Yet another rain affected Saturday meant that six of the seven Saturday games had to be abandoned because of torrential rain. However results elsewhere guarenteed the 1st XI a return to the Premier Division next season and needing 3 points from next week\’s match to go up as Champions. Similarly results elsewhere mean the 2nd XI are promoted to Divison 3 as Champions and the 3rd XI go top of Division 7. With the 4th XI third and the 5th XI currently 2nd in their tables next weekend is crucial weekend for the Club.
The 1st XI entertained South Weald 1st XI and were bowled out for 98 in 30 overs. The visitors were 38-5 in replay when the rains came, Matt Gilmore taking 4-11.
In the only game to finish the 2nd XI travelled to Rayne 1st XI and bowled them out for 53, Sree taking 8-20, The 2s knocked the runs off for the loss of 1 wicket, Nick Gosling scoring 42*.
The 3rd XI visited South Weald 1st XI and scored 252-6 in 40 overs. Colin Mayor scored 95, Steve Adams 49 and John Stirk 46*.
Navestock and Ardleigh Green 2nd XI were the visitors to the 4th XI. The 4th XI totalled 225-8 in their 45 overs , John Wright (71) and Matt Walker (46) top scoring. The visitors were 8-0 after 4 overs when the game ended.
The 5th XI played top of the table Thurrock 4th XI who scored 180-8 before the rains came.
The 6th (Dragons) XI were at home to Writtle 3rd XI who batted first and scored 164-8 in their 40 overs, Josh Jones taking 4-24.
The 6th (Eagles) XI were at home to Wickford 5th XI and batting first scored 99-9 in their 40 overs, Tom Peppiatt scoring 44.
The Under 15A XI played Belhus Under 15A XI in a match to decide who went through to the semi-final of the South Essex District competition. Batting Belhus were restricted to 97 in their 20 overs, Mihir Patel taking 4-19 and Jai Patel 3-9. This total looked within reach but accurate bowling and good fielding saw Rayleigh fall short by 5 runs, Steven Lynch (33*) and Gideon Humphries (25) top scoring.
Similarly the Under 13A XI played Leigh on Sea Under 13 XI in a match they needed to play to go through to the semi-final of the South Essex District Under 13 competition. Leigh scored 77-6 in their 20 overs, which score Rayleigh passed with the loss of 1 wicket, Max Jones (25*) and Alex Bateman (20*) batting and running beautifully.
