claimed 5-51 as Upminster were dismissed for 163. The result ended Upminster’s title challenge and all but sealed the deal for Brentwood.

The season concluded with a sociable afternoon, and a win, at Woodford Wells. It was fitting at the end of such a season that three club stalwarts produced fine performances. Billy Wright took 4-81 and Nicky Ison 3-41 as Wells made 259-8 at Monkhams Lane. Upminster’s reply didn’t start well but Ison and Terry Wyatt combined in one of the best partnerships of the season to take Upminster to victory. Wyatt finished on an unbeaten 129, his second century of the season, while Ison made 79 not out as Upminster finished with a six wicket win.

It was a great way to end the season and while it was disappointing not to claim the title after such a brilliant season, it was a remarkable effort from those in the side to push Brentwood and Hornchurch so close. There were some thrilling games along the way and contributions from a wide range of individuals which bodes well for the future.

Since gaining promotion to the Premier Division for the 2002 season, Upminster’s 3rd XI have been ever present in the top flight, finishing as runners up four times and in third place three times. However, until 2018 the title had always alluded them as Wanstead and Snaresbrook, Chelmsford, and more recently Brentwood, had claimed the crown. However, under the captaincy of Josh Lamont 2018 saw the 3rd XI finally finish in spot, after a thrilling season. For much of the campaign it had looked like they would cruise to the title, but in the end they needed to overcome one or two wobbles before finishing as champions. The side was much changed from previous campaigns, and the performances of a number of youngsters bodes well for the future of the 3rd XI and the club’s higher sides.

The season started on a rainy day in May with what turned out to be a crucial win. On a day of few results Lamont’s men made the perfect start with a comfortable victory over Harlow. The evergreen Mark D’Cruz picked up four wickets as Harlow were rolled out for 87 and then youngster Tom Daniels made an unbeaten 43 to steer his side to an eight wicket win. This was followed up a week later when a much changed line up picked up a thrilling win at Nutter Lane against Wanstead and Snaresbrook. Nathan Bright starred with the ball as the Herons were dismissed for 185 and Upminster looked on course for a comfortable win as captain Lamont, Rob Mack and Joe Wyatt all made contributions. However, a flurry of wickets turned the game in the home side’s favour, before a last wicket stand of 18 saw Upminster home by one wicket. May was then rounded off with a third consecutive win, this time over local rivals Harold Wood. Ant Limn, Jordan Tigg and Paul Stratton led Lamont’s side to 213-9, and any worries this may not be enough were soon wiped away as D’Cruz and Oliver White ran through the top order as Wood were dismissed for 128.

June started with two draws, although in very different circumstances. Firstly in the home game against Chelmsford, the struggling visitors ended up clinging on for a draw after Upminster had dominated the afternoon. 59 from Pete Thompson and contributions from Lamont and Steve Limn meant Upminster made a competitive 198-9 before Andrew Berry and Tom Daniels combined to run through the Chelmsford top and middle order. However, despite trying eight bowlers Upminster could not break the resistance of the Chelmsford lower order and they finished on 102-8. Roles were reversed a week later at Hainault and Clayhall as the home side had the better of the game. Ranjan Gulati made a brilliant century for the home side and an under par performance in the field allowed Hainault to reach 267. Ant Limn, Josh Lamont and Tom Daniels all passed 30 in reply but Upminster lost wickets at regular intervals and ended on 202-8.

The first signs that this season may be different to others came in mid June at Coopers as Upminster ended Brentwood’s 24 match unbeaten run in a tight contest. Tom Larke and Oliver White led the way for the home team as Brentwood were restricted to 145-9 from their 45 overs (the game being the first of the limited overs contests). Upminster lost early wickets in reply but the captain played a crucial knock, making his highest league score of the season to date (67), and with support from Pete Thompson Lamont’s side squeezed home by two wickets with four balls to spare to signal their title intentions. The following week also looked like being a stern test for Upminster as they made the short journey to play Hornchurch, who were lying in third place at the time. Upminster batted first and Steve Limn (53), Tom Daniels (69*) and Josh Lamont (one better than last week with 68) helped the leaders to make 213-5 from their 45 overs. Tom Larke and Scott Fisher then ensured there would be no dramas this time out as they tore through the Hornchurch line up to bowl them out for 137. Struggling Buckhurst Hill came to Coopers on the last day of June, but were easily dispatched by the title chasers. Fisher and Larke picked up where they had left off the week before, claiming three wickets each as Hill were shot out for 70. Steve Limn and Mike Larke then wasted no time seeing Upminster to a 10 wicket win.

