The U11s helped everyone get over Saturday's disappointments as they claimed the Central Cup on what turned out to be a sunny afternoon at Gallows Corner.  WIth overnight rain having left everyone wondering if the game would go ahead, there was then further surprise that the only ground in the area not wiped out by further heavy downpours on Sunday morning was Gallows Corner!!  Upminster won the toss and elected to field first, and they saw Springfield make a solid start reaching 35-0 before Anotidaishe Chifamba clean bowled both openers to put Upminster on top.  A fine piece of fielding from Carter Everginham ran out the dangerous Harry Crouchman and Everingham then took two quick wickets as Upminster kept tight control of the run rate.  Springfield pushed for late runs but Upminster put in a near faultless display in the field to restrict their opponents to 87-7.  Upminster fell to 17-2 in reply but captain Kayhan Suneel and Johnny Johal both looked in excellent form with a third wicket stand of 34.  Both batters fell in quick succession but Max Barber and Stefan Stander looked unflustered as they continued the good work.  The two batters manoeuvred the ball well into the gaps and put any loose deliveries away for four to take Upminster to a six wicket win with plenty of time to spare.  After the game Upminster also collected the U11 Division One and U11 Division Two West trophies.  They will also look to secure the Havering League title over the coming days.

On the other pitch there was heartbreak for the U15s as they lost by just four runs to Harold Wood.  Joseph Brooks, 2-26, was the pick of the Upminster attack but all six bowlers performed well to stop Wood's batters getting away.  Shaurya Singh made 42 for Wood and Idrees Hakim added some late runs as his side posted 147-6.  Ethan Berry and Thomas Cargill added 38 in good time for the third wicket, but Wood fought back and the run rate required began to climb.  Cargill fell for a superb 49 but Fenton Everingham continued to keep Upminster in the game with a fine innings.  16 were needed from the last over, and Everingham struck the first delivery down the ground for four, but he was out to a superb catch from the third ball and Upminster went on to lose by four runs.  Congratulations to Harold Wood on an excellent performance to take the trophy.

Meanwhile, back at Upminster Park the bad weather meant the Eliminator between the Mullis & Peake Monarchs and the Elite Eagles had to be cancelled, and this meant the Eagles advanced to the Grand Final by virtue of their higher finishing position in the group stages.  In the Final they faced the Apple Finance Firebirds who had topped the group stage of the competition.  After an excellent final it was the Firebirds who came out on top by 50 runs, picking up their first title since 2021.  The Eagles' wait for a first title goes on despite having made their third consecutive Finals Day.  The Women's Edition Final will take place next Sunday (15th) before the Benefit Match with Essex.

Sunday morning's weather also meant the Women's 2nd XI's final league game of the season, with Benfleet, was cancelled.  While it was disappointing not to complete the season on the pitch, the side had already claimed the Division Three title after their win over Walthamstow last weekend.  That title means the side will move up to Division Two for the 2025 season.