Put quite simply, 2026 was one of the most successful seasons in the club’s history with regard to on-field results. Three teams claimed their divisional league titles, two of them with some ease, while there were also three runners-up spots and an appearance at the Essex League T20 Finals Day. Individually there were also many highlights with the club’s batters piling up the centuries and a number of young players impressing throughout the season. Here we take a look at how the 1s, 2s and 3s performed in 2026.

1st XI:
For the first time since 2017 the 1st XI will compete in the Premier Division of Essex cricket next season having claimed the Division One title with a week to spare. From the moment the league season started it was clear there was a determination within the side to make 2026 the year they secured their return to the top-flight, and the team led the table from start to finish. Results prior to the league season may not have indicated what was to come with a one wicket loss in a friendly to Hornchurch followed by an exit from the Essex League Cup (at the hands of Buckhurst Hill) and another friendly loss to Shenfield. However, the performance of JJ Smuts in the first league game at Chingford set the tone for the season, both individually and collectively. JJ smashed 278 not out from 145 balls, breaking numerous records along the way, before claiming 3-27 in a 250 run win. JJ’s efforts somewhat overshadowed the excellent performances of Gus Philpot (74 and 2-18) and Shafiq Rahman (4-31) but the win and the manner in which it was achieved created a positive mood for the weeks ahead.

Rahman (3-49) and Smuts (73) were both in good form again a week later to help the side to a crucial three wicket win over Billericay, a result which even at that stage of the season looked an important one, before a fine team performance a week later against Orsett & Thurrock saw the side to victory in a thrilling contest. Smuts claimed three wickets in Orsett’s total of 258-8 before eight batters made double figure contributions in the chase with Ollie Burley and Tom Daniels keeping their cool to seal a three wicket win with six balls to spare in front of a large and thoroughly entertained crowd. Hadleigh were beaten a week later, Smuts, Adam Wheater and Philpot all making half centuries before momentum was halted at the start of June when rain meant no play was possible against Gidea Park & Romford. A first loss of the season followed a week later at Harold Wood but five wickets and an unbeaten ton for Smuts helped see off Hadleigh at Upminster Park in mid-June. Aaron Beard’s side were wobbling against Gidea Park & Romford at 43-6 and 85-7 before Ian Russell (82) and the returning Nehal Butt (97) put together a stunning eighth wicket partnership of 140 to lead Upminster to a total of 270 before Rahman (5-17) and Smuts ran through the Park batting to secure a 144 run win. Captain Beard produced a stunning spell (5-57) at Billericay in early July before Kiran Kullar helped ease Upminster to a nine wicket win, and that meant the halfway point of the season was reached with clear daylight between Upminster and the chasing pack.

Kullar, Smuts and Philpot were in the runs against Aztecs at Upminster Park as Beard’s side piled up 316-6, but despite wickets for Smuts, Butt and Rahman the second placed visitors stood firm and held out for a draw at 227-8. Kullar’s excellent season continued a week later at Orsett as he made three figures, and with Beard and Callum Berry plundering some late runs Upminster reached what looked to be a challenging 264. Smuts then took control with the ball claiming 6-25 to spin Upminster to victory, the winning wicket coming courtesy of a stunning catch from Berry at long-on. A first half century of the season for Pulkit Gupta, along with tuns from Smuts (62*) and Wheater (43*) helped see off Chingford before a trip down the A127 for a much anticipated clash with in form Old Southendians at Garon Park. The home side looked to be in a good position as they reached 101-1 in 19 overs before Smuts and Rahman took control of things. Smuts claimed five wickets and Rahman four as Upminster came back to bowl out Southendians for 205 before Gupta (51) and Kullar made an excellent start to the reply. It was then over to Smuts who made 116 not out from 65 balls, peppering the Disney Party taking place on the bank beyond the long-on boundary, as Upminster won by eight wickets to move to the brink of promotion, even with five weeks remaining.

