With a membership of around 1,000, and with more than 550 games of cricket played each year, the work needed to run Upminster Cricket Club in the modern era is a huge task. To support this the club is lucky to have 27 volunteers who fulfil 43 positions on the club’s committee and sub-committees.

Spring is obviously a busy time for all of these people, with preparations being made for the season ahead, but during March we will be introducing you to eight of these officers as they explain the roles they play within the club.

Earlier in the week we caught up with Social Secretary and Women's Chair of Selectors, Karen Burley and today we check-in with James Evans:

What's your current role on the committee??
I am the League Representative for the men's senior sides which encompasses our 1st to 5th XIs in the Hamro Foundation League, our 6th and 7th XIs in the T Rippon League and our Sunday League XI in the Essex Sunday League in 2026.

What does the role entail??
Corresponding with the various league committees about requirements for the upcoming season, attending pre-season and post-season meetings, collecting match balls and ensuring captains are aware of any new rule changes.

Have you held any previous roles on the committee??
I was previously the Match Officials Secretary, which involved sourcing scorers and umpires for various games. Our 1st XI scorer Jay, who I got to come and score for the club last season, has taken on this role for 2026.

When did you first join the committee??
Three years ago

You were brought up at Gidea Park & Romford CC in what was a great era for that club. Which committee members and volunteers did you look up to at Gallows Corner??
Bruce Adams was the Chairman and Greg Churchill then took over. Andy "Jungle" Jenner and Russ Collard were very involved and gave up a lot of their time. Steve Foster oversaw the junior section which was amongst the best in the county for around 15 years.

My friend Pete Collier has now taken over as Chair at Gallows Corner and is hoping to bring back the past glory years.

How did your move to Upminster CC come about??
I played Sunday league football with a lot of the lads in the lower teams and I lived in Upminster and always enjoyed the social scene. After one evening in the old clubhouse I signed for the 2010 season for a fee of one bottle of Bulgarian Red and a packet of pork scratchings!!

What are your plans playing wise for 2026??
On Saturdays I will be travelling around the grounds to cheer the boys on pushing my new baby son around the boundary while hopefully enjoying some light refreshments. I will tell him how good I used to be, as you are always a better player when you retire!! I hope to squeeze in a couple of Sunday League games and midweek T20s and encourage some of the younger players.

*To see all of our committee members, captains and junior team contacts visit our contacts page