It was an up-and-down weekend for Upminster's senior sides, who recorded four wins, three defeats, and a draw from eight Saturday fixtures.
The 1st XI strengthened their grip on top spot in Division One with a seven-wicket win over Chingford at Upminster Park.
Chingford were bowled out for 201 after Aayush Baluja made 72, with Shafiq Rahman (4-52), JJ Smuts (2-45), and Jamie Green (2-43) leading the attack.
Upminster's reply was built around half-centuries from Pulkit Gupta (56) and Smuts (62 not out), while Adam Wheater finished unbeaten on 43 as the hosts reached their target with nearly 20 overs to spare.
The 2nd XI's recent good run ended in a seven-wicket defeat at Hutton.
John Curtis struck an unbeaten 72 and Zoran Suneel made 40 as Upminster posted 286-9, but a 206-run partnership between Adam Spooner (91) and Ben Parry (139) guided Hutton to victory.
A youthful 3rd XI extended their lead at the top of the table with a convincing win at West Essex.
Captain Dan Simpson carried his bat for 80 not out in a total of 244, supported by Ross Taylor (35) and Lewis Munn (33).
West Essex were then dismissed for 95, with Ryan Oakes producing outstanding figures of 5-13.
The 4th XI maintained their place at the summit despite being held to a draw by Brentwood.
The visitors made 256-9, with Ollie Clarke taking 3-28.
Steve Limn led the reply with 59, while Rob Mack added 48, but Upminster closed on 232-7.
The 5th XI boosted their promotion hopes with a seven-wicket derby victory over Hornchurch 4th XI.
Hornchurch were dismissed for 152, with Rob Evans claiming 3-23.
Rob Healy (51 not out) and Thomas Cargill (52 not out) then shared an unbroken partnership to see Upminster home.
The 6th XI also enjoyed derby success, defeating AGHAB 3rd XI by eight wickets after bowling the visitors out for just 88.
Aalok Latey starred with remarkable figures of 5-7.
The 7th XI suffered a five-wicket defeat at Willow Herbs 2nd XI.
Patrick Gulvin made 44 and Jack Butler 39 not out in Upminster's 139, but the hosts chased down the target despite two wickets from Kevin Roome.
The Friendly XI were beaten by three wickets by Herongate & Ingrave.
Max Bird carried his bat for 61 not out, while Aiden McNeela and Eddie Waters both took three wickets in a narrow defeat.
Sunday brought more success, particularly for the club's women's teams.
The Women's 2nd XI produced their best performance of the season to beat Wanstead & Snaresbrook by eight wickets and move clear of the Division Two relegation zone.
All six bowlers took wickets as Wanstead were dismissed for 72, with Mila Price, Angela Green, Priya Somani, and Imogen Croker all taking two each.
Alex Semon (29 not out) and Catherine Johnson (27 not out) then guided Upminster to victory.
The women's softball side finished third in the Essex Softball Series Finals Day.
After topping their opening group, Upminster narrowly lost to Wickford and Hadleigh & Thundersley in the final stage as Hadleigh claimed the title.
The Sunday League XI saw their title hopes dented by a six-wicket defeat to Goresbrook.
Upminster recovered from 98-8 to post 196 thanks to a ninth-wicket stand of 96 between Emma Black (50) and Lewis Munn (43).
However, Ted Ivory's 64 helped Goresbrook complete the chase.
The junior highlight came at Upminster Park, where the U13 Ultras stormed to a 10-wicket victory over Copdock & Old Ipswichian in the National Cup regional play-off.
The visitors were bowled out for 53 before Upminster eased home in just over eight overs.
They now progress to Regional Finals Day on August 3 at Teddington CC.
Elsewhere, there were junior wins for the U8 Ultimate, U10 Ultras, and U12 Ultimate, while the U9 Ultimate and U13 Ultimate both suffered defeats.
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