Week 8 teams have been published and selection this week has once again been challenging for the captains. But have no fear, the scout is here to talk you through the changes so you can make informed decisions on any transfers you may wish to make.
The 1XI play host to Bentley in a first v second top of the table clash. Skipper Matt Higgins (5.5m) is unavailable so the armband passes to Rob Page (6.6m). Martin Leslie (6m) is back to boost the batting firepower alongside Bala Sudhakaran (4.7m), Jack Scutt (6m), Jack Carter (5.6m) and Mathew Lewis (6m) with them all looking for some big dogs this weekend. Tip – make sure you park in the overflow car park just in case!
The 2XI travel to Garon Park with a date against another two teams in Old Southendian & Southchurch. The league should surely do something about that. Captain Dave De Jong (4.9m) has the Robinson family at his disposal with Drew (4m), Harry (4.5m) and Freddie (4.5m) all in the line-up. Scott Poskitt (4.1m) is also a notable returnee for a go at the top of the table team.
The 3XI are also up against two teams as they face Wanstead and Snaresbrook at The Rec. Ian Rudder (4.5m) is not around so Jono Edwards (4,5m) takes charge of the team. With Bobby Kenyon (3.6m) unable to keep wicket, it will be a toss-up between Duncan Page (5.4m), Adam Pickett (5.7m) and Deepak Kumar (4.5m) for the gloves. Some of the young 4XI players keep their places or are rewarded with call ups following their excellent performances so far this season, namely James McCartney (3.6m), George Church (3.5m), Jordan Pickett (3m) and Brad Allen (3m).
The 4XI selection has been tough but they have a team, which skipper Dan Copp (4.6m) hopes can defeat another two teams in Orsett and Thurrock at Corringham Rec. Dave Willats (4.5m) takes the gloves and the 5XI heroes from last week in Joe McCarthy (3.5m) and Zee Ali (3m) make a return.
So, a struggle with selection this week but we have four teams out and all four will be competing for points. The cricket weather looks set to continue so let’s hope for that all elusive four out of four wins.
As always, to assist with your managerial decisions please see below the leagues latest MVP ratings. Will it help or hinder, it’s now over to you. Lots of thinking to do to try and cut the lead that Harry Robinson currently has, who is sneakily looking at his team for tips and guidance. And…… don’t forget that captains pick. Clock is ticking.
Good luck to all managers and even more so to all players.
Enjoy your cricket this weekend.
