For only the second time in 26 editions of the Upminster Benefit Match there was rain at Upminster Park, but it didn't stop the action with most of the day taking place as planned and Upminster picking up a thrilling victory.

EARLY MORNING MINIS TRAINING
Unfortunately, the one part of the day which was abandoned due to the weather was our early morning Minis Training. With the ground wet from overnight rain and more rain falling as the start of the session approached, the club were unfortunately left with no choice but to call off these sessions.

GIRLS SOFTBALL MATCH
Our U10 and U11 Girls sides have both enjoyed memorable seasons, and they took part in a closely fought softball contest on the Brookdale Avenue side of the ground (the new non-turf pitch helping to ensure the game was able to go-ahead). After the game the girls also took part in a bowl-off, but it was great to see both of these squads enjoying their conclusions to excellent seasons.

CCA BENEFIT BOWL OFF - QUALIFYING
Around 40 young players took part in the qualifying rounds of the Club Cricket Academy Bowl Off on the main square. The standard of bowling was very high and showed the quality of the young players we have at the club. Four young players advanced to the final shoot-out which would take place later in the afternoon, and they were Dylan Noller, Sophia Dansie, Vansh Mehra and Keya Shah.

U11 GAME V REPRESENTATIVE SIDE
As has become a tradition of the Benefit Match over the last few seasons, the warm-up to the big game was provided by our U11s. They took on a Representative side, made up of players from a number of clubs in the Central District. There were some great skills on show during this contest, particularly in the field, with a number of brilliant catches taken. The Representative side batted first before Upminster got their reply off to a solid start. However, some excellent bowling from the Representative side eventually took them to a 38 run win, with Hornchurch Athletic's Aryav Gadiraju claiming a brilliant hattrick. On the far side of the ground the remainder of our U10 and U11s squads played in a softball contest, and after the action had finished in both games everyone involved was able to grab a photo with Essex star Jamie Porter and Upminster skipper Aaron Beard
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UCC V ESSEX CCC XI – FIRST INNINGS
Upminster skipper Aaron Beard won the toss and asked Essex to bat first and the visitors made a flying start with the boundaries being peppered all around Upminster Park. Sheharyar Chaudhary made 61 from just 24 balls before Upminster fought back, Fenton Everingham taking 2-20, and Essex eventually finished on 201-6. 

DURING THE INTERVAL
There was no let up in the action during the innings break with the finals of the CCA Bowl Off taking place. An exciting shoot out took place with Keya Shah eventually taking the honours. Meanwhile 60 of our U8 and U9 boys and girls kept the crowd entertained with some fast-paced KWIK Cricket action before joining both the Essex and Upminster sides for the traditional team photos in front of the pavilion. We were also able to present Jack Petchey Achievement Awards to nine of our young players and one of our Young Leaders (more details to follow).

UCC V ESSEX CCC XI – SECOND INNINGS
Upminster opener Kiran Kullar made an excellent half century to put Upminster into a good position before captain Aaron Beard (65) looked in fine form as he also passed 50. Upminster looked to be cruising to victory but some late nerves saw the game go to the last over before Jamie Green saw his side to a two wicket win with five balls to spare. 

THE PRESENTATIONS
Upminster President David Parish took to the microphone to thank everyone involved in the day, and to look back on a memorable season for everyone associated with the club. Lee Kennedy from the club’s main sponsor, Griffin Group, presented Essex Captain Noah Thain with a cheque on the club’s behalf for the Essex Cricket Foundation before Noah thanked his teammates for their support and the crowd for turning out in such numbers to support the day.