The 2nd XI went close to winning the Premier Division last season, missing out on the last day against Wanstead and Snaresbrook. A number of young players came into the side and did well in 2024, and we speak to captain Ollie Peck about the role those young players have to play in 2025 and the rest of his plans for the summer.

Last year was a successful one for the side. What were your favourite memories both personally and for the team?
2024 was definitely a transitional year for the team, and my best memories were probably the amount of very close “team wins” we had, closing out close games against Epping, Hornchurch, and Harold Wood. From a personal perspective the one wicket win against Chelmsford was probably the highlight, as I haven’t made loads of decent contributions with the bat in recent times!

The side did well last year, but it looks like there will be one or two changes of personnel for this season?
I’ve been around too long to spend too much time thinking about how the team will shape up, as early-season availability always throws up enough surprises. It is a real shame to have lost a few experienced players over the last 12 months or so, but I am confident that we have deep reserves and a great crop of younger players coming through who I would expect to feature more heavily this season.

How are you looking to build on last season and what are your objectives individually and collectively for 2025?
Collectively, I’d like players in the team to understand their roles and be determined to perform well. I hope we can get the right blend of experienced players to support the younger players coming through, and if we can end the season with a handful of players closer to playing first team cricket than they were at the start of the season, then it will have been a good year. Individually, I always love playing the game, and hope I can still hold my own in the league we play in.

How has the winter treated you and how has pre-season gone?
The winter has been fun, although from a cricket perspective has been dominated by the works going on at the pavilion. I’m looking forward to those completing at some point hopefully early in the season and playing a few games at the new pavilion!

Any fixtures you are particularly looking forward to this season?
I always look forward to playing at Wells who are back in the Premier Division this season, but as a bowler the away days to Chelmer Park and Valentines Park are always my favourite dates of the season!