The last game of the first half of the season saw Upminster travel to Woodford Wells on World Cup Quarter Final day. Wells batted first and half centuries from Charles Scott and Ben Munson saw the home team, who started the day in third place, make 271 from their 45 overs. There may have been some worries that Upminster would struggle after the local hospitality during the break for the football, but Steve Limn soon eased any such worries as he played one of the greatest knocks seen by an Upminster 3rd XI player. At 98-3 the game was in the balance, but at that stage Limn was joined by Dan Tyler and the two combined in an unbroken partnership of 182 to take Upminster to victory. Limn struck 27 fours and 6 sixes as he made an astonishing 170 not out from 123 balls. It was also his maiden senior century for the club. Tyler finished on 70 from 62 balls as Upminster won by seven wickets with more than seven overs to spare. The win gave Upminster a significant lead at the halfway stage of the campaign.

Stage two of the season started with a thrilling game at Harlow. Harlow were much changed from the first week of the season and 94 from Amir Farooq helped them to 237-9. Oliver White was the pick of the Upminster attack. Steve Limn was in the runs again as Upminster replied, and with assistance from brother Any and Matt McCarthy Upminster closed in on victory. However, a flurry of wickets left the game in the balance and eight runs were needed from the last over, then three from the last ball. Ellis Pickering and Paul Middlemiss scrambled two from the final ball to tie a game and keep Upminster’s unbeaten record intact. Week 11 saw Upminster’s first defeat of the season, as the first sign of nerves started to creep in. Hugh Anderson-Elliott made 86 for Wanstead and Snaresbrook on their visit to Coopers and although Tom Daniels took two wickets for the home side the Herons made 243-6. Josh Lamont and Pete Thompson both made contributions in the Upminster reply, and Oliver White showed some late resistance, but it was not enough as the league leaders were dismissed for 214.

Normal service was resumed as July came to an end, with Dan Tyler and Ant Limn seeing Upminster to a comfortable five wicket win over Harold Wood, and then August started with a good all round performance at Chelmsford. Nathan Bright claimed 5-30 as Chelmsford were bowled out for 167 before runs from Steve Limn, James Ramsden, captain Lamont and Pete Thompson saw Upminster to a seven wicket triumph. Hainault and Clayhall came to Coopers the following week, and Upminster took a huge step towards the title with another victory. Oliver White and Andrew Berry were in the wickets as struggling Hainault were dismissed for 87. Upminster managed to make the chase harder than it should have been, sliding to 52-4 before Pete Thompson and Rob Mack saw them home without further alarm. With four games to go Upminster still had a healthy lead at the top of the table, but the form of Hornchurch and Woodford Wells meant nothing was yet decided, and they faced a tough looking trip to Brentwood on Week 15. The captain started well for the visitors as he claimed a remarkable 6-60 to put Brentwood in trouble. Paul Degg led the Brentwood recovery and they moved towards a challenging score before Nathan Bright picked up four wickets to mop up the tail and dismiss the home side for 172. Paul Middlemiss and Steve Limn started well as Upminster chased victory but the game was still in the balance as it moved towards it’s conclusion. Sam Twine and Will Frost combined in a crucial 8th wicket partnership and then Andrew Berry joined Twine to see Upminster home by two wickets.

That was the first crucial hurdle negotiated for Lamont’s side in a tricky looking run-in, but they stumbled the following week against local rivals Hornchurch. Nauman Farooq claimed four wickets for the Urchins and despite 30 from Oliver White down the order Upminster were dismissed for 122. Lamont took three wickets to give Upminster hope but Mark Elder made an unbeaten 24 to see Hornchurch to a five wicket win and blow the title race wide open.

