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WEEKEND REVIEW - 22nd AND 23rd AUGUST

It was another successful weekend for the Club, with many of our sides securing their divisional status for 2010.

The First XI led the way with a thrilling 2 wicket victory over South Woodford at Upminster Park.  Shaffiq Rahman was the pick of the bowlers in the South innings, grabbing 4 wickets, but a fine century from Nick Browne enabled South to reach 250-9 from their 50 overs.  In reply Upminster lost early wickets, but a fine 77 from Alan Ison kept them in the hunt.  However, when he fell it looked like South would claim victory.  But Elliot Bussey and Naeen Iqbal added 45 for the 8th wicket, before Bussey and Nick O'Dell knocked off the remaining 50 runs in an broken 9th wicket partnership. O'Dell finished on 25 and Bussey finished on a fine 53 not out as Upminster made it over the line with 2 balls to go, and secured their Premier Division status for 2010.

Nicky Ison's Second XI were unable to claim victory in a tight affair at Chingford.   James Aggio-Brewe and Dan Tyler picked up 3 wickets each as Chingford were bowled out for 246.  In reply Upminster lost early wickets but middle order runs from Rob Bannister, Rob Mack, Danny O'Dell and Aggio-Brewe kept Upminster in the hunt.  However, when O'Dell fell Upminster had to halt their chase, and Aggio-Brewe and Chris Ryan had to see off the last few overs for a draw.  With Hainault losing again, Upminster's game with Wanstead next week now becomes a crucial match.

Rob White was the hero, as the Third XI secured their Premier Division Status with a tense 1 wicket victory over South Woodford.  White kept his nerve to see Upminster over the line as they chased 208 for victory.  Earlier in the day White and McNeela had been the pick of the Upminster bowlers as they fought hard to restrict South.  Scott Hammond then made a half century for the visitors before White's heroics.

The Fourth XI's charge to promotion was slowed down as they were held to a draw by Old Southendians at Coopers.  Jamie O'Dell made a stunning 113, his first century for the Club, as Upminster piled up 262-9.  However, Southendians proved stubborn opposition and they made their way to 223-3 in reply meaning the game ended in a draw.  Will Sissen's men face a crucial game at Billericay next Saturday.

Karim Govani's Fifth XI secured their Premier Division place for next season with a draw at Hainault.  Will Murphy made 52 to give Upminster a good start, but a rush of wickets left at Upminster in trouble at 111-5.  However, Phil Tuffee and Scott Dowler combined in a run a ball stand of 115 to lead Upminster to a big total.  Tuffee made 89 and Dowler 59 as Upminster declare an over early at 250-7.  In reply the skipper picked up a couple of wickets, but Hainault held on for the draw at 172-6.

The Sixth XI slipped to defeat against Gidea Park Fifth XI.  Veteran Andy Jenner picked up 8 wickets as Upminster were all out for 148, and Park cruised to victory.

The Sunday Second XI recorded a fine win over Loughton in the Essex Sunday League.  Andrew D'Cruz was in the runs for the home side as they made 199.  In reply Loughton were always in the hunt, but some fine bowling from Kevin Roome (3 wickets) and Steve Limn, saw Upminster to a 11 run victory.

The Sunday Third XI fell to a heavy defeat in an enjoyable game against Anson St George at Harrow Lodge Park.