The First XI narrowly lost a thrilling League Cup Final to Wanstead on Sunday afternoon, at Buckhurst Hill Cricket Club.

Wanstead batted first and thanks to the efforts or Mervyn Westfield and Maurice Chambers they reached 232-9 from their 45 overs.  In reply Upminster
struggled early on but a half century from Mike Rath and a cameo from Elliot Bussey gave them hope.  However, when the 9th wicket fell with Upminster
nearly 50 short the game looked dead and buried.  But skipper Ollie Peck combined with Nick O'Dell to begin crashing the ball to all parts of the ground
and put Upminster in with a chance of victory as the target was reduced to 13 from the last over.  Unfortunately the last wicket fell and Upminster slipped
to a 12 run defeat.

The game was tremendous entertainment for all those who watched the game.  It was an excellent achievement for the Club to reach this final for the first
time in our history, and we aim to go one better next year!!  Congratulations to Wanstead CC on their triumph.

We have been informed that the Essex side for Monday's game at Upminster Park will be picked from the following squad:

Matt Walker
Tim Phillips
Jason Gallian
James Foster
Grant Flower
Tom Westley
Adam Wheater
Varun Chopra
David Masters
Chris Wright
Tony Palladino
Maurice Chambers
Mervyn Westfield
Graeme Welch
3 Academy Players

Upminster CC are extremely pleased that Essex have once again named such a strong squad for this fixture.

The Upminster side for Monday's game will be as follows:

Oliver Peck
Alan Ison
Naeem Iqbal
James Aggio-Brewe
Nick O'Dell
Mark Squibb
Andrew D'Cruz
Harry Jenkins
Elliot Bussey
Akhbar Jabhar
Shaffiq Rahman
Chris Cully

Upminster's "12th" man will be George Nicholls who won our competition to be 12th Man for the day.

The 35 over match will start at 2.00pm and entrance is by programme only, priced at £2 and available on the day, or in advance from the Club.

This coming Monday, Upminster CC welcome Essex CCC to Upminster Park, for a Benefit Match in aid of the Graham Gooch Essex Cricket Academy.

This 35 over contest starts at 2.00pm.  There will be a beer tent, BBQ, tea tent and ice cream van available throughout the day, as well as raffles, and an
autograph tent for the youngsters.

This is the 11th time Upminster CC have entertained Essex since 1997, and the games have always been very entertaining and enjoyable affairs.

Admissions is by programme, priced £2, and these are available from the Club over the Weekend, or from Batemans Newsagents, Kingcotts Bakery,
Gates, Parish & Co, Pinney Talfourd and Govani Chemists (all situated in the Town).

Contrary to earlier information, the League Cup Final between Upminster and Wanstead will start at 12 NOON on Sunday 30th August.

The game will be taking place at Buckhurst Hill CC, and all support will be appreciated.