A sizable crowd believed to be numbering over a thousand congregated at Upminster Cricket Club for a day of events in aid of the Essex Cricket Foundation.
Upminster has enjoyed a hugely satisfactory campaign both at youth and senior levels. The festival, returning after a three-year hiatus due to the pandemic, culminated with a T20 fixture against a strong Essex team, which included first teamers, Dan Lawrence, Jamie Porter, Nick Browne, Matt Critchley, Robin Das and Eshun Kalley. Talented Essex Women’s cricketers, Grace Poole and Tilly Callaghan took their place in the side along with Alfie Jeeves, Isaac Elles and Benny Fryett from the Essex Cricket Ability team. Bradley Donovan and Kelly Castle took up the managerial mantle for the day.
In advance of Essex’s appearance, Upminster’s youth section took centre stage with an under-11s fixture against a Haveing League XI and Softball Competition. Meanwhile, the Windmill Whack Women’s Edition, final and various net sessions provided cricket players and enthusiasts alike with plenty to keep themselves occupied with.
An eagerly anticipated under 9s festival took place during the interval. As for the main vent, the strong Essex side took the honours by eleven runs. Robin Das (76), Jamie Porter (64) and Dan Lawrence (46) provided the bulk of the visitors 225 for four total, while Elles excelled with the ball, returning figures of three for 35 in what proved to be an exciting contest, played in the right spirit.
Head of Cricket Operations at Essex Cricket, Dan Feist, said; “Once again Upminster the club and the local community showed what sport and Cricket can offer in Exciting and Engaging every individual. Ollie Peck and his large team of volunteers once again pulled together to provide a true celebration of the season, it was once again an honour that the club decided to support the Essex Cricket Foundation, which focuses on being able to use Cricket to develop opportunities around every part of the community focusing on physical and mental health, employability and education. We look forward to the return of the benefit game in 2023.”
