Essex League Autumn-Spring Preview

With the start of the season just a couple of days away, anticipation is growing across our clubs in Essex. Will Maldon successfully defend last year’s title, or will strong opposition in Woodford Wells, Kingswood, Lexden & Hamptons prove too much for them? How will new boys Old Brentwood get on after storming Division One East last year.

Premier Division Preview

The Premier Division looks as tight as ever, with 8 teams competing for the coveted title of the best team in Essex. Maldon, looking to defend their title, are straight on the road and face a difficult trip against last year’s runners-up, Kingswood. Captained by Mark Lafferty and supported by Mike Aley, Anthony Savage, Stacy Thickbroom & Mark Shadbolt, they will be a good outfit if everyone stays fit! Maldon, losing just one match last season, will hope that Jon Matthews, Pat Kielty, Paul Hodge & skipper Paul Wallace continue in imperious form.

After mixed seasons for Lexden, Hamptons & Woodford Wells, they will be hoping to perform with a bit more consistency this time around. Lexden struggled to field the same side each week, and lacked a little depth when they faced stronger opposition. Hamptons are a strong squad on paper, but results didn’t go their way at crucial points last season. Dan Burns will be looking to return to the form he showed last season winning all 12 of his matches.

Old Brentwood & Kingswood 2 face a difficult season but will be doing everything they can to avoid finishing bottom.

Division One (East) Preview

With Old Brentwood storming the title and gaining promotion to the Premier, the league is wide open this season with three or four teams in the mix. Hamptons 2 finished second last year, and have strengthened their ranks with Louis Brown committing to the 2nd team and the addition of ex-Ongar string one, Tony Bickley. Gidea Park 2 are always a force to be reckoned with, with Mark Robertson, Colin Benjifield, Kenny Trim & Steve Burnett providing a wealth of Essex League experience. Kingswood 3, although finishing a slightly underwhelming 5th last year, are my pick to surprise everyone and put in a serious title fight this year. Finally, an experienced Clements side, captained by Andy Harvey who won a seriously impressive 16/16 matches last season, have an outside chance of causing a few upsets.

Lower down the league we will see Maldon 2, Ongar, Thurrock & Hamptons 3 battling it out. This season we see a new team joining the league, with Woodford Wells 2 moving East and Gidea Park 3 going West. Winners of Division One (West) last season, don’t be too surprised to see Woodford Wells 2 making it difficult for a few sides this season.

Division One (West) Preview

With last year’s winners moving to the East Division, the door is ajar for some fresh blood to win the West title. Essex Stalwart, Jon Caton will be looking to lead his Woodford Wells 3 to glory, but will face opposition from Nadim Ahmed’s Redbridge who were a consistent outfit last time out. Connaught Chrome will be there or thereabouts at the finish line with Ben Prokop showing some good form winning 9/11 at string one. Lee Horton will be captaining a fresh look Gidea Park 3, who will be playing their maiden season in the West. Walthamstow Blue, Walthamstow Red & Connaught Cobalt make up the rest of the division.

Week One Fixtures

For full fixtures, results and tables, visit the Essex League website.