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 a number of these officers as they explain the roles they play within the club.

Previously we have caught up with Karen Burley, James Evans, Kevin Roome and Sanjay Narbheram, and now we check-in with someone who joined the club as recently as last year, and who has already made a big impression, Jayakanthan Loganathan:

What’s your current role on the committee??
I have become the club’s Match Officials Secretary

How did you get involved with the club??
I became involved when James Evans (the previous Match Officials Secretary) contacted me last year and I started scoring for the club’s 1st XI. Scoring is something I really enjoy. More recently Ollie Peck gave me the opportunity to umpire some indoor games (in the Central Junior Leagues) which has allowed me to get more involved with the club as well as developing my officiating experience.

How did you first get involved with scoring??
I was looking for a career change having been a pastry chef for 25 years. I needed a break and was looking for something to take on when I took my son to his first training session at Newham CC. At that time they were looking for a 1st XI scorer and as I had always had a very strong interest in cricket, they gave me the opportunity to get involved. I started scoring at club matches and over time started to enjoy it. I enjoy being part of the game and supporting the team through scoring.

Did you ever play cricket or go straight into officiating??
I have always been interested in cricket since my school days and loved being at the ground 24/7 when playing local cricket. It’s been 28 years now since I last played, which is since I started working. Scoring has allowed me to stay close to the game and contribute to my love of cricket through officiating.

What do you make of the new scoring facilities at Upminster Park??
The new electronic scoreboard is a great addition to the club. It makes the match information clearer for players, umpires and spectators and it also helps the scorers to be able to update things more efficiently.

How are you looking forward to this summer??
I’m really looking forward to the upcoming summer season. Being part of the club now, I’m excited to be involved in more matches, support the club, and continue improving my scoring and umpiring skills. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for the opportunity be part of the club.

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