The 1st XI put in a good performance at Chingford in the Dukes Essex League Cup, but eventually fell short of pulling of an upset. Skipper Nicky Ison won the toss and chose to field, and despite an excellent opening spell from Ejaz Khan, the experienced Chingford pair of Alfie Taylor and Ben MacGregor took the total into three figures, before the captain removed MacGregor for 33. Fellow spinners Shaffiq Rahman and Muhammad Rahmim struck soon after as Upminster fought back and reduced the hosts to 138-3. However, Taylor remained at the crease, eventually bringing up three figures, and with support from Andrew MacGregor and Josh Kelly Chingford went past 200 with overs to spare. Taylor eventually fell to John Curtis for 105, but Chingford completed their 50 overs on 242-5.

In reply Essex staffer Matt Quinn removed Shahbaz for four, but Kiran Kullar and Louis Pickering began to rebuild with a half century partnership. Both fell in quick succession to hand the initiative back to Chingford, before veterans Terry Wyatt and Shaffiq Rahman combined to get Upminster back in the tie. They took the score to 163-3 but when Wyatt fell for 36 the Upminster innings faded away and they finished on 193-8. (Scorecard)

Upminster start their league campaign with a local derby against Harold Wood on Saturday.

Ollie Peck’s 2nd fell to a defeat in their friendly against Chingford at Upminster Park. James Evans and Harry Jenkins were in the runs for the home side, but they only had James Ramsden (21) for support and their 184 all out was a little under par, even with the slow outfield. Kishen Patel (85) got the Chingford reply off to a blistering start, but with wickets falling at the other end, mainly against the left arm spin of Peck (4-24), the game was in the balance when Chingford reached 158-6. Two dropped chances cost Upminster dear though, as Paul Warren and Haider Malik saw Chingford home with four wickets and a couple of overs to spare. (Scorecard)

It was a low scoring affair at Coopers School as Upminster saw off Wanstead and Snaresbrook. The evergreen Andrew Berry produced a fantastic opening spell (3-9) to take out the visitors top order, and young spinner Nathan Bright then claimed 3-13, helped by two fantastic catches from Tom Daniels, as Wanstead were skittled out for 60. Upminster were going well in reply thanks to Rob Mack and Sam Twine, but from 55-3 they fell to 58-7 before Mark D’Cruz smashed a six over long on to end the contest. (Scorecard)

The 4th XI picked up a fantastic victory in their friendly with Fives and Heronians. A good all round bowling and fielding display helped to restrict Fives to 167 all out. Mike Larke got the Upminster reply off to a solid start before debutant Trey Collinge marked his first game with an excellent half century, and he was well supported by Max Gordon. When they fell the game was in the balance, but David Cowley and captain Karim Govani combined to see Upminster home by three wickets. (Scorecard)

The Sunday 2nd XI enjoyed a friendly encounter with Epping at Upminster Park, despite going down to a 41 run defeat. Wickets were shared around in the Epping innings, with Alex Fisher, Ollie Woods and Josh Lamont picking up two apiece as Epping made 186-9 in 40 overs. Several batsman got starts in the Upminster reply, but 31 from Max Carter Miller was the highest score. Fisher struck some late blows to give the score some respectability, but Upminster closed on 145-8. (Scorecard)

The U11s started their season with two victories over the weekend. On Sunday they saw off Ilford in the Haydn Davies Trophy. An excellent fielding display, which saw three run outs, helped restrict Ilford to 85-7. Jamie Green was the pick of the bowlers with 2-11. In reply Upminster made light work of the chase with Zayan Zakaria, Charlie Byrne and Gus Siggins in the runs. Adarsh Anil picked up 2-7 for Ilford. (Scorecard)

Dave Siggins’ side then followed this up with an excellent friendly win at Shenfield on Monday. Upminster made 70-9 from their 20 overs before putting in a superb display in the field to pick up a two run win. (Scorecard)