If it wasn’t for the fact that I have to stay incognito, unable to reveal my true identity for safety and security reasons, I would be doffing my trilby to our over worked and under appreciated captains this week. By some miracle, force of nature or just plain calling in of favours, the skips have managed to get 4 teams out. For that, the club and the fantasy league managers
are mighty thankful.
The 1XI will be celebrating Presidents Day where Life Members and Vice Presidents are invited to enjoy a day of cricket and catching up with old members. The way it was looking earlier in the week, if they had bought their kit they would have got a game. Tom Willats (6.6m) continues to play while injured, justifying a lower order spot but will be looking on Michael Edwards (5.5m) to pick up where he left off last week. There’s a few missing but coming back into the team are Matt Lewis (5.3m), Karan Patra (5m) and they are joined by Freddie Hales (6.3m) making his first 1’s appearance of the season. Can Matt Higgins (6.8m) add to his impressive wicket tally, yeah baby.
Scout verdict: A victory for graft, resilience and the President
The 2XI travel the short distance to Wickford searching for vital points. Due to injuries, holidays, and work commitments amongst other things, skip Daryl Woodford (7.5m) has lost almost a whole team. Only Rohit Duhan (5.4m), Bala Sudhakaran (5m), Duncan Page (3.9m) and Will Pearn (4.2m) remain from the previous week. It’s been a call to arms and Marc Lewis (4.5m) and Dave White (4m) are 2 of a few that have answered that call.
Scout verdict: In the face of adversity, we uncover the depths of our determination.
For a team that were pushing for promotion just a few weeks ago the 3XI are now in an every point matters race. Thats how quick it can change. This week they host Walthamstow, the team immediately above them so max points must be the aim, but that also has been made difficult with the lack of availability. Joe McCarthy (3.8m) takes charge and calls up the successful father son duos of Shan Selvaraj (3.9m) and Tharun (2.7m) as well as last weeks run scoring hero’s in Adam Pickett (5.5m) and Jordan Pickett (4.1m). Andy Freeman (4.7m) is also back to add much needed experience.
Scout verdict: with a shared vision, we will rise above every obstacle and forge a path to victory
The 4XI travel to Harold Wood. Not only do they have to navigate the closures at Gallows Corner they come up against arguably the best team in the division. It will be tough but our team are spirited enough to put up a fight. Dave Street (3.5m) takes the armband and forms one half of another father/son duo as Ronnie Street (2.5m) is called in. Connor Busby (2.5m) takes the gloves and Connor Filsell (3.9m) will be charged with taking the wickets.
Scout verdict: a real David vs Goliath fight for points
That’s it then, just leaves me to say, transfers by 11am on Saturday and if you do have a triple captain option, you are running out of time. Could be a good week for the wild card chip if you still have it.
Big thanks to everyone that is playing this weekend and massive thanks once again to the captains for getting 4 sides out. Let’s hope we’re all enjoying a celebratory drink on Saturday night as we’ve had a successful day. Enjoy your cricket this weekend.
By the way at the time of writing the 1XI still need a scorer. There is a small payment and a beautiful tea provided. Are you able to assist -
1. The club
2. The team
3. The Scout so he can watch from afar
