Well, the weekend didn’t exactly go to plan—and I’m talking cricket, not my golf swing, which continues to defy physics and common sense. Still, a round of 92 – I’ll take it, not bad for 9 holes. Sorry I digress, you’re here for the cricket.
4XI: The Great Escape Begins
Just one win across the board, and it came courtesy of the 4XI, who now find themselves in a high-stakes showdown with Old Souths. It’s simple: avoid defeat and live to tell the tale. Skipper Geoff Lake led from the front with a gritty 56 runs and a fantasy-friendly 126 points, earning himself Player of the Week.
1XI: Braveheart Vibes
The 1XI took on the league leaders in their own back yard—plenty of protein shakes and squad numbers on display—and gave it a proper go. Shame it couldn’t be seen as the stream battery went flat. Jack Carter, Matthew Page, and Rukshan De Silva all made the Team of the Week, proving that heart sometimes trumps horsepower. Almost.
2XI: The Maths Didn’t Math
At halfway, the 2s were dreaming of 20 points after keeping both Hadleigh & Thundersley to a manageable 180. Freddie Robinson was the pick of the bowlers with 4 wickets and 69 points—nice. Dave De Jong launched the reply like a man late for dinner, but the middle order fizzled. Rohit Duhan chipped in, and a last wicket stand from Duncan Page and Daryl Woodford gave us hope, but alas, it wasn’t to be. Frenford awaits this weekend. Top of the table. No pressure.
3XI: Close But No Cigar
Jack Cable’s unbeaten 54* (114 points) and Ian Rudder’s 48 gave the 3s a fighting total, but Epping chased it down with 3 wickets to spare. Andy Freeman’s 4 wickets deserved better than a footnote, but cricket is cruel. This weekend they face Harlow, who are bottom of the table. Anything less than a full haul and we cry into our beers. No pressure.
Fantasy League Update
Harry Robinson still clings to the top spot, but his lead’s been trimmed to 244 points—proof that picking the right captain is basically sorcery. Jack Carter bags Manager of the Week with 575 points to push himself up the table.
With one weekend left in August, the Manager of the Month title is still up for grabs. Harry leads Jack by 49, but Freddie and Adam Knight are lurking like fantasy ninjas, ready to strike.
That’s your lot for Week 16. Week 17 is shaping up to be an absolute blockbuster. I’ll be back Friday with the full scoop—until then, keep your spreadsheets tight and your banter tighter.