It is another crucial weekend for the Club, as the 1st and 2nd XI go in search of crucial wins to aid their survival bids. After a good performance against Harold Wood last week, Ollie Peck will be hoping his 1st XI can back that up as they travel to the Polo Ground to face mid table Hutton. Upminster put in one of their best performances of the season back in June to overcome Hutton at Upminster Park and a similar result tomorrow would be most welcome. Hutton’s form has been up and down in recent weeks, and a heavy defeat to Woodford Wells last week has all but ended their promotion hopes. However, with Vivian Paver in their side they are always dangerous opponents and they can also call on ex Upminster players, Conor and Julian Whetstone with both bat and ball.

For the 2nd XI it is a case of now or never as they welcome fellow strugglers Oakfield Parkonians to Upminster Park. Last week’s defeat to Hornchurch was a familiar tale for Billy Wright’s side, as they looked like getting on top on several occasions before sliding to a 31 run defeat. That result came on the back of a loss to Wickford the week before, and means Upminster prop up the table with three weeks to go. Before those two games Wright’s men had been on a good run, picking up three wins in five weeks, and they will hope to find that form again tomorrow. Parks picked up a crucial win themselves last week, beating Wickford and climbing above their opponents and Upminster in the process. Having been bowled out for just 79 Parks hit back to skittle out Wickford for just 73. The game earlier in the season between the two sides saw Upminster start well but Parkonians slowly take control to pick up a comfortable win.

After defeat at Chelmsford last week the 3rd XI’s attempt to retain their Premier Division crown is now out of their hands. Brentwood picked up yet another victory and now hold a 25 point advantage over Ollie White’s side. Tomorrow White will welcome mid table Loughton to Coopers and he will want his side to put in a good performance and continue to push Brentwood to the end of the season. Loughton made a slow start to the season and looked like they would face relegation back to Division One, but in recent weeks they have been in excellent form. They have suffered just one defeat in five weeks and have moved up into a mid table position. Upminster comfortably won the game between the two sides earlier in the season and will be looking for a repeat tomorrow.

The 4th XI’s form has declined in recent weeks but they will hope to get back on track as they travel to Buckhurst Hill 3s for a mid table clash. Ian Munn has been in fine form for Upminster in recent weeks, and with several other experienced heads also in the side Stewart Hammond will be hoping for an improved performance from the one against high-flying Orsett and Thurrock last week. Hill’s recent form has been very much a mixed bag, but they did pick up a crushing win over struggling Belhus last time out. Hill currently sit one place above Upminster in table.

Buckhurst Hill (4s) also provide the opposition for the 5th XI at Campion in another mid table clash. Upminster showed great grit last week to pick up a draw at promotion chasing West Essex while Hill slipped to a defeat against Oakfield Parkonians. Both teams sit alongside one another in the table and with three weeks of the season to go will not be in the mix for either promotion or relegation.

Sunday sees Windmill Whack IV Finals Day take place at the Club from 12 noon (separate preview to follow later today).