After electing to bat, Sam (36) and George (60) added 89 for the third wicket following the early departures of Muzza and Sameer. Hanko’s dismissal triggered a mini collapse and, at 117-5, there was plenty of work still to do.

Dilly once again showed his class with a superb 63 from just 52 balls, while Kian (32) and Gav (24) provided valuable support as we reached 251-9 from our 64 overs.

Harry and Gav struck early to reduce the hosts to 12-2, but they recovered to 133-3 before Dilly changed the game, claiming two wickets in successive deliveries on his way to impressive figures of 4-54.

With Buckhurst Hill seemingly cruising towards a draw at 173-7 with one over remaining, Harry produced a remarkable spell, taking two wickets in his first five balls to give us an unlikely chance of victory. However, Burah somehow managed to dig out a yorker and survive the final delivery to secure the draw.

2nd XI – Kieran Century Earns a Share of the Spoils

The 2nd XI also shared the honours with Buckhurst Hill after an entertaining draw at The Lodge.

The visitors posted an imposing 312-7 from their 50 overs, built around Dassanayake’s 98, having survived an early chance on nought. Jayarooban (60) and Korgaonkar (56) also registered half-centuries to set a daunting target.

In reply, Sorrell and George Barney put on 71 for the opening wicket before both fell in quick succession.

That brought Kieran to the crease, and he produced a magnificent unbeaten 114 to keep the chase alive. Despite his outstanding innings, we finished on 272-5 and had to settle for a draw.

3rd XI – Another Narrow Defeat

The 3rd XI’s difficult run continued with a two-wicket defeat at Upminster, making it five losses from six games, although once again they came agonisingly close to victory.

Skipper Daffy continued his excellent form with an unbeaten 45, while Myles (34) and Mo (33) contributed useful runs. However, nobody was able to build a match-defining innings as we were bowled out for 194 with almost ten overs unused. Dylan Narbheram led the bowling with 3-12, supported by youngsters Daly (2-41) and Clarke (2-34).

OJ Simpson made 29 at the top of the Upminster reply, but at 98-4 the contest was finely balanced. Kullar and Joe Brooks then added what proved to be the decisive 53-run partnership for the fifth wicket.

Both departed with the score on 151 – Kullar for 69 and Brooks for 27 – and when two more wickets fell quickly, the game was poised at 163-8. Lowrie and Daly held their nerve to guide Upminster home by two wickets.

Dhiren was the pick of our bowlers with 2-17, while Connor H and Shehzad also claimed two wickets apiece.

4th XI – Holding Their Nerve

The 4th XI maintained their place at the top of the table with a thrilling two-wicket victory at Shenfield.

After winning the toss, we dismissed the home side for 136, with Rikhil producing outstanding figures of 4-17 and Aaryan providing excellent support with 2-24.

Any hopes of a straightforward chase quickly disappeared as we collapsed from 50-2 to 55-5. Connor B then produced a superb innings, sharing an important partnership with Clarky (27) to steady the innings.

Tommy F smashed 10 from just two balls to edge us closer, but after his dismissal another 24 runs were still required. Bowles and Khan Swati kept their composure to see us over the line and secure another 20 points.

Franklin (3-30) and Shaikh (3 wickets) impressed for the hosts, but it was our day.

5th XI – Local Bragging Rights Secured

The 5th XI claimed the local honours with an impressive 60-run victory over neighbours Athletic.

After being inserted, Lance (39) and Ezaan (58) shared a 95-run partnership for the second wicket. Youngsters Burd and Farquhar both contributed 28 before Burd Senior – Richard, as he is apparently known by some – cleared the ropes a few times and Nathan’s late cameo, including 16 from the final over, helped us finish on 213-5 from 40 overs.

With the ball, Devon and Ezaan struck early before Burd Junior claimed two wickets during a fiery spell. Ollie then finished with excellent figures of 3-30 as the visitors struggled against a disciplined attack.

Late resistance from youngsters Rai and Khan added some respectability to the score, but we ran out comfortable winners.

The only thing that didn’t run out was half the team after the match. An electrical fault on the main gate left players from both sides locked inside Emerson Park for more than 90 minutes. Thanks go to heroes Clarky and Fletcher for eventually getting everyone out.

Friendly XI – Entertaining Sunday Contest

On Sunday, the Friendly XI lost an entertaining encounter against neighbours Upminster.

After choosing to bat, the visitors were led by Brooks’ excellent 83, while Clarke (39) and Ryan Oakes (55) also made valuable contributions to a total of 236-7. Stan and Ollie both picked up two wickets for the home side.

Billy blasted 67 from just 44 balls to give us an excellent platform in reply, but Upminster continued to chip away with regular wickets. R Oakes claimed a crucial breakthrough at a key stage, and although skipper Clarky finished unbeaten on 48 to keep hopes alive, the visitors held on for victory as Brooks, J Oakes and McArthur each claimed two wickets.