With the 2026 season now completed, the Hamro Foundation Essex League pitch markings for the season were confirmed this week and they made good reading for Upminster, and our Grounds Executive Mark Severn.

On markings from umpires the Upminster Park wicket came SECOND out of 50 clubs in the league, finishing just behind Colchester & East Essex’s Castle Park. On markings from opposition captains the track at HQ also came SECOND out of 50 clubs, with only Wickford’s Dick Patmore ground finishing in front of us, meaning the Upminster Park wicket was the highest scoring non-private ground wicket in the league.

Working on a park ground is never an easy task for those preparing cricket pitches, and things were even more difficult this season with the extreme dry and hot weather and the number of games which were played at the ground. Therefore, we must thank Mark for his amazing efforts this summer, and over the past ten years, in preparing such excellent pitches.

Mark has also worked in more recent years on the squares at Coopers Coborn and Campion schools, and while ratings are not available for these grounds, we are sure everyone who has played on these grounds in the last few seasons will agree that they are amongst the very best in lower eleven cricket.

Mark was made a Vice President of the club at the end of 2025 to recognise the outstanding contribution he has made in the past decade, and the club’s committee will continue to work closely with Mark to ensure all of our playing surfaces are as good a quality as possible. Well done Mark and thank you for your efforts this summer.