Jamie Green produced his best spell of the season against Woodford Wells in early August as the Division One strugglers were bowled out for 192. That never looked likely to be enough and so it proved as Kullar (82*) and Smuts (108*) saw Upminster to a nine wicket win, but the champagne had to remain on ice for a while longer after Harold Wood won a thriller at Upminster Park by just four runs despite the best efforts of Butt (4-59), Smuts (65) and Philpot (55) before promotion was secured a week later against Wells at Monkhams Lane. An excellent all-round effort with the ball saw Wells bowled out for 196 before an outstanding 72 not out from Gupta helped Upminster to a four wicket win and a return to the top flight. The final two games of the season saw a washout against Old Southendians, the points gained meaning the title was secured with a week to spare, and a loss to promotion chasing Aztecs who ended up third despite their victory, Billericay claiming second by the narrowest of margins.

There was no doubt who was the star of the season with the bat, Smuts scoring more than 1,000 league runs at 142.13, including six centuries. Kullar enjoyed his best season for some time with 546 runs while Philpot added 447. There were also more than 300 runs for Wheater and Gupta and crucial contributions from Beard, Butt, Russell, Berry and Daniels. With the ball Smuts led the way with 44 league victims while veteran Rahman claimed 31. Butt, Beard and Green all reached double figures whilst Burley and Vansh Mehra gave a glimpse of their potential for the future.

There was also an appearance at T20 Finals Day for the first time since 2018 after Beard’s side won the qualifying event at Upminster Park on Bank Holiday Monday. The captain’s opening spell set up a comfortable win over Hadleigh before Smuts, Kullar and Philpot helped Upminster pile up 221-5 in the group final against Chelmsford. That always looked like being too much for the Premier Division side and 4-41 from Max Carter Miller helped secure a 23 run win. Carter Miller (4-21) was at it again at Finals Day against Loughton and with Ollie Burley also taking 3-21 Loughton were bowled out for just 126. However, it was too much for Upminster on a difficult surface and despite 21 from the skipper Loughton won by 27 runs.

2nd XI:
As in 2025, the side made a slow start to the season, but in 2026 they regained their form more promptly to ensure a mid-table finish was secured. A number of young players further established themselves in the side and put in a number of impressive performances, and these young players should be looking to further progress over the coming years and challenge for places in the 1st XI.

The season began in disappointing fashion with a first round exit to Buckhurst Hill in the new Essex League Plate. Skipper Ollie Peck claimed four wickets and Ian Russell made an unbeaten half century, but Upminster fell to an eight run loss. Aki Rahman made 160 the following Saturday to help the side overcome Wanstead & Snaresbrook in a friendly, Vansh Mehra and Finley Tolan impressing with the ball, but the league season started with a home loss to Chelmsford. Mehra made 51 to help Upminster post 221 after they had made a poor start before Dan Hagen made a fine century for the visitors to take them a six wicket win. 60 from Stuart Connor was not enough to stop Brentwood winning by three wickets a week later before the winless streak continued against Epping despite late efforts with the bat from Scott Simmons and John Curtis. The month did finish with a first win of the season though, and it was a day to remember for Harry Jenkins who smashed 129 not out as Upminster chased down Wanstead’s total of 249 for the loss of just three wickets.

June began with a rained off contest at Billericay before a hard-fought draw with Harold Wood at Upminster Park. Wood openers George Bryant and Robin Singh both made centuries in a total of 288-2 and although Alan Ison and Connor both made fifties in the Upminster reply they had to settle for the draw at 265-9. Upminster were still sitting towards the bottom end of the table at this stage, and things didn’t get any better at Woodford Wells a week later. Russell (81) and Gus Siggins (69) batted well for Upminster, but they fell from 217-4 to 229 all out with nine possible overs unused. Those surplus overs proved useful for Wells who used nearly 52 of them to secure a two wicket win despite Simmons claiming 5-62. That defeat left Upminster back in the drop zone, but they ended June in style with a win against Epping. When Epping made 275-5 Upminster may have been fearing the worse, but runs from Ison, Mehra and Siggins helped see Ollie Peck’s side to a much needed three wicket win.

