It’s here at last the 2025 cricket season has arrived and exactly 100 years and 1 day after the first ever game, we are back at The Rec. Preparations have been made, pitches rolled, new kits purchased, sponsors obtained and no doubt, new bats knocked in. The final and probably the most important thing to do is to get your fantasy league team submitted. At the time of writing we have 22 teams, you have until 11am on Saturday morning to get involved, the teams are out, so no time to waste……GO, do it now!!!!
So please allow me to introduce myself….. I am The Scout!
I’ll be here every week to assist you with your selections guiding you along the way. I do know a bit about the game but equally I could be as useful as a chocolate teapot, that’s the beauty of this game, it’s like scoring a half century one week and then getting a first baller the next, we’ve all done it, although its more first ballers in my case (crying face emoji!!).
So here we go, pull up a chair, grab some popcorn or maybe some mixed fruit if you’re trying to eat more healthily, pour yourself a Lucozade as here we go.
The 1XI start the new season in a new division with a new captain, a new kit with new sponsors. Everything else is exactly the same. Thomas Willats (6.5m) leads his team into Division 2 with a home match against Shenfield where they will play league cricket with a pink ball for the first time. It will be a tough ask for the team with the step up in quality, but the team does have 10 of the players that got them promoted last season. The new overseas player did not materialise but Ralf Fernando (6.5m) returns this time as a domestic player and he is joined by the wise heads of experienced players such as Martin Leslie (5m), Rob Page (7m) Matt Higgins (6.5m). Rama Bashamoni (6m) gets a call up from the 2XI as a reward for his fine form of last season.
The Scout verdict – It’s going to be tough, and the batters will need to be disciplined and value their wickets. Fielding could be key. Player to watch – Thomas Willats (6.5m) on his skipper debut.
The 2XI make the long trip to take on two teams in Colchester and East Essex (checks notes that that joke has not been used before!). Michael Gray (5.5m) leads his team into action alongside the vastly experienced vice skipper and Fantasy League Player of the Year 2024 in Daryl Woodford (7.5m).Returning not only to the team but also the club is batter Alex Ellis (4.5m) and he will be looking to impress. The team looks strong on paper with the experience of Duncan Page (4m), Rohit Duhan (5.5m) and Dave De Jong (4.5m) combined with the youth of Freddie Hales (6m) and Joe Robertson (4.5m). Throw in two thirds of the Robinson family with Drew Robinson (4m) and Harry Robinson (5.5m) it looks a good team.
The Scout verdict – if they team can get over the jet lag from the long travel then they have a shout. Player to watch – Mohit Bhagwani (6m)– important with bat and ball.
The 3XI are also on the road against two teams (another crying face emoji!) as they travel to Wanstead and/or Snaresbrook. Another new skipper in the form of Jono Edwards (4m) takes the reins but he has the assistance of former skippers Ian Rudder (4m) and Andrew Freeman (4.5m)alongside. Throw in the youth of Bobby Kenyon (4.5m), Freddie Robinson (5m) and George Church (4m) and the team has a good balance about it.
The Scout verdict – This is a repeat of the last game of last season so will be difficult and the players will need to be on it from ball one. Player to watch – Jono Edwards (4m) – the skip to lead from the front.
The 4XI start the 2025 campaign at home with an encounter against old foes in Leigh on Sea. The team are also boasting a new skipper of sorts in Dan Copp (5.5m) who until the SGM spent the close season as 3XI vice skipper. There is a young vibe about the team with Jordan Pickett (4m), Sam Stannard (4.5m), Tharun Shanmuganand (2.5m), Ashley Roope (3m), Emma Poskitt (4m) andConnor Filsell (4m) all in the team. Geoff Lake (5.5m) is back for yet another season and it’s a return after some time away for Nick Sharp (3.5m).
The Scout verdict – The future of the club is in good hands. Player to watch – Sam Stannard (4.5m) – will get into the opposition batters early.
That’s it then, week 1 scouting report done. Good luck to all players, bat well, bowl well, field well but above all enjoy your cricket. That’s me over and out, see you next week.