1st XI vs HEATON MERSEY (H)
Date/time: Sat 31 August | 11.30am
Preview: Having rejoiced at securing promotion at Runcorn last week, the 1s return to Old Greasby Road for the first of the earlier 11.30am starts which will have Nige racing against the clock for monster fry-ups during the rest of the season. Our visitors, in good form themselves, will need to produce four flawless displays if they are to bridge the current gap of 52 points between themselves and second-placed Christleton. Umer Zeb returns after a minor injury restricted him to supporting from the boundary edge last weekend, whilst the division's leading scorer, Chris McArthur, will be hoping to continue his highly productive run of form. Both sides will want bright sunshine to avoid a repeat of the reverse fixture which was ruined by the rain.
League Position: Upton 1st (310 pts) | Heaton Mersey 5th (223pts)
Leading Run Scorers: Upton - Chris McArthur (939) | Heaton Mersey - Luke Marshall (336)
Leading Wicket Takers: Upton - David Williams (28) | Heaton Mersey - Syed Asrah Ali (34)
Previous meeting: 15 June 2024 : Match abandoned. In difficult conditions Upton were 80 ao, with only skipper Matt Owen able to make a noteworthy contribution of 35. Rain prevented Heaton Mersey from commencing their innings

2nd XI vs Romiley (A)
Date/time: Sat 31 August | 11.30am
Preview: Skipper Rich Battersby rattles back from Cornwall for a game which could see the 2s promoted. A win will prompt hideous shower scenes, but anything less will have us anxiously monitoring Urmston's progress at the other UCG. Batts names a strong and balanced side, with Karan Patel replacing Sophie Morris who is called away by Lancashire commitments.
League Position: Upton 1st (324 pts) | Romiley 10th (140 pts)
Leading Run Scorers: Upton -Darren Warburton (350) | Romiley - Joe Vickers (338)
Leading Wicket Takers: Upton - Graeme Keenan (38) | Romiley - Alex Napier / Peter Stuart (20)
Previous meeting: 15 June 2024: Upton won by 5 wickets after dismissing Romiley for 143 in 34 overs. Leading the attack was Karan Patel, accounting for four of the Romiley top six. . In reply, Ian Potter fronted the charge with an aggressive 56, leaving the run chase never in serious doubt.

3rd XI vs DAVENHAM (H)
Date/time: Saturday 31 August | 11.30am
Preview: Another big game on the back pitch as Ian Sharrock's 3rd XI could also conceivably be promoted, although it would require an Upton victory to be matched by a comprehensive defeat for Ashley at second-placed Oakmere. Sawda, benefitting from a much more settled line up than in recent years, has experience with the bat in the shape of Gav Byrom and korma-loving Andy Beacher who may find Oliver and Tommy Curry of Davenham too hot to handle. Miserly spin twins Gary Docherty and Simon McGowan complement the pace of Tom Wood and Luke Williams. George Godwin, fresh from celebrating his 18th and earning the pizza gratitude of the whole club , again takes the gloves.
League Position: Upton 1st (296 pts) | Davenham 9th (161 pts)
Leading Run Scorers: Upton - Ian Sharrock (339) | Davenham -Mark Jones (322)
Leading Wicket Takers: Upton - Simon McGowan (35) | Davenham - Flynn Rushworth (28)
Previous meeting: 15 June 2024: Upton won a tight game by 5 runs on DLS. Upton produced an uneven scorecard with 9 single figure scores, rescued by an impervious Sawda who made 93. Upton then dismissed Davenham for 145 , aided by 3 run outs before thespian Clive Moore took to the stage with 4 for 39.

4th XI vs Barrow (A)
Date/time: Saturday 31 August | 1pm
Preview: No early start for the 4s who take the field against Barrow in the civilised early afternoon. Having no room for error with a strong Westminster Park one point ahead of the green and gold, Phil brings in military firepower in the shape of Paddy Cullen and batting stormtrooper Ray Mosses.
League Position: Upton 2nd (262 pts) | Barrow 10th (113 pts)
Leading Run Scorers: Upton - Phil Wood (296) | Barrow - Glen Marriott (125)
Leading Wicket Takers: Upton - Phil Wood (36) | Barrow - David Rowlands / Graham Scheuber (8)
Previous Meeting: 15 June 2024: Barrow conceded.

Women's1st XI vs Hawarden Park (A)
Date/time: Sunday 1 September | 1.30pm
Preview: The Ladies, after a tough bank holiday clash against Leyland, finish their 2024 league campaign by heading into Wales for the clash with Hawarden Park. Although another country, this is far from the greatest distance travelled by our ladies who, this year, have visited far flung parts of Lancashire, the Peak District and the timeless splendour of Greater Oldham. With a game in hand and a 13 point advantage, Leyland are strong favourites to win the league, although Upton will be keen to end on a memorable international high. Ellen names her usual combination of promising young cricketers, all of whom have represented the club with distinction and have benefitted from the guiding hand of our more experienced players. Full credit to Ellen and Sophie who have managed the balance within the side with great care and every good wish to Lily and Charlie as they prepare for the wonderful experience of Australian cricket over the winter
League Position: Upton 2nd (187 pts) | Hawarden Park 5th (73pts)
Leading Run Scorers: Upton - Lily Scudder (358) | Hawarden Park - Poppy Smith (135)
Leading Wicket Takers: Upton - Ellen McGowan (10) | Hawarden Park - Poppy Smith (7)
Previous meeting: 23 June 2024 : Upton won by 58 runs. The ladies crowned a memorable weekend, believed to be the first ever when all senior sides scored in excess of 200, by posting an imposing 202/9. The innings was structured around a fine 90 from Charlie Scudder, with excellent supporting innings from Ellen McGowan (34) and Ellie Hickson (24). In reply, Hawarden Park, despite only losing 4 wickets, were never really in the hunt, blunted by accurate Upton bowling, notably from Philippa Dagger (1-4)

Sunday 1st XI vs NEWSHAM PARK (H)
Date/time: Sunday 1 September | 1pm
Preview: Phil welcomes Newsham Park to the UCG as our friendly fixtures continue into September. As ever, the side features senior players unavailable on Saturday such as Sean Lynch and Tom Wilcox, plus promising juniors like Charlie Saunders and Ethan Evans. The role the Sunday 1sts play in binding the club together was recently evidenced by Ethan undertaking scoring duties for both the 1s and 2s. The explosive element in the Sunday 1sts cocktail is , once again, provided by Dave Potter.