It was a tough weekend for Upminster’s senior sides, with no league victories on Saturday. The 1st XI put in a good performance against promotion chasing Harold Wood, but eventually lost out by three wickets. James Evans made 54 for Upminster and Louis Pickering chipped in with 49 before an excellent late innings from Nicky Ison (28 from 20 balls) boosted the home side’s total to 186—7 from 45 overs (maximum batting points due to the reduced overs). Shahbaz Khan claimed 3-37 for Wood. Wood got off to a first start in reply but Pickering and John Curtis pegged them back with three quick wickets. Khan and Richard Brabner rebuilt before Ollie Peck dismissed Brabner and from that point the game was on a knife edge. However, Khan remained for Wood and eventually finished on an unbeaten 71 as the promotion chasers got home with three wickets and nine balls to spare. (Scorecard)

At Harrow Lodge Park the 2nd XI fell to a damaging defeat against title chasing Hornchurch. Paul Murray and Lee Bones put on 58 for the first wicket in just 11 overs, but the introduction into the attack of the Big Show, Josh Lamont, changed the game. He dismissed both men on his way to figures of 5-48 as the home side fell to 112-8. Andley Adams foughtback with an excellent 42 and with support from Myles Wells and Ryan Madder Hornchurch were able to reach 173 all out. Captain Billy Wright claimed 3-37 for Upminster. Frankie Hazle and Mark Schofield were going well in reply as they took their side to 44-1, but they then slid to 75-7. Ellis Pickering and Adam Quested kept Upminster in the hunt before Pickering fell, and then a last wicket partnership between Quested and Wright threatened to make things interesting before Wright was run out and Upminster were dismissed for 142. Quested finished on 39 not out. (Scorecard)

The 3rd XI’s title chances were dealt a huge blow as they lost to Chelmsford at Chelmer Park. Steve Limn continued his good form with 56 and Rohan Mayor, Will Frost and Matt Mccarthy also chipped in as Upminster reached 176. Rory Skepelhorn picked up 4-31 for the home side. Oliver White and Dan Simpson struck twice each as Chelmsford fell to 92-5 as they chased their target, but the experienced Nick Bailey (63*) James Burns (42*) kept their nerve to see Chelmsford home by five wickets. (Scorecard)

The continued good form of Ian Munn was not enough to save the 4th XI as they fell to defeat against promotion chasing Orsett and Thurrock. Munn made 45 but Upminster got bogged down in their middle overs and needed an unbeaten 35 from Ryan Brown to take them to a total of 137-8. James Flain and Rob Neal were in the wickets for Orsett. Upminster made early inroads into the Orsett batting, but 43 from Jack Churchyard and 54 not out from Harry Lockyer saw them to a six wicket win. (Scorecard)

A gritty performance from the 5th XI staved off defeat at West Essex 3s. Michael Jones took three wickets for Upminster, but Garg Sameer, Mughir Qureshi and Ijlal Ali all made half centuries as West piled up 256-8 from 43 overs. Upminster lost early wickets and looked in trouble but Ray Calder, Ian Twine, Nathan Brown and Nathan Bright all dug in to help secure the draw as Upminster finished on 57-5. (Scorecard)

The Sunday League side fell to defeat against Rainham in an exciting game but secured enough points to ensure a home semi-final in the play offs. Louis Pickering and Tom Daniels set a good base for Upminster before Nicky Ison made a brilliant half century as Upminster finished on 194-8. Upminster took regular wickets in reply, but Rainham batted well and timed their chase superbly to win by two wickets with five overs to spare. (Scorecard)

The Sunday Friendly side picked up a win with an excellent win over Willow Herbs at scenic Mountnessing. On her senior debut Naomi McCarthy took 3-8 but Herbs posted 199 thanks to 100 from Harris. Chasing 200 to win Ian Twine (63) and Nathan Brown took Upminster to 104-1 before they collapsed to 150-7. Ben Hamberger made a brilliant half century to take Upminster towards victory before reality TV star Mark Jolly made a calm 17 not out to see his team to a two wicket win. (Scorecard)

The ladies match at Orsett and Thurrock was called off due to rain earlier in day and will be rearranged for a later date.