The Nick Browne Testimonial Match was another great occasion for everyone associated with Upminster Cricket Club. More than 250 members took part in or contributed towards the day, while a crowd of nearly four figures was in place for the afternoon’s T20 game against an Essex CCC XI. The weather forecast may not have been the best, but despite the somewhat autumnal feel the sun still shone and helped to ensure another season at Upminster Park ended in style.

EARLY MORNING MINIS TRAINING
Whilst one side of the ground was being prepared for the afternoon’s T20 game, the other side was filled with girls and boys from our U5s, U6s and U7s squads. They took part in a special end of season training session, taken by coaches from the Club Cricket Academy and the Upminster squad for the day. Nearly 50 young players took part in these sessions, and we hope they all enjoyed their morning.

GIRLS SOFTBALL MATCH
Our U10 and U11 Girls sides have both enjoyed memorable seasons, and they took part in a closely fought softball contest on the Brookdale Avenue side of the ground. After the game the girls were able to be presented with the medals and trophies they picked up this season from Aaron Beard and Felicity Russell who were both in the Upminster squad for the afternoon's T20 contest.

CCA BENEFIT BOWL OFF
Around 50 young players took part in the qualifying rounds of the Club Cricket Academy Bowl Off on the main square. The standard of bowling was very high and showed the quality of the young players we have at the club. Five players made it through to the finals (held later in the day), and they were Dylan Noller, Mari Stander, Oscar Hayes, Darcy Ford, Eddie Waters and Mo Ahmad. After the qualifying rounds had been completed, our U12 and U13 Girls squads received their medals and trophies from their recent cup successes from Aaron Beard, Felicity Russell and Keya Shah.

U11 GAME V REPRESENTATIVE SIDE
As has become a tradition of the Benefit Match over the last few seasons, the warm-up to the big game was provided by our U11s. They took on a Representative side, made up of players from a number of clubs in the Central District. There were some great skills on show during this contest, particularly in the field, with a number of brilliant catches taken. The Representative side batted first before Upminster chased down their target in the terriers format game to win a thrilling contest by two runs. On the far side of the ground the remainder of our U10 and U11s squads played in a softball contest, and after the action had finished in both games everyone involved was able to grab a photo with Essex stars Nick Browne, Sam Cook and Jamie Porter.

UCC V ESSEX CCC XI – FIRST INNINGS
Upminster skipper Aaron Beard won the toss and asked Essex to bat first and Max Carter-Miller picked up two early wickets including the star of the day Nick Browne. Mackenzie Jones made 44 from 26 balls before Noah Thain entertained the crowd with three maximums in his 30 and Jack Parrish made 23. Keya Shah impressed with the ball in her three over spell, while Carter-Miller picked up a third wicket and Gus Philpot also claimed a treble, before youngster Jack Aud made 46 from 24 as Essex closed on 199-9.

DURING THE INTERVAL
There was no let up in the action during the innings break with the finals of the CCA Bowl Off taking place. An exciting shoot out took place with Dylan Noller taking the honours and picking up the prize. Meanwhile 60 of our U8 and U9 boys and girls kept the crowd entertained with some fast-paced KWIK Cricket action before joining both the Essex and Upminster sides for the traditional team photos in front of the pavilion. We were also able to present Jack Petchey Achievement Awards to nine of our young players and one of our Young Leaders.

UCC V ESSEX CCC XI – SECOND INNINGS
Kiran Kullar and Mo Ahmad continued their good form from the league season with an opening stand of 47 while Tom Daniels and Callum Berry made good contributions before the later was dismissed by Upminster youngster Lewis Munn who was guesting for the County side. Kullar peppered the boundaries in his 48 ball 89 to put Upminster in with a chance, and Felicity Russell looked in good touch as the game went down to the last over. Nick Browne held his nerve for Essex as his side claimed a 21 run win, their 18th in 25 contests since the fixture was first played in 1997.

THE PRESENTATIONS
Upminster President David Parish took to the microphone to thank everyone involved in the day, and to pay tribute to Nick Browne’s amazing career with the County. Representatives from the club’s main sponsor, Griffin Group, presented Nick with a cheque on the club’s behalf before Nick thanked his teammates for their support and the crowd for turning out in such numbers to support the day.