The good form continued a week later as the halfway point of the season was reached with a stunning win over Brentwood at Upminster Park. Siggins and Mehra were both in the runs again, making excellent half centuries as Upminster piled up 282 but Brentwood looked to be in a good position at 166-2 and then 250-6. Wickets change matches however, and Jamie Green produced a sensational spell to change the game. Brentwood needed 33 runs from the final 13 balls of the game with six wickets in hand when Green took his fifth wicket of the day, and John Curtis then claimed another in the next over. It meant the game looked destined to end in a draw as Green began the final over, but he produced wickets with his third and fourth deliveries to return remarkable figures of 8-74 as Upminster won a thriller by 24 runs.

The revival continued at Chelmer Park in mid-July although Upminster just failed to force a victory. The top nine all made double figures for the visitors, with Pulkit Gupta making an excellent 71 to enable Upminster to post 270-9. Mohammed Baig made a century which looked to be taking Chelmsford to victory in reply, but Peck grabbed three wickets to stall their progress and the game ended in a draw with the home side on 232-7. Upminster had climbed into mid-table by this stage, and they picked up another win in their home game against Billericay. Ollie Burley picked up three wickets as the visitors were bowled out for 168 and Harry Jenkins and Aki Rahman then smashed the bowling to all parts as Upminster raced to a nine wicket win in just 21 overs. July ended with a loss at high-flying Hutton, although nine points were picked up in the defeat. Upminster had looked set for a well below par total until Curtis came in at number nine and made 72 not out to help Upminster recover and post 286-9. Benjamin Parry responded for the home side though, making 139 as Hutton cruise to a seven wicket win.

July’s results meant Upminster began August safely in mid-table, but they then lost an extraordinary game to Ilford at the start of the month. Jenkins and Mit Shah put together a record breaking opening stand of 325 at Upminster Park as the home side set a huge target. Shah made 179 and Jenkins 138 not out as Upminster declared early on 343-2. However, Ilford were not daunted by the chase and Gagan Bhogal made 147 to help the visitors to a seven wicket win. Upminster recovered a week later at Wanstead & Snaresbrook as they beat the Overton Drive outfit for the third time in a season. Russell and Mehra made half centuries in an excellent Upminster batting display before Mehra and Burley claimed three wickets each to take their side to a 28 run win. Upminster won again at Harold Wood the next Saturday, Siggins claiming three wickets and Rahman making 84, but that would turn out to be their last victory of the season. They were well beaten by Hutton at Upminster Park despite runs for Daniels, and their Bank Holiday weekend encounter with Ilford was a victim of the weather. The season concluded with a loss at home to Woodford Wells despite the best efforts of two veterans. Terry Wyatt made 56 not out before Curtis claimed four wickets, but Wells were still able to sign off their summer with a four wicket win. It all meant Upminster finished in sixth position on 214 points.

Jenkins was the leading run scorer with 486, while Siggins, Shah and Mehra all made more than 300 and Russell contributed 288 from just seven innings. Veterans Curtis and Peck led the way with the ball taking 20 and 19 wickets respectively, whilst Green, Simmons and Mehra all picked up ten or more.

The season was a tough one at times but the performances in July showed the individual and collective capability of the side. A number of young players performed well once more and should be looking to challenge for places in the 1st XI in 2027.

3rd XI:
It wouldn’t be the summer without the 3rd XI challenging for the Premier Division title, and that was no different in 2026. In the end a poor run of form in August ended hopes of a fourth title in nine years, but the team did end up in second place, their 13th top three finish since they started their unbroken run in the top division in 2002. Captain Dan Simpson also did an excellent job of bringing through the next group of young players from the club’s lower elevens. That he was able to do this and still claim a runners-up pennant is testament to the ability and commitment of the captain and everyone else in the side.

