Forecast: wet. Outlook: hopeful. Mood: somewhere between “Purple Rain” and “Singing in the Rain.”
Every app is screaming rain, but let’s be honest—it’s Britain. Meteorologically speaking, chaos is normal. So, let’s tune up the fantasy jukebox and crack on like we’re not about to paddle out to the crease.
1XI @ Belhus
The road’s short but the stakes are high. Skipper Tom Willats (£6.5m) sticks with rising talent Harry Robinson (£5.8m), fresh off a cracking debut. Rob Page (£7.2m) and Jack Scutt (£5.4m) rejoin the ranks with the quiet confidence of men who understand how to calculate Duckworth Lewis.
Scout Verdict: Rain jacket optional—this one's ripe for snatching.
2XI v West Essex @ HQ
A must-win if ever there was one. Skippers Michael Gray (£5.7m) and Daryl Woodford (£7m) are back like thunderclouds over the Rec. Mike Rake (£3.5m) and Marc Lewis (£4.5m) keep their spots after standout shifts, with Joe Robertson (£4.4m) and Dave De Jong (£4.8m) returning from the 1s.
Scout Verdict: Covers off. Attitudes on. Let’s cook.
3XI @ Frenford
Off to second-place Frenford seeking bouncebackability (a word invented for weekends like this). Jono Edwards (£4.2m) welcomes back Ashley Downes (£5.5m), William Pearn (£4.2m), Freddie Hales (£6.3m) and Chay Hedges (£4m). A debut for Kinthu Chandramohan (£3.5m) adds new options for the team.
Scout Verdict: Will it rain sixes or just... rain?
4XI v Westcliff @ Home
It’s déjà vu for skipper Geoff Lake (£5.6m), hoping lightning strikes twice after that 62-run win the last time the two sides met. Experienced Geoff Gullett (£4.5m), Nick Sharp (£3.4m) and Drew Robinson (£4m) bring gravitas, while Shan Selvaraj (£3.8m) sets sights on a third straight fifty. He is in beast mode.
Scout Verdict: If play’s possible, they’re unstoppable.
Fantasy Tips
This weekend, strategy beats swagger. Be weather-wise: picking a triple captain in a monsoon? Bold... but maybe don’t. Eyes on the radar, fingers on the selection app.
That’s it from me—sun dance over sun cream, ponchos over polos. Stay dry, dream big, and let’s hope the only thing raining is runs.
Until next time, I’ll be lurking behind the digital scoreboards, shouting encouragement in emojis. 
