Arfan Akram

League tie against leaders Chelmsford followed by last 16 clash in National Cup

Wanstead and Snaresbrook captain Arfan Akram is relishing the prospect of a big weekend for his side – weather permitting.

Second-placed Wanstead are set to face SNEL Premier Division leaders Chelmsford at home on Saturday, before entertaining Tunbridge Wells in the fifth round of the ECB National Club Championship the following day.

And their skipper insists his team are in the mood to win both matches.

Akram said: “These are the types of challenges you look forward to.

“We’re playing two very good sides, but if we play to the very best of our abilities, I’d like to think we will win both games. We have a very good balance of experience and youth. And there is a very positive attitude among the players.”

Wanstead enjoyed a 58-run victory against Chelmsford early last month, but currently trail the table-toppers by 13 points.

And Akram is eyeing another positive result that would see them replace the opposition at the top of the table.

He said: “Chelmsford are a good team, but we’re good enough to beat them again. We have a game-plan every time we play and always prepare very thoroughly.

“We know that if we apply our skills to the best of our ability then not many teams can beat us.

“I won’t say it’s a must-win game because there will be seven more league games to play afterwards. But we’ve not drawn a game all season and our attitude doesn’t change whoever we’re playing.”

Wanstead have reached the last 16 of the National Cup and their captain wants his side to build on their achievement.

He said: “It’s a very important match for us.

“It’s been several years since we reached this stage of the competition,

“It speaks volumes about where we are heading as a cricket club.”

Last weekend’s league game at home to Shenfield was cancelled due to the weather and Akram was philosophical about the situation.

He said: “I guess we’ve been lucky because we’ve only had two cancellations so far this summer and it’s been much worse in other parts of the country.

“But it’s disappointing when a game is called off because we just want to play cricket.”

With the season just past the halfway point, Akram is very pleased with how his side have progressed this summer.

He added: “We’re very, very satisfied with how things have gone so far this season.

“There are so many positives for us. In the league, the trick is to always be in the running and make sure you’re there or thereabouts ahead of the final push.

“We’ve lost just one game so far and the squad has real strength.”