Yesterday's game with Essex was another great occasion, with a large crowd coming to Upminster Park to support the game and the Essex Cricket Foundation, and
watching Essex run out winners by 72 runs.

The fixtures with Essex, which have been taking place since 1997, are only possible thanks to the hardwork and generosity of a number of people, and the Club would
like to thank these people for their efforts.

Firstly, to the Essex Cricket Foundation, the Essex Cricket Board (especially Arfan Akram and Dan Feist) and of course the players of Essex CCC who agreed to yesterday's fixture and then gave up their time to come to Upminster Park to play yesterday afternoon. Without the Essex players turning out for this game every year these games would not be possible.

To our very generous Club and Benefit Match sponsors, many of whom have been supporting the event since 1997, whose support makes the day possible and without whom the Club would not be able to continue to work to improve it's facilities and coaching.

To our two umpires, Pip George and Mick Tucker, and our two scorers, Dave Middlemiss and Kevin Roome, for ensuring the game ran smoothly and was played in the right spirit.

To the Kalijeera Indian Restaurant and to Andrea, Tony, Carole, Eleanor and Marion for their catering, ensuring both teams and all our guests were well looked after during the day, as well as to our Club President Mr David Parish for his hospitality in the Pavilion.

To the 1st Upminster Scout Group for running our Tea Tent during the afternoon and for assisting with the sale of programmes around the ground. We wish the Scouts all the best for their 100th anniversary celebrations in 2017.

To Batemans Newsagents, Kingcotts Bakery, Govani's Chemist, Gates, Parish and Co, and the Kalijeera Indian Restaurant for helping to sell programmes in advance of the game.

To all of the Club Members and friends of the Club, including those who played in the match, who gave up their time yesterday, and in the weeks leading up to the game, to help make the day was a success. There are to many people to list on here, but you know who you are!!!

And finally, to the Upminster public for turning up in such numbers, as you do every year, and supporting the match and the Essex Cricket Foundation. Despite the weather not being the best we were pleased to welcome a huge crowd to Upminster Park once again and you fully supported both teams throughout the afternoon. We hope we will be able to welcome you all again in 2017!!!