In the last of our captains interviews we caught up with 1st XI skipper Pulkit Gupta. 2024 was a great season for the 1st XI, achieving their highest league position for a number of years, so how are the skipper and the rest of his team looking to build on this in 2025?

Last year was a successful one for the side. What were your memories of the season, both personally and from a team perspective?
Last year laid a strong foundation for the 1st XI to build from. We had numerous players completing their first full seasons in the side as well as some new signings coming in. Memories wise, the win away at Fives where we chased down 240 comfortably stands out, as well a couple of wins we clinched once JJ had returned home. Whilst JJ's contribution cannot be underestimated, it was positive to see the team continue to perform well in the remaining games. Personally it was great to see all the players pulling together and genuinely enjoying their cricket over the course of the year.

The side did well last year, but it looks like there will be one or two personnel changes for this season?
For 2025 we have a couple of new signings, with Aaron Beard signing for the full season and Gus Philpot joining us. Whilst Aaron has been around the club for the last few years, his Essex commitments have limited his UCC appearances till now. I'm also hoping the team is one year older and wiser, and with the same nucleus we can push on and have another strong year. It was also pleasing last year to see some of the more experienced players still contributing and providing some balance to the team.

How has the winter treated you and how has pre-season gone?
Winter has gone well. It's been fun training at a new facility (even though it's a bit chilly in there) and it has given the new players an opportunity to settle in.

Any games you are particularly looking forward to this season?
I'm looking forward to playing the Prem sides that have come down this year, Chingford and Loughton. It's always a good challenge to play the sides who have come down. Also, some of the new sides have a lot of talented players that have come through the divisions, so again that will be a great challenge. I do think the league this year will be a lot more open than last year when the top three teams only lost one game each all season. I don't think that will happen again this year!