Upminster now held a slim lead at the top of the table as they travelled to second bottom Buckhurst Hill on the penultimate weekend of the season. Hill won the toss and decided to bat and it looked like a good decision as their batting line up piled up the runs. Shaid Mohammed and Isuru Gama made 86 and 82 respectively while only Nathan Bright and Andrew Berry from the visitors attack were able to bowl with any control as Hill made 259-3. Paul Middlemiss made 45 in the Upminster reply but they fell to 89-4 and looked in trouble. Tom Daniels and Rob White then put together a crucial partnership for the 5th wicket. Daniels was eventually run out for a brilliant 82 and White was bowled for 46, but Ant Limn and Oliver White held their nerve to see their side to a four wicket win. Just down the road at Monkhams Lane Woodford Wells squeezed past Hornchurch by 11 runs and this meant they moved level with Upminster at the top of the table……….and the two sides would face one another at Coopers on the final Saturday of the season!!!

Wells won the toss and asked Upminster to bat at a tense Coopers Coborn School and the visitors got off to a flying start as Christian Hall and Osman Ashraf reduced Upminster to 15-4 and 59-6. At this stage Ant Limn joined opener Paul Middlemiss and they put together a match changing partnership. The two put on 84 for the seventh wicket until Limn for 28, but they had put Upminster into a competitive position. Middlemiss ended on 88 not out as Upminster fought their way to a total of 177. The Wells innings started in a similar fashion to the Upminster one as Andrew Berry and Will Chuter reduced the visitors to 3-3. The Wells middle order foughtback and going into the last hour Wells needed 90 to win with five wickets in hand. Enter Upminster stalwart Rob White to swing the game back in Upminster’s favour, before Wells veteran Wade Goodlet tilted things back towards the visitors. White removed Goodlet and picked up the 9th wicket, to finish with 5 for 46, to leave Wells requiring 20 from two overs with just one wicket remaining. With a large crowd now watching Will Chuter trapped the last Wells batsman in front to seal the title for Upminster. It was a thrilling end to the season and a fitting way for the side to seal their first ever league title.

Huge credit must go to captain Josh Lamont for leading the side to the title. Josh kept up the famous 3rd XI team spirit that has built up over a number of years, at the same time as bringing in his own ideas and bringing a number of younger players into the side. The combination worked perfectly!!! Great credit must also go to Woodford Wells for the season they had and especially the way in which the title decider was played in such great spirit. We wish Wells batsman Mark Webb good luck for the future after his last appearance for the Club on the final day of the season. It will be difficult for the Upminster side to replicate the 2018 season next year, but with a number of younger players being a year more experienced the team should still be competing at the top end of the division once again.

After promotion from Division 2 in 2017 it was always going to be a tough season for the 4th XI. Playing in a league with 3rd XIs from clubs such as Hutton, Shenfield and Loughton was never going to be easy, and with a number of players having moved up to higher sides and availability mixed throughout the season things were made even harder. However, after a tough start to the season the side grew in confidence, not only escaping the drop on the last day of the season but climbing high enough to equal the 4th XI's highest ever league finish.

The season did not start well with a defeat in a rain affected contest at Old Southendians. Only Ant Limn made an impression with the bat as Upminster crawled to 94-9 from 34 overs (which actually earned them two batting points), and although Kevin Roome picked up three wickets in reply Southendians scrambled to a four wicket win. A week later and an improved performance with the bat looked for a while like it would bring a victory over Wanstead and Snaresbrook. Stewart Hammond made an excellent 52, and a number of other double figure contributions meant Upminster reached 171-8. Jamie Squance and Ollie Woods then reduced Wanstead to 106-7 in reply but Hamza Shoaib and captain Giri Rathakrishnan rode their luck and steered their side to a four wicket win.

It was a similar situation against Wickford in week 3 as Upminster scrambled to 132 thanks to Jake Eade, Will Frost and Sam Twine, and then Wickford collapsed to 78-6 against the experienced Upminster attack of Rob Bannister, Kevin Roome and Michael Jones. George Bailey and Sam Spooner foughtback though and Wickford scraped to a three wicket win. June began with a visit to high flying Hutton and 90 from Henry Hodgson helped the home side to reach 253-7 despite four wickets from the excellent Ryan Brown. Stewart Hammond made 57 and received excellent support from Ian Munn, and although the visitors never looked like winning they did stop the rot and held out for the draw at 158-5. There was another draw a week later at Coopers as Loughton were denied victory. Kevin Roome and Michael Jones bowled well to put Upminster into a good position, but a crucial last wicket stand led Loughton 199-9. Stewart Hammond continued his excellent form with 41 in the Upminster reply, and with help from Will Frost and Mark Hortop Upminster closed on 152-7.

