South Essex District Cricket Board Final v Orsett (held at Pegasus & Corringham)
Orsett 294–10 (Net 244)
Rayleigh 277–4 (Net 257)
Rayleigh won by 13 runs
Team: Conor S (Capt), Matt D, Max J, Josh J, Alex B, Owen B, Henry H, Alex D, Callum B & Mihir P
And so to the final game of what has already been a tremendous season. With just a hint of autumn in the air, Rayleigh and Orsett gathered at the neutral, picturesque venue of Pegasus to contest the final of the SEDCB u11 cup. Both teams had finished runners-up in their respective groups and the stage was set for one last push by both teams. Skipper Conor called correctly and inserted the opposition.
It was important to get a good, nerve-settling start and Matt and Max, as they have done all season, took vital early wickets. Matt’s accuracy accounted for 2 wickets – both bowled – and Max took a stunning caught and bowled to ensure that Orsett were only on 206 by the end of the opening spell. Alex D and Henry followed on, both bowling tightly – Alex commendably so with 2 maidens – as Orsett were only able to progress their score by further 11 by the end of the 8th over. Mihir and Owen took a further 3 wickets in the middle overs to rock Orsett back on their heels, with Owen’s eventual 2–8, the best figures in the match. It was also his season’s best and what a time to do it. Alex B and Callum kept up the tight bowling, with Callum picking up a wicket in his spell. Josh and Conor finished off the innings, both taking a wicket each to offset some lusty blows and umpires calls, as Orsett desperately tried to set a competitive total. All in all, a 10 wicket haul, some excellent ground fielding, and great catching from Max, Henry and Conor (who also got a run out) meant a target of 245 was set for victory.
Conor and Max got Rayleigh off to their usual flying start. A combination of watchful defence and some elegant strokes saw 22 put on for the opening spell, with Max scoring 5* and Conor a match best 12*. Already half the total had been knocked off. Owen and Henry were going along fine until a mix up on a quick single saw a run out. Owen then got out to a ball keeping low, but the net score had still been pushed in the right direction by the end of their 4 overs. The third pairing of Alex D and Callum only lost 1 wicket during their 4 overs, with Alex scoring 2* as they pushed the net total to 233. The pressure of not making many inroads to the Rayleigh batting was beginning to tell. The 4th pair of Alex B and Mihir faced a lot of wides and no balls, which was good for the score but hard on the concentration. By the time they finished their 4 overs, despite Mihir getting out, Rayleigh were now in front on 249 net. Reining in their usual attacking instincts, Matt and Josh watchfully and coolly saw the side home, adding a further 8 runs without any scares (or wickets) to secure a deserved victory.
Congratulations to all the boys (and those who didn’t get a game this time but helped contribute so well throughout the season). They did themselves and the club proud and were gracious in victory. The league trophy can now sit alongside the Kwik cricket trophy back at Rawreth Lane. A big thanks goes to Paul for his encouragement and support throughout the season and to Matt for scoring as well. Thanks also to Lisa and Jen for the all-important teas and to all the mums and dads for their support. I’m sure that Paul will say more next week at the presentation evening on what has been a record breaking season, but for now, we can just bask in the reflective glory of the boys.