The Kushoom Bugh Tigers proved themselves the team for the big occasion, as they put in two excellent performances to claim the WW V title at Upminster Park on Sunday. Having won only one of their three completed games in the group stages of the competition to take the last place at Finals Day, they took full advantage to take the honours.

There were a few sore heads for the morning Eliminator, as the Tigers took on the Mullis & Peake Monarchs, who had topped the group but were placed in the Eliminator due to an administrative issue. The Monarchs won the toss and opted to field first, but Tigers opener Callum Berry played an explosive innings. He smashed 65 from the 25 balls he faced, and although he was out twice, the second from the last ball of his pair’s allocation to Ralph Moore, his innings alongside partner Max Malby put his side into a strong position. Moore’s three wickets helped to keep the Monarchs in the game, but the last wicket pairing of Ethan Berry and Fenton Everingham took the Tigers to a very competitive net total of 139 (195-7). The Oakes’, John and Ryan, did some early damage for the Tigers as the Monarchs started their reply, and although Sam Twine and Yas Ali Bhatti found the boundary regularly the Tigers kept taking wickets to stay ahead of the game. Monarchs last pair needed a miracle to get their side over the line, and although Daniel Tyler made 39 without loss his side could only reach a net score of 101 (205-13). Ryan Oakes ended with 5-20 for the Tigers while Ollie Dignam picked up 3-11.

The Eliminator was followed by a thrilling contest in the Women’s Grand Final, as the Root 66’ers just about overcame the Howden Heat. The Heat asked the 66’ers to bat first, and the 66’ers’ powerful batting line up looked in good form as they tried to set a big target. Felicity Russell and Jemma Creswell were both in the runs, but they were both dismissed at least once as the Heat’s young bowlers kept them in the game, with Bethan Libby picking up 3-25. The 66’ers’ experienced last pair of Dani Cox and Angela Green didn’t lose a wicket, and this enabled their side to reach a net score of 319 (149-6). Libby and Samantha Bradford gave the Heat an excellent platform at the start of their reply, and Kara Smith and Sarah Lowrie found the boundary regularly during their innings, but the 66’ers were always just about in control. Heat captain Lois Gable didn’t give up the fight and smashed 36 without loss as part of the last pair, but her side ended on a net score of 306 (151-9) as the 66’ers won by 13 runs to claim the sixth edition of the women’s event’

The Griffin Grandmasters awaited the Kushoom Bugh Tigers in the Men’s Grand Final, and the Tigers opted to field first having won the toss. Ryan Oakes and Ewan Lowrie picked up early wickets to put the Tigers on top, before Nathan Dowdall struck 26-1 in his innings to get the Grandmasters back in the game. Joshan Narbheram and Max Carter-Miller also added late runs, but the Grandmasters’ net total of 113 (185-9) looked a little under par. That view was strengthened when Tigers opening pair Ethan Berry and Fenton Everingham didn’t lose a wicket, but Joshan and Dylan Narbheram hit back against pair two as the Tigers lost four wickets to leave the game in the balance. With two pairs to go things were still on a knife edge, but Robertson continued his good form alongside Lowrie as the pair didn’t lose a wicket, and last pairing Callum Berry and Ollie Dignam then guided the Tigers to the winning line as they ended on a net total of 139 (171-4). It meant Tigers skipper Jamie Green was able to lift the trophy and mark the franchise’s first success since 2019.

Both the men’s and women’s competitions were revitalised in 2025, and one of the main reasons for this was the brilliant support we had from a number of local businesses who supported our sides this season. Sponsorship Secretary Sanjay Narbheram worked tirelessly throughout the winter with all of these sponsors to enable the club to work alongside them, and everyone who has played in this year’s competition is grateful for Sanjay’s work and for the hugely generous support of these organisations:

Griffin Grandmasters – Griffin, The Property People;
BrewDog Braves – BrewDog, Upminster;
Govani Maestros – Govani Chemists;
Kushoom Bugh Tigers – Kushoom Bugh Restaurant;
Mullis & Peake Monarchs – Mullis & Peake LLP;
Burley Bandits – Burley Transport;
Howden Heat – Howden Insurance;
Mullis & Peake Magic - Mullis & Peake LLP;
Root 66’ers – Roots of Upminster;

These competitions do not organise themselves and would not happen without the work of many people behind the scenes. Harry Jenkins (men’s) and Angela Green and Vicky Waters (women’s) did a brilliant job in ensuring the competitions went to plan, and they were supported by Kevin Roome who works tirelessly to make sure PlayCricket is up to date and that everything is ready for match days. We were also lucky to have a number of members offer to score and umpire during the tournaments (especially yesterday), so thank you to everyone who volunteered, and finally thank you to everyone who played in and supported the event this season. It was great to see so many people outside the new pavilion yesterday for Finals Day, and we hope to see everyone again at the Nick Browne Testimonial Match on 21st September.