Playing away in their second league game in the Mid Essex Premier Division against last years runners-up, Bentley, the 1st XI batted first and scored 223-7, Marcus Cornish (74), Jon Cook (53) and Ian Bryant (44) leading the scoring. Half way through their reply Bentley seemed to be cruising to victory but then lost their way and needed two runs to win off the last ball. A run out with the last two batsmen at the crease whilst failing to score gave Rayleigh victory by one run, Ian Bryant taking 3-40. Life in the Premier Division is proving to be nerve racking to say the least.
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The 2nd XI entertained Ingatestone 2nd XI and batting first totalled 252, Neil Henson (88) and Martin Sanderson (48) top scoring. In another tight finish the visitors were bowled out in the last over for 238, George Barker taking 4-35 and John Stirk 4-51.
The 3rd XI entertained Tillingham 2nd XI and bowled the opposition out for 111, Aaron Acraman taking 4-19 off 9 overs. Rayleigh knocked off the runs for the loss of 2 wickets, Richard Verrinder scoring 49*.
The 4th XI visited Eastwood 3rd XI who batting first scored 250, John Wright taking 5 wickets. The 4th XI scored 251-3 in reply, Brad Walker 88, Steve Elsdon 54 and Murray Hall 53 leading the reply.
The 5th XI entertained Rainham 2nd XI at Purleigh. Batting first the visitors scored 189-9, Phil Hammond taking 3 -11. Adam Keeley (86*) and Frank Tennyson (62) helped the 5th XI to pass this score with the loss of 3 wickets.
Other matches
The Women & Girls XI entertained Old Chelmsfordians and batting first scored 75. The visiting side passed this score with the loss of 9 wickets.
South Essex District Cricket Board Peters Cup. Rayleigh Under 15As 190 for 2 off 20 overs, Christian Humphries – 50 retired, George Barker – 52 retired Rayleigh Fairview Under 15s 83 for 8 off 20 overs, Hugh Kirby 3-4 (including a hat-trick) and Gideon Humphries 1-3 off 3 overs. Rayleigh won by 107 runs.
South Essex District Cricket Board East Group. Eastwood Under 13s 78 for 6, Rayleigh Under 13As 80 for 4 off 16 overs, Neil Kelly 26 not out, Steven Lynch 26 not out. Rayleigh won by 6 wickets
Friendly match. The 6th XI opponents were unable to raise a team so they played a friendly inter club game at Gloucester Park North.