It was tough for the teams last week, but we have a great opportunity to go again and prove what a great club we are. I think the 100-year celebrations must have overwhelmed us all. I on the other hand are celebrating massively – I received my first Facebook friend request – ooh friend I hear you all cry, but I am well chuffed.
I’m digressing, lets get back to work and get down to this week’s matches. The teams are now out - it’s been very challenging for the captains. As an Insider with my ear to the ground and finger on the pulse it has been like waiting for the white smoke following the election a new pope – you know it’s coming you just don’t know when. It’s done now so a quick wave from the balcony and here we go.
The 1XI will be looking to get their season started as they travel to Woodford Wells. Skipper Thomas Willats (6.5m) sees the return to his team of two players who can make a difference namely Adam Knight (6.5m) and destructive batsman Jack Scutt (5.5m). Behind the stumps there is a change as Michael Edwards (5.5m) takes the gloves with Matthew Page (5m) out injured.
The Scout verdict – It will be tough on the road but sometimes the underdogs triumph. Player to watch – Martin Leslie (5m) – an experienced head to school the team.
The 2XI are back on familiar territory as they take on South Woodford at home, looking to improve on the previous week. The team recalls wicket keeper Mike Rake (3.5m) back to the ranks to add some more batting power and will be looking to all rounders Freddie Hales (6m) and Mohit Bhagwani (6m) to bat and bowl the team back to winning ways. Ashley Downes (5.5m) also steps up from the 3XI to boost the bowling attack. It’s also a big welcome back to Kevin Smith (4m) making his first start for some time, go well Kev!
The Scout verdict – A wounded team has a point to prove, I am expecting the team to come together and react. Player to watch – Daryl Woodford (7.5m) captain to lead by example and will be the key to the team’s success.
The 3XI travel to Epping looking to go one better then last week where they were narrowly beaten. Jono Edwards (5m) has a team of experience mixed with youth. With Bobby Kenyon (4.5m) behind the stumps, George Church (4m) and Connor Filsell (4m) all add to the youthful look. Sasikumar Muthuraaman (3.5m) had a fine start to the season last week and is called up from the 4XI.
The Scout verdict – Narrowly beaten last week, the team will learn from that experience. Player to watch – Freddie Robinson (5m) a mature head on young shoulders that almost saw the team over the line.
The 4XI are at home once again to Old Southendian & Southchurch (no 2 teams joke this week). Geoff Gullett (4.5m) takes the skippers armband for this match and reunites with the other Geoff, Geoff Lake (5.5m). Father and son duo Selvaraj Shanmuganand (3.5m) and Tharun Shanmuganand (2.5m) both performed well in last weeks reverse to Leigh so will be looking to make valuable contributions to the team. Adam Pickett (5.5m) also comes in for another father son combo.
The Scout verdict – The drinks break was the team’s downfall last week; a reaction will be needed to get the first W. Player to watch – Jordan Pickett (4m) another young star in the making coming through the successful Colts section.
There is a 5XI fixture this weekend but does not count towards fantasy league points. An interesting stat from that game is SLHCC will field no less than four father/son combinations which makes a grand total across all teams of seven playing in the same teams. We are definitely a family club.
Just a couple of additional stats regarding the Fantasy League:
We now have 38 teams however, prize money will remain the same.
The most selected players for Week 1 were a mixture of youth in Sam Stannard (4m), Freddie Robinson and the experience of Daryl Woodford and Selvaraj Shanmuganand. Will any of those make your team this week.
That’s it then, we got there in the end, hope everyone enjoys there cricket this weekend, good luck if you are playing even more luck if you’re scoring, fingers crossed it all adds up. I’ll be back next week with a review.