With just a few weeks to go until the new season it’s time to catch up with our senior captains for 2026. Over the next two weeks we will be checking-in with the 11 players who will be leading our senior sides this summer. We’ll hear about their plans for the months ahead, what games they are looking forward to and what they have been up to over the winter months.

We start with the 7th XI, who will be playing in Mid Essex League Division 10 this season. They will be led this year by the oldest active playing member in the club, “Sir” Don Triggs.

You’ve taken on the 7th XI captaincy for 2026. How are you looking forward to the challenge??
Being a captain brings with it its own responsibilities, whether that be on or off the field. I look forward to using my knowledge and experience of the game to overcome any challenge that presents itself and to ensure the team remains competitive.

The 7s have dropped down a division from 2025. What are your aims for this season??
Promotion would be great and I think it is achievable and hopefully we will be in contention for the whole of the season.

A further aim for the season will be to assist in the development of the younger players as they push for selection in the higher XIs.

I look forward to all of the Team enjoying each game and playing to the best of their abilities.

You’re going to be supported by Chris Brabin as Vice-Captain. What will Chris bring to the side??
As a senior player he brings experience and knowledge to the side and will be a good role model to the younger players both on and off the field.

Having played against some of the teams we will be facing whilst playing for his Sunday team, his knowledge of the ground locations could also be an asset.

The Mid Essex League has some lovely grounds to play at. Any you are particularly looking forward to from this season’s fixtures??
Playing in the Mid Essex League was new to me in the 2025 season, and it gave me the opportunity to tick off some new grounds. This coming season there will be a further six new grounds to tick off, providing the weather is kind to us.

I understand from a reliable source that Rankins is a lovely ground, so I am looking forward to that game. An interesting one will be Horndon on the Hill whose 3rd XI play at Canvey Island, a ground I have not played at since the 1990’s. Is the Kings Holiday Camp still there??

How have you wintered and how has pre-season training been??
The winter months seem to last forever these days but watching other sports has kept me busy. Pre-season training has been good and enjoyable, with Scott and his team of coaches providing a wide variety of activities each week, which has helped to increase and maintain the levels of sharpness and helped me prepare for the forthcoming season.

You’ve played the game longer than any other active player at the club?? How do you motivate yourself to keep going and how many seasons have you got left in you??
Cricket is a sport that once it takes hold of you it's hard to let go. Contrary to popular belief, colour television was around when I began playing!!

Primarily being a bowler, it would be nice to take a hattrick before I decide to give up, but we will see.

Someone once told me you are a long time retired so keep playing whilst you still enjoy it. It is also enjoyable seeing the reaction and hearing the comments of the opposition when I go out to bat with my Slazenger V12!!