Despite five games without a win performances were improving and that theme continued at Billericay. The first six batsmen all made double figures as Upminster, led for the first time this season by Stewart Hammond, made 178-9. Will Frost picked up two wickets and Upminster looked set for their first win, only for a similar tale to repeat itself as number seven Greg Hammond made an unbeaten half century to help his side to a two wicket win. Upminster could be forgiven for thinking it was not going to be their season when an almost identical game took place a week later, against Chelmsford at Coopers. Trey Collinge made an excellent 61 not out as the home side reached 172-8 and Will Frost, Kevin Roome and Roham Mayor then put Upminster in charge. However, once again the side could not get over the line as an unbeaten 61 from Matt Cole meant Chelmsford won by two wickets.

While most games to this point had been closely fought, that wasn't the case at Shenfield 3s as Upminster were soundly beaten. Paul Middlemiss made 49 and Ben Calder 31 as Upminster made 183-8 but that never looked like being enough and Ryan Carey made 98 not out as Shenfield coasted to an eight wicket win. World Cup Quarter Final day finally bought a change of look and that illusive first win of the season!! Stewart Hammond, who had officially taken over as captain before the game, made another half century and with contributions from Nathan Brown, Will Frost, Ben Calder and Mark Hortop Upminster were able to post their highest total of the season as they made 238-7. South made a good start to their reply but three wickets from Kevin Roome saw the visitors dismissed for 147 and give the 4th XI their first win of the season!!!

A week later it looked like Hammond's men would make it two wins in two but somehow Old Southendians went away with the points. Rob Banninster and Ryan Brown were in the wickets as the Old Boys made 218 but the captain and Trey Collinge hit half centuries in the Upminster innings and Bannister and Paul Stratton then looked like they were steering the side to victory, but a late collapse saw them bowled out for 207. Wanstead proved to strong the following week and won with something to spare despite three wickets from Max Gordon and runs from Matt McCarthy, but a week later at Wickford Hammond's side picked up their second win of the season. Hammond was in the runs again and with help from Rob Mack, Ian Munn and youngster Ellis Pickering the strugglers posted 200-7. Pickering completed an excellent all round afternoon with three wickets in the Wickford reply, and with Rohan Mayor and Max Gordon claiming two victims each Wickford were bowled out for 189 to give Upminster an 11 run win.

August looked for a while like it would begin with a win, but despite 45 from skipper Hammond it was Hutton who won by 12 runs, and a week later despite four wickets from Ellis Pickering and 41 from Will Frost Loughton proved to strong and picked up a 76 run victory. With four games to go things were not looking good for Upminster but they produced an inspired performance against Billericay to keep their survival hopes alive. Ian Munn and Michael Jones top scored with 21 each, but Upminster's total of 133-9 looked a little under par. However, a superb bowling display from Scott Fisher, Ryan Brown, Jones and Kevin Roome saw Ricay bowled out for 79 to give Upminster a crucial win. That win saw Hammond's side move out of the bottom two for the first time since May, but defeats against Chelmsford and Shenfield meant they were back in the bottom two going into the last day of the season.

Upminster travelled to bottom of the pile South Woodford knowing they needed to win and hope that Wickford and Old Southendians did not pick up many points in their games. Upminster were asked to bat first by South Woodford and Ian Munn and the captain got them off to a good start. Rob Mack and Sam Twine then upped the rate and both made half centuries before Upminster declared on 224-2. Rohan Mayor, Ryan Brown and Ellis Pickering then did the job with the ball to roll out South for 144 and give Upminster maximum points. A long evening then ensued while everyone waited for results from elsewhere before it filtered through that Wickford and Old Southendians had lost and not gained many points meaning Upminster climbed to seventh place, with Wickford being relegated along with South Woodford.

It was an excellent second half of the season for the side and a great effort to end up seventh in the table. Enormous credit must go to Stewart Hammond, not just for the weight of runs he scored (over 400 in the league) but also for taking over the captaincy during the season an steering the side to safety. He had excellent support from other senior players such as Kevin Roome (who played all 18 games) and Ian Munn. Along with these experienced campaigners there were some excellent performances from youngsters such as Will Frost, Sam Twine, Ryan Brown, Max Gordon, Ben Calder, Ellis Pickering and Jamie Squance. All of these players improved as the season went on and will come back stronger in 2019.

