Four games. Four squads. One weekend to shake up the leaderboard.
August has arrived, and with it comes five fixtures, holiday chaos, and the usual scramble for eleven players and a spare pair of whites. Captains’ group chats are buzzing — so let’s flip the order and dive in from the bottom up.
The 4XI head to Wickford in what could be their season-defining clash. Just three points separate the sides, and skipper Geoff Lake (5.6m) knows a win here could all but secure safety. He’s backed by a blend of youth and experience, including two father-son duos: Shan Selvaraj (3.9m), a Player of the Month nominee, joins forces with Tharun Shanmuganand (2.7m), while Adam Pickett (5.5m) and Jordan Pickett (4.1m) bring their own family firepower. There’s also a call-up for Matt Galea (£2.5m) whose energy could be the wildcard Wickford weren’t expecting.
Scout Verdict: Tight margins, but the squad’s got bite. Expect a close one with safety on the line.
Back at home, the 3XI welcome Old Brentwoods — second in the table and not short on swagger. But Ravi Sandaname (3.7m) leads a youthful side hungry to bounce back. Will Robertson (2.5m) brings calm with bat and ball, Sam Stannard (4.6m) adds all-round reliability, and Bobby Kenyon (4.4m) is ready to light the fuse. A win here would be massive, not just for morale but for narrowing the gap. The Rec could be rocking.
Scout Verdict: Home turf could tip the scales. Youthful energy meets a must-win moment.
Speaking of The Rec, the 2XI host Oakfield Parkonians in a fixture that feels like a crossroads. Just 31 points separate the teams, and the return of Bala Sudhakaran (5.0m) adds steel to the lineup. From the 1XI comes Harry Robinson (5.9m), another Player of the Month nominee, alongside the ever-dependable Dave De Jong (4.8m). But it’s the Robinson family reunion that adds narrative spice — Freddie Robinson (5.5m) and Drew Robinson (4.0m) complete the trio, and if they click, Oakfield could be in for a long afternoon.
Scout Verdict: Big game energy. The squad’s stacked — now’s the time to make it count.
And finally, the 1XI travel to Shenfield with the league table offering little hope — but perhaps that’s the freedom they need. With pressure off, Tom Willats (6.5m) can swing with abandon, hoping his recent form continues. Returning to the fold is Alex Ellis (4.4m), answering the call with trademark grit and positive attitude. Rukshan Da Silva (4.5m), a familiar face tasked with breaking through Shenfield’s top order. Add in Matt Higgins (6.9m) — another Player of the Month nominee and a proven wicket magnet — and you’ve got a side that might just surprise a few.
Scout Verdict: Pressure’s off, prides on the line. Free to enjoy, and maybe even upset the odds.
There’s still plenty to play for in the Fantasy League. Captain picks could make or break your week, and if you’ve got a triple captain chip left, now’s the time to roll the dice. The leaderboard’s still fluid — don’t count yourself out. Set your alarms, transfers by 11 am on Saturday.
Whether you’re donning whites or waving from the boundary, get yourself down to The Rec and support the teams. And if you’re playing: score big, bowl smart, and remember — play hard, play fair, and enjoy every minute.
That’s me done. Until the weekend wraps… auf wiedersehen, pet.