Runs for Arun Kullar and Stan Moore helped the team to a pre-season win over Stanford Le Hope 2s, and that good form was taken into the league season where Kullar and Michael Pedrick helped Upminster post a competitive score against West Essex before Tom Young stole the show. The fast bowler took 6-42 to bowl out West for 110 and give Upminster a win by 95 runs. A week later and good friends Woodford Wells came to Coopers and Steve Limn, George Sheridan and Joseph Brooks all batted well to lay the foundations for a good Upminster total. Moore then smashed a brilliant 86, 50 coming in boundaries, as Simpson’s side made 264-6. That was too much for Wells with Brooks and Fin Tolan bowling Upminster to a 66 run win. The winning run was ended at Harlow a week later despite a brilliant century from Pedrick. He made 104 not out, while Brooks made a half century, but there were no other contributions with the bat and Upminster’s total of 232-8 proved well under par as Harlow won by six wickets. The younger players had stolen the headlines up until this point, but the month ended with a veteran very much the star of the show. Mark D’Cruz claimed 6-30 as Hornchurch were bowled out for 160 before Brooks kept his nerve to see Upminster to a five wicket derby win.

June started with the away game at Shenfield being washed out before a quirk of the fixture list saw the return derby contest against Hornchurch take place just two weeks after the first game between the two sides. Dylan Narbheram claimed three wickets as Hornchurch were dismissed for 194 before 69 from Kullar helped put Upminster in control at 151-4. However, four wickets fell for 12 runs as Hornchurch looked set for victory only for Ewan Lowrie and Aedan Daly to steer Upminster to a tense two wicket win. Captain Simpson made 41 as Harlow were brushed aside at Coopers in mid June and the momentum then continued at Chelmsford a week later where Brooks and Tolan were in the wickets before Kullar and Zoran Suneel helped Simpson’s side to another seven wicket win. July began with a poor performance against Shenfield, and despite Tolan’s half century Upminster lost by seven wickets, but they bounced back again the following Saturday against Harold Wood. Ryan Oakes claimed four wickets for Upminster but Wood’s total of 244 still looked a challenging one. However, half centuries for Simpson, Suneel and Ross Taylor saw Upminster to a five wicket win with more than four overs to spare. Taylor was in the runs again at Woodford Wells, as was Pedrick who made a brilliant 93, but other contributions were scarce and despite some late hitting from Ollie Clarke Upminster may have thought their total of 224 was below par on a ground like Monkhams Lane. The bowlers had other ideas though and with D’Cruz and Tolan leading the way Wells were bowled out for 186. The captain led from the front at West Essex at the end of July, carrying his bat for a brilliant 80 not out on a difficult pitch to keep his side on track. Taylor and Lewis Munn added some late runs and a total of 244 always felt like it would be too much for the home side. That proved to be the case as 5-13 from Ryan Oakes helped bowl out for West for just 95 meaning Upminster ended the month at the top of the table.

August’s fixtures always looked very tough on paper and unfortunately the month passed without a victory. Simpson made a determined 64 as the side battled to a draw with Brentwood at Coopers but they were well beaten by Wanstead & Snaresbrook a week later despite an excellent 81 not out from the returning Adam Quested. Suneel top scored at Brentwood a week later as Upminster made 203-9 but Brentwood won by six wickets despite 3-33 from Brooks and Upminster then welcomed Wanstead to Coopers knowing only a win would realistically keep alive their title hopes. Pedrick made another brilliant unbeaten century and Upminster’s total of 256-5 looked a good one, but Wanstead’s top order showed their quality as they secured an eight wicket win, Salman Syed making a brilliant 135 not out. Any lingering title hopes were ended by the rain on Bank Holiday weekend as the visit to Chelmsford was washed out, and with Wanstead having secured the title the final day trip to Harold Wood became a straight shootout for second place. Ewan Lowrie and Joshan Narbheram were in the wickets for Upminster, but Wood were still able to post a competitive 229-9. Arun Kullar (80) and Rob Healy (62) both batted superbly for the visitors and although there were some late nerves it was Upminster who secured the runners up spot courtesy of a two wicket win.

Pedrick’s two centuries saw him finish top of the batting aggregates with 489 runs while the captain and Kullar both scored more than 350 and Brooks showed his potential with 208. The bowling charts were a story of youth and experience with Tolan claiming 20 wickets and D’Cruz 19, while Brooks, Oakes and Young all reached double figures. All of the younger players in the squad would have learned a lot from the season and it will be a shock if the side are not challenging for the title again in 2027.