The final teams of the season have been picked. The line-ups are locked. The stage is set.
This weekend isn’t just about cricket. It’s about character. About courage. About three teams standing on the edge of the drop—and choosing to rise. We need more then fantasy points, if we could triple captain the bonus points, we might just make it.
2XI – Host 2nd-placed Fives & Heronians.
Currently 6 points adrift in 9th. Their fate hangs not just on their own result, but on South Woodford slipping up against Old Parkonians.
What do we need? A win. And a little help from elsewhere. But first—we must win.
3XI – Home to Horndon, also 2nd in the table.
Sitting 8th, 13 points clear of Orsett & Thurrock.
What do we need? A win guarantees safety. 8 bonus points will do it too. If not, we’re watching Orsett vs Harlow with bated breath.
4XI – Away to Hornchurch Athletic (5th).
Also 8th, also 13 points clear of Old Southendians.
What do we need? Same story. Win and we’re safe. Maximum bonus points will be enough. If not, we’re hoping Leigh on Sea do us a favour.
1XI – Travel to Old Brentwoods.
No pressure. Just pride. Just joy. Just cricket.
The Final Fight: One Club. One Weekend. One Chance.
This is the last chapter. The final act. The moment where everything we’ve endured this season—every dropped catch, every rain-soaked warm-up, every hard-fought draw—comes down to one thing: how we finish.
SLHCC 2XI, 3XI, and 4XI— are not just teams. They are part of the soul of this club. You are the reason the Rec still buzzes with belief. And this weekend, you don’t just play to survive. You play to inspire.
You play to show that when the odds are stacked, we don’t fold—we fight. That when the pressure builds, we don’t break—we rise. That when the league expects us to go quietly, we roar back with everything we’ve got.
So, swing like it’s the last ball you’ll ever face. Bowl like you’re defending your legacy. Field like every run saved is a lifeline. And above all—play for each other. Play for the badge. Play for the club that refuses to go down.
Because when the dust settles and Play-Cricket has been finalised, let it be known: SLHCC stood tall. SLHCC fought back. SLHCC survived.
And whatever happens—Saturday night, we celebrate. We come together as one club. Raise a glass to your captains. To your teammates. To the club that never stopped believing. Tell them you’re coming back next year. Tell them you’re proud. Because you should be.
Recap on Monday. Three wins and I may just reveal my true identity 
.