The rain once again led to frustrations at a number of games over the weekend, but there were still some excellent performances from Upminster’s senior sides as July drew to a close.

The 1st XI battled hard in their mid-table clash with Loughton before rain eventually led to the game being abandoned. Josh Lamont got Upminster off to a blistering start on his 1st XI league debut as he made 41 from 25 balls, but when he fell the innings stalled. Nehal Butt (29) and stand in captain James Aggio-Brewe (43) stood firm in the middle order and with Ellis Pickering, Adam Quested and Ollie Todd all reaching double figures towards the end of the innings Upminster were able to reach 174-8 from 45 overs before the first serious downpour brought their innings to a close. When the game restarted Naail Dar got Loughton off to a fast start but when he was removed by Butt Upminster were able to exert some level of control. Butt also removed Umar Choudhry, while Billy Wright dismissed Jaimin Patel to leave the visitors on 102-3 when further rain came and the game was abandoned. Omar Akram was left on 41 not out for the visitors.

Promotion could be secured as early as next weekend for the 2nd XI after their win at South Woodford. With a number of changes to the side captain Nicky Ison may have been nervous ahead of proceedings, especially after seeing this side’s winning run ended last weekend, but he had no reason to worry as seamers John Curtis and Jordan Tolan ripped through the South batting. Curtis claimed 5-23 and Tolan 3-34 as the home side were skittled out for 64, with only captain Rohit Sohal showing any real resistance. Ehsan Afzal and Akibur Rahman were soon into their stride in the Upminster reply and Afzal finished on 50 not out as the title chasers cruised home by 10 wickets.

The 3rd XI stepped up their title challenge as they saw off Brentwood to move into second place, just two points behind leaders Woodford Wells. Upminster were in trouble early on but Rob Mack and Steve Wright combined to lead their side’s fightback. Wright made an assured 45 and when he fell Sam Twine (35*) took up the mantle before late support from Mike Larke helped Upminster to reach 155-6 from 37 overs before rain intervened. After the restart captain Andrew Berry and stalwart Michael Jones then tore through the Brentwood batting, rolling out the home side for 70 to help secure a crucial 25 points.

Rain won the day at Coopers as the 4th XI clash with Ilford was abandoned. Ian Munn and Pete Thompson batted well for the home team and there were also contributions from Rafe Smallman, Nathan Brown and Dave Brown as Upminster made 152-7. Ilford had reached 91-2 when further rain came and the game was abandoned.

The 5th XI had the better of a draw with Gidea Park and Romford 4s. Upminster made 202-5 from their 45 overs and Park reached 140-6 at the close. Meanwhile the 6th XI fell to defeat against Orsett and Thurrock 5th XI. Siripurapu Dheeraj made a brilliant 133 for Orsett to help his side to 244-4 before Upminster were bowled out for 79 despite battling knocks from Ibraheem Choudry and Joshan Narbheram.

Ellis Pickering made his first senior ton and Callum Berry also reached three figures as Upminster beat Stallions in the Sunday League yesterday. Pickering made 101 from 78 balls and Berry made exactly 100 not out (from 74 balls) to help Upminster pile up the runs at Upminster Park. Craig Grote then made 51 from just 26 balls in an astonishing first ever Sunday league innings as Upminster closed on 305-5 from 37 overs. Nehal Butt then claimed four wickets as Stallions were dismissed for 117 as Upminster climbed to fourth in the table.

The Friendly XI’s encounter at Rettendon was also ruined by the weather. Ian Munn continued his good form for the weekend with 62 as Upminster were bowled out for 148. Rettendon were on 53-1 when the game was forced to be abandoned.