At last Rayleigh Cricket Club managed to get their league cricket season under way, though many of the wickets were very soft resulting in some low scoring matches.
The 1st XI travelled to Little Waltham 1st XI, who batting first were bowled out for 105, Ian Bryant taking 4-20, Matt Gilmore 3-40 and Mike Walsh 2-23, Rayleigh passed this total with the loss of 3 wickets, Marcus Cornish (36*), Danny White (29*) and Matt Williams (26) top scoring.
The 2nd XI entertained Little Waltham 2nd XI and bowled the visitors out for 114, Shree taking 4-26. In reply Rayleigh scored 115-4 to win by 6 wickets, Nick Gosling scoring 51.
The 3rd XI were away to Danbury, who amassed 248-6 in their innings. Rayleigh scored 192-9, Alex Jones (65), Andy Lynch (35) and Matt Cooper (36) leading the scoring.
The 4th XI were at home to Rankins 3rd XI, who batted first and were dismissed for 54, Richard Mantell taking 3-10. Rayleigh passed this score with the loss of two wickets.
The 5th XI played South Woodham Ferrers 3rd XI at Purleigh who batted first and scored 226-9, Phil Hammond taking 4-52. In reply the 5th XI were bowled out for 55.
Thurrock 4th XI were the visitors to the 6th XI at Gloucester Park on a wicket of disappointing quality. Some excellent fielding and catching restricted Thurrock to 126-8, Charlie May taking 3-9 in 6 overs. Rayleigh collapsed to an all out total of 29 against a tight bowling attack.
The Sunday XI travelled to Hatfield Peverel, who batting first scored 187 for 7, James Wratten taking 5 for 37 off 8 overs. In reply Rayleigh scored190 for 3, James Ellis (73) and Nick Gosling (71) top scoring.
The Women & Girls XI entertained Old Chelmsfordians in a 20 over match but were bowled out for 59, a total the visitors passed in the 17th over.
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The Under13A team were at home to Westcliff Under 13s, who batted first and scored 103-6, Mihir Patel taking 3-13. Rayleigh scored 82-5 in their 20 overs, Max Jones (25*) top scoring.
The Under11A team were away at Westcliff Under 11s, who batted first and scored 286-2 (net 276). In their innings Rayleigh scored 306-4 (net 286) to win by 10 runs.
The Under11B team were at home to Pegasus & Corringham U11Bs. Rayleigh batted first and scored 244-5 (net 219). Pegasus scored 279-2 (net 269) to win by 50 runs.
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