It’s been another interesting week for selection but this time the captains have been waiting on injury updates and late fitness tests. Its all fun and games but I do believe the WhatsApp chats have been a little less busy over the last few days.
So, what’s going on this weekend? Who’s in, who’s out and who’s just shaking it all about. Grab your safety goggles, put on your seat belt and join me as we whizz through the team news.
The 1XI travel to fellow promoted team, Bentley, hoping to kick on from last weeks victory. There is one change to the team as former skipper Matt Higgins (6.5m) comes back into the XI to provide more bowling options, Joe Robertson (4.5m) retains his place in the starting line-up following his ice-cold heroics against Woodford Wells. Fantasy managers maybe eyeing Rama Bashamoni (6m) for their team after his magnificent 5-fer and he could be good value as his price has not yet changed. Michael Edwards (5.4m) keeps the gloves for this one.
The Scout verdict – Both teams will have targeted this game for a win, weather could play a part Player to watch – Robert Page (7m) building on his first fifty of the season.
The 2XI host unbeaten Wickford and the confidence will be high after the brilliant victory in the last outing. Skipper Michael Gray (5.5m) partners up with VC Darryl Woodford (7.5m) to reunite the dream team looking to guide the troops to victory. Mathew Lewis (5m) is called in to add more fire power to the likes of Dave De Jong (4.4m) and Freddie Hales (6m). It’s also welcome returns for Matthew Page (4.9m) who was forced to sit out last weekend due to injury, Louis Hales (4.5m) back from Uni, and Mark Nuttall (0.0m) back after holiday to stand in front of the stumps.
The Scout verdict – Tough game, experience and wise heads needed. Player to watch – Drew Robinson (4m) – calm, stylish and effective in the middle.
The 3XI make their home debut this season as they take on league leaders Frenford. Jono Edwards (4.1m) is back to lead the team into battle. With no official vice skipper (still!) in the team, Jono will be hoping the great early season form of Freddie Robinson (5.2m) and Sas Muthuraaman (3.5m) can continue. William Pearn (4m) makes his first start of the season and Ash Downes (5.5m) will spearhead the attack.
The Scout verdict – Could it be third time lucky after two narrow losses. Player to watch – Jack Carter (6m) – just great to see him back on the cricket pitch.
The 4XI travel to Orsett & Thurrock to take on two teams (slipped that joke back in, don’t think anyone noticed!) with the game moved from Corringham Rec to a place where the square hasn’t been ruined by weed killer, mainly because it’s the artificial wicket at William Edwards school. Fantasy league leader Dan Copp (5.6m) is back to lead the team but is missing the Geoff twins, however, Ian Rudder (4m) is in to provide some experience. Adam Pickett (5.5m) retains the gloves for another week after a fine performance against Old Souths. It will be interesting to see who will open the batting with Jack Cable (4.5m), maybe Deepak Kumar (4.5m) is the man.
The Scout verdict – Difficult game against the league leaders, plenty of runs and wickets required. Player to watch – George Church (4m) – another young player coming through the ranks.
There is 5XI game this weekend away to Eastwood, please note that any runs and wickets in this game do not count towards the fantasy league.
That’s it then, you have until 11am on Saturday morning to make any transfers and please don’t forget your all-in important captains pick, it can make a massive difference. Also, a quick word, for all captains and scorers – if you can score digitally the fantasy league points will be updated automatically by Sunday morning. If you can’t, please ensure scorebooks are fully completed with all catchers/runner outers filled in and it all adds up before sending screen shots. If you can send them through straight after your games, then the behind-the-scenes pixies will get play cricket updated as quickly as they can. It will save Harry from sending a text on Sunday morning.
Enjoy your cricket this weekend and let’s hope the weather allows us to get full games. That's me over and out.