While most Upminster members are wrapping up warm and trying to avoid the snow, one member of the 1st XI is enjoying some winter sun in Victoria, Australia.............although with several days cricket already lost to rain, it probably feels quite like home for all rounder Ollie Todd.

Todd flew out to Victoria in late September to spend the winter playing for Johnson Park CC. Johnson Park's 1st XI play in the top division of the Ferntree Gully & District Cricket Association, where they currently sit eighth in the ten team "ladder". Todd's Australian club have many similarities with his summer home, as they field six Saturday league sides, have a large thriving junior section and have recently launched a women's cricket programme.

Todd joined Upminster during the 2021 season and has quickly settled in at the club. He was a regular in the 1st XI in 2022 and also stepped up to appear for Essex's 2nd XI during the summer. We caught up with "Toddy" to see how the winter was going so far:

How did the opportunity come about to play in Australia this winter??
The winter was a really good opportunity to go and play overseas as I had a free winter and didn't know what to do with my time!! I knew I wanted to improve my cricket all round, so with the help of Alan (Ison) I got in touch with a club called Johnson Park. They play in the Ferntree & Gully District Cricket Association. Players from the Essex League such as Julian Whetstone and Aaron West have also been to this club and played in the same competition.

How does the standard compare with Saturday cricket back home??
The league is full of really competitive sides and some unbelievable players who stand out above the rest. The level is very similar to the 1st XI Division 1 standard back home. The key differences are you have to be more alert in the field because the ball travels along the ground a lot quicker than it does in England, and there is also plenty of sledging guaranteed, especially when you're a "Pom".

The season is nearly halfway through now, so how have you been getting on??
Since being here I have played seven matches, and have had some great games bowling wise. Against Scoresby I picked up 3-15 from 5 overs, and against Eildon Park I got 2-16 from 6 overs. I was also recently selected for the U21 South East Victoria Country side. I played in this side at the weekend and picked up two wickets in my nine overs for just 30 runs, in a limited overs format game, so I was pretty pleased with that.

When are you due back in the UK, and what are your hopes for the 2023 summer??
The Grand Finals of the competition here are on 18th March and I will then be flying back on the 24th. I am excited to try and prove myself in the league again next year. Hopefully as a team we can gain promotion next summer, and with the side we have I think we have a big chance to do so. We have a great bunch of lads at Upminster and it's a good atmosphere all round the club. I can't wait for the season ahead!!!

Everyone at Upminster would like to wish "Toddy" a very Happy Christmas, and we wish him and all at Johnson Park the very best of luck for the remainder of their season.

**To follow Ollie's performances and those of all the sides at Johnson Park, please visit:

https://johnsonparkcc.com.au/