Upminster got their Matchplay campaign off to an excellent start with a 25 run win against Springfield at Coronation Park. Upminster piled up a huge total of 311-6 from their 40 overs, but it looked for a while as though that may not be enough, as Springfield’s batsmen came close to pulling off a remarkable victory.

Upminster won the toss and chose to bat and Ellis Pickering and Harvey Daniels justified that decision by getting their side off to a flying start. Daniels fell for 39 and the visitors then lost another wicket shortly after, but 13 year old Callum Berry joined Pickering and they upped the run rate as Upminster moved towards a large total. Pickering brought up a brilliant century and went on to make 118, before falling to Ted Ashurst who picked up three wickets for the home side. Berry eventually went for 82, but Upminster’s total of 311 was more than satisfactory.

Matthew Bright struck early in the Springfield reply but Max Williams (47) and Jonny Evans (60) kept the home side very much in the hunt. Ben Reynolds and Adi Shinde both scored quick runs as the game headed for a tense finish, but Harry Bradford came into the attack, and his spell of 3-28 finally tilted the game in Upminster’s favour. Three run outs followed as Springfield scrambled for runs, and the home side were bowled out for 286 to give Upminster a win by 25 runs.

Congratulations to both teams on a brilliant match, and thank you to all at Springfield for being great hosts for the day. Upminster entertain Ilford at Upminster Park next Sunday (7th) in a crucial encounter.