It was an up and down season for Karim Govani’s 5th XI, with an eventual finishing position of 6th in the Premier Division West table. They started the season with a five game unbeaten run and enjoyed some excellent results through the season, but as with other sides, inconsistency of availability put paid to any chance they had of challenging for promotion.

The season started in frustrating fashion with rain winning the day in the end. Mike Larke (yes, the experienced wicket keeper Mike Larke) picked up four wickets as Buckhurst Hill were restricted to 183 all out, but the rain came just before the Upminster innings was due to begin and the game was abandoned. The team got a win on the board in week 2 though, as they easily saw off Ilford at Campion. Aalok Latey claimed four wickets and Jake Eade made an unbeaten 35 as Upminster won by four wickets. Two draws followed, the first of which was a thriller with West Essex 3s. Larke’s 52 led Upminster to 182 -8 and West finished on 177-9, the captain taking four wickets in an evenly matched contest. The second consecutive draw was not as an exciting affair, Fives and Heronians 4s making 209-8, with Latey and Govani in the wickets again, before 42 from Alex Bottoms saw Upminster to 139-6.

The Team then moved towards the top of the table with a win at Shenfield. The wickets were shared around by the Upminster attack before the captain’s move to the top of the order paid dividends as he and Mike Larke made unbeaten half centuries to pilot the side to a nine wicket win. The move to limited overs games bought a first defeat of the season, as high flying South Woodford proved to strong despite half centuries for Alex Bottoms and Trey Collinge, but a week later runs from the captain and wickets from Aalok Latey helped the team to a 31 run success over Loughton 4s.

Three defeats then followed, against Oakfield Parkonians, Brentwood and Buckhurst Hill (with the side bowled out for 57 in the last of those losses) as the side suffered through poor availability. However, despite these losses, youngster Callum Berry continued to impress in his first season of senior league cricket, and spirit in the side remained high. The rot was stopped a week later at Ilford as old pals Will Bottoms (three wickets) and Joe Simpson (a half century) combined to set up an eight wicket win, but there was a defeat to West Essex a week later despite wickets from Berry and 50 from Jamie Squance.

Any lingering fears of relegation were ended in the first two weeks of August. Against Fives and Heronians a genuine team effort saw the team pick up a five wicket win, with five bowlers picking up a wicket and four of the seven batsmen making double figures. Then a week later Shenfield 4s could not raise a side meaning Upminster took the points. There was heartbreak for Jake Eade the following week in the draw with South Woodford. Eade made a wonderful 97 before being denied a century, as ten man Upminster put in a brave performance against the league high fliers. Eade’s effort did help to secure a well earned draw for Govani’s men. A poor performance against Loughton meant August ended with defeat but September started with an excellent game against Oakfield Parkonians. Eade, Dave Brown and Alex Bottoms helped Upminster battle to 155-7 before Parkonians held on for the draw at 129-9 despite two wickets apiece for Brown, Will Bottoms and Brian Martin.

The season concluded with a defeat to the champions, Brentwood 4s, but it was a memorable afternoon for Callum Berry. He ended his first senior league campaign with a brilliant unbeaten 67 and helped his side to a very competitive 194-8 before Karim Govani and Max Gordon tore through the champions’ top order. Luke Ranns and Jatin Patel held firm though and there unbroken six wicket stand took Brentwood to victory.

It all meant a very respectable finish of sixth place, in a division including many clubs’ 4th and 5th XIs. 44 players were used and captain Karim Govani played every week of the SNEL season, an excellent effort. Karim had good support from a number of “senior pros” and the season saw the development of several youngsters such as Callum Berry, Ollie Woods and Nathan Brown. It is hoped these players continue to develop and move up the sides over the next few seasons.

For the 6th XI it was one of the toughest seasons they have known since the team was formed for the 2005 season. An eventual finish of tenth and bottom place in Division One West may look bad on paper, but it does not tell half the story. Captain Ray Calder used 56 different players during the season, and availability higher up the club meant Ray’s job was made almost impossible. Two games did have to be conceded, only the second and third time the club have conceded any league games since entering the SNEL in 1999, and it is only down to Ray’s enthusiasm, commitment and diplomacy skills that it wasn’t more than this!!

However, there were a number of positives to come out of the season. Several young players represented the side and improved as the year went on, a number of new players were introduced to the game (including several colts parents) and a number of old faces returned to help out, and we hope we may see more of them in the future.

