On most occasions all five sides going unbeaten on a Saturday would be a cause for celebration, but on Saturday it was cause for frustration and disappointment. With the 1st and 2nd XI both starting the day in desperate need of points the two draws they secured were not what they were looking for. At the Polo Ground, Hutton won the toss and decided to bat, and the innings was dominated, as it so often is, by Vivian Paver. He lost opening partner Adam Holdgate early on, but then put on partnerships of 101, 80, 68 and 28 (unbroken) with the next four batsmen as the overseas star piled up a remarkable 187 not out. The next top score was 41 but Paver’s efforts meant the home side were able to reach 313-4 from their 50 overs. Ollie Peck claimed 2-77 for Upminster. Any realistic hopes Upminster had of chasing down the target were effectively ended by the sixth over as they fell to 15-4, with Tom Patterson doing most of the damage. Shahbaz remained though and fought a lone fight to keep his side in the game. Tom Daniels, Farid Butt and Nicky Ison made double figures and fought hard to keep their side up with the rate, but it proved difficult and wickets continued to fall. Shahaz bought up a brilliant century, but when he fell for 112 Upminster’s chances of victory were gone. With maximum batting points secured, James Aggio Brewe and John Curtis saw out the last few overs to secure the draw, but Loughton’s win at Harold Wood means Upminster drop into the bottom two. (Scorecard)

For the 2nd XI there was real frustration as they could not pick up the final Oakfield Parkonians wicket despite 10 overs at the last pair. Will Frost produced a brilliant knock to make his first 2nd XI half century (56) to put Upminster into a good position as they batted first at Upminster Park. Adam Quested and Jordan Tigg also looked in good touch for the home side before the Big Show, Josh Lamont, returned to form and upped the run rate as he smashed 55 to put his team on top. Ellis Pickering then played a lovely late cameo to make an unbeaten 26 and Billy Wright declared four overs early with his side on 219-6. Scott Fisher and Ellis Pickering both picked up an early wicket in the Parks reply, but Haaris Shah and Dip Patel batted nicely to put their side on top. Sam Twine came into attack to remove both men, and Lamont then picked up three quick wickets as Upminster closed in on victory. However, Harry Markatis and Matt Holland stood firm and saw off ten overs to deny Upminster what would have been a crucial victory. (Scorecard)

The 3rd XI are back in the title race after they saw off Loughton at Coopers and Brentwood lost to Wanstead and Snaresbrook. Upminster looked in huge trouble early on as they fell to 49-6 but Dan Simpson found a good time to make his first half century since returning to the Club, and his 64, coupled with a hard hitting 30 not out from veteran Andrew Berry helped Upminster to recover and post 156-9. The bowlers then took over and after a tight spell from Berry, Ollie White and Ryan Brown then ran through the visitors batting to dismiss them for 108 and give Upminster a crucial 25 points. (Scorecard)

There was also a fine victory for the 4th XI, over Buckhurst Hill 3s. Upminster batted first and made a good start thanks to Ian Munn and Mike Larke. A fine half century from Ant Limn and some late hitting from Luke Williams helped Upminster to reach 241-6. Hill started well in reply but an excellent effort from Upminster in the field and with the ball saw the home side dismissed for 217 with Williams claiming five wickets. (Scorecard)

The 5th XI also faced Buckhurst Hill but had to settle for a draw. Shreyansh Shah was the pick of the Upminster attack as Hill reached 193-6 at Campion. Abdul Ghaffer made 49 for the visitors. In reply Nathan Bright made 36 but Upminster were behind the rate until Dave Brown came in and tried to up the ante. He made a fine unbeaten 75 for his side but they ended up finishing on 164-5. (Scorecard)