Rayleigh B 281–6 net 233
Wickford B 260–3 net 236
Result Lost by 3 runs
Rayleigh team: James Buckley, Henry Hands, Callum Bond, Callum Bishop, Joseph Peppiat, Matthew Apps, Owen Brooks, Oscar Driscoll, Michael Crichton (capt, wkt), Neil Kelly.
Rayleigh batted first with James and Henry the first pair in. They were up against some accurate Wickford bowling, just one wide conceded from the first four overs. Henry hit the first four of the game as these two put on a partnership of eight runs for the loss of one wicket. Next pair in were the two Callums. They both played steadily throughout their overs, though neither batsman managed to score off the bat. However with the wides now more frequent a partnership of 21 ensued.
Joseph and Matthew were next in. Again runs off the bat were difficult to come by, but both boys batted sensibly. Matthew unfortunatel;y was the second Rayleigh wicket to fall in the 11th over.
Wickford were beginning to apply the brakes again. Owen and Oscar, like the two pairs before them, struggled to trouble the scorers, but again both boys batted competently enough to show that the runs will soon come from the bat. A partnership of 10 looked helpful until Owen was given out for a catch behind on the last ball of their partnership.
Last pair in were Michael and Neil and soon the runs began to flow. Neil hit two fours off the 17th over, Michael then got in on the act with a boundary in the next over and with two overs left Rayleigh were in a very healthy position of 271 for three, nett 247. In the penultimate over, Neil hit a magnificent six over mid wicket, but then the wheels became somewhat dislodged as three Rayleigh wickets fell in the last 11 balls.
Rayleigh innings ended on 281 for six, nett 233.
Matthew opened the bowling for Rayleigh and just conceded two with a wide. He then delivered a fine maiden over. Callum Bond went for 14 but got Rayleigh\’s first wicket with a magnificent caught and bowled. Oscar and Owen bowled very tidily with just nine coming from the next four overs, Oscar giving the ball good flight and Owen showing a very natural action that can only improve in the weeks ahead.
In the ninth and tenth over, Rayleigh then seemed to take control with Callum Bishop and Neil Kelly each grabbing a wicket, both batsmen being bowled. However the scorebaord kept ticking over and it was clear to see this was going to be a nail biting finish.
James and Joseph were the next bowlers. Joseph showed good composure with just three runs coming from his two overs. James couldn\’t quite find the accuracy that got him a wicket in last week\’s friendly at Westcliff.
Joseph was brought back for the last over with Wickford leading by nett 3 runs. A wicket now and the game would surely be Rayleigh\’s. Joseph bowled every ball on line and well pitched up securing Rayleigh\’s fifth maiden over of the innings but it was not quite enough. Dogged resistance from the last Wickford pair secured the win for the visitors despite scoring 21 runs less than the home side.
Well done to both teams in a very closely fought match.