Flaming June has arrived, the sixth month of the year, the start of summer and the BBQ season. It’s home to the day with the most daylight hours in the Northern hemisphere, a time when sunscreen is the first item packed in a cricket bag, and everyone is smiling and glowing red. However, we all know what’s going to happen, it always does – I’m no Michael Fish but – it’s going to bucket down this weekend – if you don’t know what Duckworth Lewis is, you will do by Saturday night. But, have no fear I am here to hold an umbrella over your head and keep you dry to take you through the teams.
The 1XI travel to Westcliff for a real 6 pointer (a football term but valid for these purposes!). Captain Tom Willats (6.5m) has tinkered with his batting line up to try and kickstart the team. Player of the month nominee, Rob Page (7.1m) will open the batting and hope to continue his fine form. Michael Edwards (5.4m) is fit to return and will jostle with Jack Scutt (5.5m) for the middle order batting positions, whilst the tight bowling of Adam Knight (6.6m) and Ralf Fernando (6.6m) will be crucial
The Scout verdict – The team are fighting; the W is up for grabs. Player to watch – Rama Bashamoni (6.3m) – vital with ball, handy with bat.
The 2XI take on bottom of the league Walthamstow at The Rec in a game where Michael Gray (5.8m) will hope his team are firing. Alex Ellis (4.5m) returns to open the batting and there’s a call up for Player of the month nominee, Freddie Robinson (5.3m). Kevin Smith (4m) is available again after a beautiful half century last week. The second Player of the month nominee, Daryl Woodford (7.5m) spearheads the attack.
The Scout verdict – Regroup, reset and go again. Player to watch – Harry Robinson (5.5m) – a rising talent.
Only 3 points separate the 3XI and their opponents Loughton as they clash at The Rec. Skipper Jono Edwards (4.1m) will be grateful for a home game after their travels. He has, what appears to be a very strong team on paper. Matt Lewis (5m), Freddie Hales (6.1m) and Vinay Kumar (5m) are all in the line-up, as is Chay Hedges (4m), who makes his second debut for SLHCC after many years away. Player of the month nominee, Sam Stannard (4.6m) gets well deserved call up.
The Scout verdict – Strong on paper, hopefully stronger on grass. Player to watch – Louis Hales (4.5m) – left arm over, will take a few
The 4XI also travel to Westcliff, this weekend. Fantasy league manager of the month, Dan Copp (5.6m) knows a thing or two about picking players and has a team of experience and youth. Jack Cable (4.4m) is back to open the batting alongside Geoff Lake (5.6m). James McCartney (4.5m) and Tharun Shanmuganand (2.6m) will be tasked with taking the wickets.
The Scout verdict – Wise heads required. Player to watch – Bradley Allen (3m) – can hit a long ball.
Ok, that’s it, I am on my travels and will be watching on Play Cricket, so I encourage all teams to score online. If you’re thinking of doing a rain dance, it won’t be required. Fingers crossed, that matches are not too effected, it’s the last weekend of overs games before switching to timed matches next week (apart from the 4XI that is!). Hope everyone enjoys their cricket this weekend, happy Saturday!