With the season now nearly here for all of our sides, we speak to the 5th XI leadership team who will be looking to see some more consistency over the coming months.

Aalok “Skinny” Latey and Alex “Rodney” Bottoms are both continuing in the roles they held in 2021, and both men told us about their hopes for the season.

After a couple of seasons of disruption and lack of preparation, how much are you looking forward to a "normal" and full season??
AL: Am definitely looking forward to focusing just on the cricket rather than worry about the admin associated with Covid…….. stocking up on hand gel, sanitiser breaks, monitoring George ‘Ruby’ Walshe to make sure he doesn’t lick his fingers before bowling each delivery…

AB: I can’t wait to get back up and running. There’s only so much “Brian Lara Cricket 2005” you can play before you miss the real thing!!!

I know I haven’t been there, but it looks like what Scott has done with the winter training programme has been brilliant and hopefully that will show throughout all the playing XIs in the summer.

Last year the season was very up and down, with a great start,but a tricky patch in the middle costing us promotion. How did you view the season??
AL: Not winning a game in the time and overs format was definitely frustrating. We were in a winning position in four games and couldn’t close them out. But I’ve learned from those games and hopefully can put the lessons to good use this season.

But I don’t think that cost us the season. The teams that finished above us in the league were mainly made up of seasoned players, whereas we always have a good mix of youth and experience. And most of the seniors did not play to their potential, so we need to improve on that. To challenge those teams this season, we need score at a faster rate, take early wickets and, as a bare minimum, not say “oh sh!t” when the ball goes up in the air for a catch!!

AB: I think our final league position reflected fairly on our performances throughout the season. Inconsistency from senior players (including myself) and availability not falling our way when facing the stronger teams meant mid-table was about par.

What are your aims individually and for the team for this season??
AL: At least 30 league wickets from a personal perspective. And to make sure the youngsters coming through have a great experience playing men’s cricket.

For the team, I would love to aim higher if availability is strong, but a 3rd place finish is realistic given the competition

AB: Individually I would like to become more consistent with the bat. Over the last couple of seasons I’ve had some decent scores but also some shockers too!! For the team, as always the 5s is always about bringing the promising youngsters through, but still being competitive. A top four finish should be the minimum this year.

Any particular matches on the fixture list you are looking forward to??
AL: Frenford, Orsett & Thurrock, Old Brentwoods and West Essex are the new teams in the league. I haven’t played against any of them before, so it will be interesting to see how we match up.

AB: Ardleigh Green & Havering Atte Bower away. Picturesque ground and I get a whole afternoon of Cabbo (ex Upminster bowler Russ Savidge) leering at me after he’s got me out. Again!!

Any players, young and old, we should keep an eye out for this season??
AL: Mit Shah, Ross Taylor, Joshan Narbheram, Nathan French, Matthew Ingleson, Harry Bradford and Ryan Oakes now have a season of men’s cricket under their belt. I would like to see them kick on from here.

Nathan Brown moved up towards the end of the season and I hope he does well. Alex Bottoms is always under scrutiny, whether he does well or not. Craig Grote has the potential to get runs, and get them quickly. And then there is the enigma that is Paul Middlemiss.

So yes, lots to look forward to this season.

AB: Craig Grote’s "sons" Mit and Joshan have really impressed me. I’m sure Aalok will ask me to edit this if any of the 12 Ian Munn’s are reading this as if they have a good start to the season they may not be in the 5s for very long…