Week 9 has landed, and with more dropouts than my dodgy broadband router, our captains have once again earned their sainthood pulling teams together. Knowing me, knowing you and what you want—here we go again—so take a chance on this whistle-stop tour of the weekend
3XI – Super Troupers (and Party Planners)
They’re home to Orsett & Thurrock (don’t say it!). Jono Edwards (4.1m) leads the side, fresh off a deserved Player of the Month nomination. Andy Freeman (4.4m) is back into the XI, Bobby Kenyon (4.4m) rises from the 4s, and Ash Downes (5.5m) continues his hunt for wickets. Expect fireworks... or at least party poppers at the Fifth of July bash. 
Scout Verdict: Momentum, momentum, momentum… 
1XI
The 1XI are at home to Westcliff in what will be an emotional game following events of the last week. Michael Edwards (5.4m) gets a call up to replace the missing Rob Page. In the only other change from the last outing Kallum Sampath (5.3m) comes back in. Player of the month nominee Matt Lewis (5.3m) is the form batter looking to push on. It’s been a traumatic week, so this is where it all starts, I have a dream.
Scout Verdict: Please, please, please...
2XI – The Resurgence Tour
The 2XI are off to Hadleigh & Thundersley (seriously—don’t even whisper it). Drew Robinson (4m) continues as captain after last week’s masterclass in a calm chaos tie. Alex Ellis (4.5m) is back, Rama Bashamoni (6.2m) steps down from the 1s saying take a chance on me, and player of the month nominee, Freddie Hales (6m) will be wielding the willow like he's DDJ as DDJ is unavailable. An early finish will mean more beer pong games.
Scout Verdict: One, Two, Fourth…
4XI – Mamma Mia, Here They Go Again
The 4XI are on the road to see Riiicccckkkkyyyyyy (IFYKYK), another game and another captain. Geoff Lake (5.6m) will take the armband with the calm authority of a man who’s scored more runs than most. He welcomes back Adam Pickett (5.5m), Jordan Pickett (4m), and unleashes youth prodigies George Church (4m) and Will Robertson (2.5m), to answer the S.O.S.! Who thinks they can win – I do, I do, I do….
Scout Verdict: Runs, wickets, points…
5XI – on Tour
There is also a 5XI game away to Belhus, Dave Street takes his young team into battle looking for a repeat of last week’s heroics. A reminder though that unfortunately, player points in this match do not count towards the fantasy league.
That’s it then, get your fantasy teams in by 11am Saturday and don’t forget to crown your all-important captain—the true MVP or inevitable heartbreak.
Stay safe, play well, enjoy your cricket and remember: thank you for the music, and the teas, and the 20 points…