Upminster Cricket Club

WEEKEND REVIEW - 4th / 5th SEPTEMBER

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Created on Monday, 06 September 2010 10:32

Last Updated on Monday, 06 September 2010 10:32

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It was a disappointing last day of the league season for Upminster, as two of their sides were relegated, and another failed to gain the promotion they had hoped for.

The 1st XI came agonisingly close to beating champions Brentwood and gaining the points they needed for survival.  Chasing 314 for victory a superb innings of 144 from Alan Ison gave Upminster a chance, and with got good support from Terry Wyatt (65) and Nick O'Dell (19) it looked for a while like they may pull off a remarkable result.  However, it was not to be and they were bowled out 14 runs short of their target.  The result, coupled with Ilford's victory over Colchester meant a return to Division One for the first time in four years.

It was a similar story for the 5th XI as they lost to champions Ardleigh Green 4s, and thus were relegated.  Fine bowling from Nicky Ison and Ant Limn helped to restrict Green to 184-6 from their 52 overs.  In reply Upminster made a disastrous start as they slipped to 29-5.  However, Steve Limn (41) and Alex Mitchell (47) gave Upminster some hope.  Ison then came to the crease and plundered 3 maximums to take Upminster to within striking distance, but he ran out of partners as Upminster were bowled out for 162.

The 4th XI missed out on promotion after a last day defeat to Loughton.  Despite a solid start from Paul Brockman, Stewart Hammond and Harry Jenkins, Upminster were bowled out for 149. In reply Loughton appeared to be cruising to victory, but an Upminster fightback with the ball, with Jenkins in the wickets, almost pulled off a stunning win before Loughton got home with 3 wickets in hand.

Paul Scott's 6th XI got the points they needed to survive, even though they slipped to defeat against Southend 4s, while the 3rd XI also fell to defeat against Brentwood but gained enough points to ensure a top half finish.  The 2nd XI drew an entertaining clash with Brentwood and finished in a highly creditable 6th place.

On Sunday the 2nd XI easily beat Herongate in a friendly, while the Academy side recorded a victory over Old Parkonians at Upminster Park.