The penultimate week is here. Stakes are high. Nerves are fraying. And if you think this is big… wait until next week when it’s even bigger. Unless it’s already decided. In which case, this was the biggest. Got it? Good. Let’s dive in.
4XI – The Great Escape (Maybe)
They travel to Old Southendian & Southchurch with a 30-point parachute. Avoid defeat and they stay up. Simple. The team’s strong, the mood’s bullish, and the league has granted special dispensation for one mystery player to feature. Who is it? We’re not saying. But let’s just say… we bat deep enough to pack the runs in.
Scout Verdict: Destiny is in our hands. And we’ve washed them.
3XI – Pressure Cooker Cricket
Home game vs Harlow. Must win. No excuses. The team’s focused, the paper looks good, now it’s time to turn ink into impact. There’s a safety net if Orsett and Loughton cancel each other out, but let’s not rely on other people’s actions. The league helped with selection again. We’re not naming names, but let’s just say… they drew their own conclusions.
Scout Verdict: Heart, discipline, fight and just enough chaos to keep it spicy.
2XI – The Frenford Rematch
Away at the Jack Carter Centre against high-flying Frenford. Last time we hit 300+ in an exceptional and winning run chase. Can lightning strike twice? Only if everyone fires — big guns, little guns, and the occasional water pistol. It’s a long shot, but long shots are our thing.
Scout Verdict: When the going gets tough, the tough get… points?
1XI – The Final Curtain Call
Last home game of the season. Goresbrook visit. The lads deserve a win after a season of near-misses and existential sighs. No league assistance here — just raw talent, stubborn optimism, and the best tea in Essex. If you’re nearby, come down. Bring noise. Bring biscuits.
Scout Verdict: Great batting. Great bowling. Great tea. Great expectations.
Fantasy Managers – Eyes on the Sky, Fingers on the Pulse
It’s tense. Weather could meddle. Other games could twist the plot. But points matter — for teams and for you, dear fantasy managers. If you’ve made it this far, don’t blink now. One more week to go. Hold your nerve. Pick smart. And if the teams can bag 80 points this weekend… well, we’ll all pretend it was part of the master plan. Teams, you’ve got this.