Report of friendly matches on 23 April
The 1st XI visited Little Waltham and batting first made amends for the previous week\’s performance totalling 266-8 in their 40 overs, Jon Cook scoring 70, Shaun Farnham 60 and Matt Williams 42. The return of Mike Walsh (4-25) and Mike Law kept the hosts below the asking rate and in the end they were all out for 89.
The 2nd XI entertained a depleted Tillingham XI and again batting totalled 233-7 in a 35 over match, Chris Frost 70 and George Barker 53* led the scoring. Tillingham were then bowled out for 49, Adam Dudmish taking 3-19 to provide a welcome turnaround from the previous week.
The 3rd XI started their season away to Leigh-on-Sea 3s and scored 157 all out (Tony Catling 59) in a 40 over game. Leigh passed this total in the 39th over with the loss of 5 wickets, Mark Acraman taking 3-29.
Report of friendly matches on 16 April
The 1st XI travelled to Rochford to play Rankins and batting first were skittled out for 123 ( Matt Williams 49), a total the hosts passed with ease with the loss of 4 wickets only Matt Cooper troubling the batsmen with 3 for 29.
The 2nd XI entertained Belhus 2nd XI and also batting first only managed to total 136 all out, remarkable only because Andy Impey scored 54 and five Rayleigh batsmen were stumped! The visitors won by 6 wickets (Matt Gilmore 3-27) to crown a disappointing start to the season.