The season actually started with a good performance against Chingford 4s which resulted in a draw. U13 Callum Berry made 46 on his senior league debut as Upminster made 190 and Chingford were 99-4 when the rain came to washout what looked like being an exciting finish. The team continued their good start a week later as Casey Adams and captain Calder were in the runs to secure a hard fought draw with Harold Wood but the month ended on a low note when the game against Wanstead and Snaresbrook had to be conceded.

Youngster Liam Roberton impressed in the nine wicket defeat to Brentwood at the start of June before the experience of Ian Twine helped the team to a deserved draw with Oakfield Parkonians a week later. Casey Adams was in the runs in the game against Walthamstow but it was a returning player who caught the eye. Tom Langston, a regular for the club in the 00s, made an unbeaten 63 and picked up three wickets, but it was not enough to stop the Stow picking up a five wicket win. June finished with two heavy defeats in local derbies. Firstly Gidea Park 4th XI proved to strong for Calder’s side and then Hornchurch 5s dealt out a heavy defeat a week later, despite four wickets for youngster Harvey Daniels.

The World Cup Quarter Final between England and Sweden caused problems for a number of SNEL clubs and it meant that the game with Hutton 5s had to be conceded, before Mike Larke stepped into the breach a week later for the return game with Chingford. With the captain on holiday and vice captain Paul Scott not available, Larke and his nine man side put up a brave fight before falling to a seven wicket loss. Ben Kinder impressed with the bat. Week 11, the 21st July, finally brought the victory the side were after as they saw off local rivals Harold Wood by 81 runs. Colts coach Martin Davis struck 77, the returning Sam Langston (buoyed by his brother’s efforts a few weeks before) made 63 before colts parents Matt Malby and Glen Cargill struck some late blows to get the score up 238-5 from their 40 overs. In reply Paul Scott, playing his last game for the time being having captained the side for 12 of the 14 years they have been in action, took 5-28 to help his side to a memorable 81 run win.

A number of club legends came out of retirement a week later for the game against Wanstead, but it was captain Calder who was in the runs, making an unbeaten 79 and without support from Keith Pedrick the side did well to make 174-5. Michael Jones reduced Wanstead to 13-2 in reply but that was as good as it got as the Herons picked up an eight wicket win. Brentwood’s Shane Surujbally, a destructive batsman at 2nd and 3rd XI level not to long ago, helped himself to his second double ton of the season as Brentwood wracked up a massive 402-3 from 40 overs on the hottest weekend of the summer. Mushnoon Mustofa stuck to the task and picked up two wickets amongst the carnage. Lloyd Sutton battled well in reply but Upminster were dismissed for 102. Things did not get any better a week later as Calder’s side were rolled out for 61, despite 20 from George Sadek, and fell to a five wicket loss despite the bowling efforts of Karim Govani, Callum Berry and Molly Amrani. The Team did secure a hard earned draw with Walthamstow a week later, but they finished August with a 10 wicket loss to Gidea Park, despite Matt Malby making 38 out of a total of 52!!!

With the end of season on the horizon the side finished the season well. Ben Hamberger and Lloyd Sutton made excellent half centuries against Hornchurch 5s but it was not enough as Hornchurch won by nine wickets, but the season finished on a high with a brilliant performance against Hutton 5s. Hamberger was in the wickets, as were Clive Wilson and John Morley, as Hutton were skittled out for 81 before the skipper made 32 to get the reply off to a good start. The honour of hitting the winning runs was left to Brent Denman and Mushnoon Mustofa as Upminster won by seven wickets.

A final record of played 18, won 2, drawn 4 and lost 12 (including two concessions) shows that despite the difficulties the side faced, they put in some good performances. A big well done must go out to all of the regulars and especially youngsters Mushnoon Mustofa and Molly Amrani who showed great enthusiasm week in week out right till the end of the season. Also a thank you to the more experienced regulars who helped Ray out during the season, the colts parents who played and will hopefully return again in 2019, and the old faces who stepped in to help out (we hope to see more of them as well in 2019). And a huge thank you from everyone at the club should go to Ray Calder for ensuring the side completed the season. There were weeks where Ray had 5 players 72 hours before the game, and yet on all but two occasions he overcame this to get a side out. Not only this, but on most occasions the side competed well and put in a good performance.

Upminster Cricket Club

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