Game week 6, no way you say! We’re now a third of the way through the season already, how did that happen. Anyway, the jarmies are put away for a few weeks, all teams will don the whites and play with a traditional red ball as we move to timed games, apart from the 4XI who will continue a 40/40 format.
So, lets detail the runners and riders for this week and please note, my new style “Player to Watch”. I have selected someone from each team’s opposition to hopefully put the kibosh on them and not some of our own players, can you see what I’m doing here!
The 1XI are back at HQ with a clash against Harold Wood. With Ralf Fernando no longer available for the club (we wish him well in his next cricketing adventure!) it sees a welcome return to first team action for Jack Carter (6.1m). He lines up alongside new signing Karan Patra (5m) bought in to boost the batting. Skipper Tom Willats (6.5m) will be looking for some luck to go his way starting with the toss.
The Scout verdict – A team boosted by the return of a familiar face and the signing of a new face. Player to watch – Pick from 2 - Farhan Javeed (Harold Wood) – left arm spinner took six wickets against Goresbrook or Akbar Ali who has this gem on wikipedia - (born 8 October 2001) is a Bangladeshi cricketer.[1][2] He was referred as "Akbar the Great" after Bangladesh's victory in 2020 Under-19 Cricket World Cup under his captaincy and for his unbeaten knock in the final.
The 2XI travel to South Woodford hoping for the first double of the season following a three wicket win at home. It’s a strong looking team as well with recalls for Mathew Lewis (5m) and Freddie Hales (6m) whilst May Player of the Month, Freddie Robinson (5.4m) keeps his place alongside bro Harry Robinson (5.5m).
The Scout verdict – Plenty of experience to guide the young heads. Player to watch – Zain Ulaabedin (South Woodford) – Scored a ton opening the batting against Frenford but batted 10 at The Rec (shrug shoulders emoji!).
Onto the 3XI and they can’t believe that they are on the road again. It does seem like every week they are on the travels so they must have a few home games on the horizon soon. In the absence of Jono, club captain Duncan Page (4m) takes charge of an experienced team. Fantasy League May Manager of the Month, Dan Copp (5.6m), moves up from the 4XI as does Jack Cable (4.4m) and George Church (3.9m). For fantasy league managers looking for a transfer Sas Muthuraaman (3.7m) could be good value.
The Scout verdict – A repeat of last week’s match, hopefully the same result. Player to watch – James Greatorex (Loughton) – Took 5 wickets at SLH just a few days ago.
The 4XI take on Billericay at home and have Geoff Gullett (4.5m) in charge. Admin have had to do a few last-minute checks to make sure players are registered not only for the Hamro league but also the SLHCC Fantasy Cricket league. Andrew Love (3m) finally gets to start a game rather then be a sub fielder, I’m assured he will be in proper kit that fits this week. Ronnie Street (2.5m) and Lee Stannard (2.5m) are also in for their first starts. Drew Robinson (4m) is back from injury to play through the pain barrier.
The Scout verdict – Players stepping up helping the club, they will be rewarded. Player to watch – Barry Sturgeon (Billericay) middle order batter with runs under his belt.
That’s it then, but just to be clear, this preview is based on the teams as posted earlier today – there is a chance one or two places might change – I am but a lowly scout and have no sway with the selection. This report has been written before I go off on my scouting mission at Lord’s.
Hope all goes well, the sun shines, we get the runs (you know what I mean) and take many wickets. Enjoy your cricket wherever you are this weekend and please, if you we can score digitally it not only helps online spectators, but it also means fantasy points are updated quicker.