Three wins and two defeats for the Saturday League sides and a semi-final defeat for the Women & Girls XI.
Despite a thunderstorm the previous evening only one game was lost to the weather.
The 1st XI entertained neighbours Rankins 1st XI in a game shortened to 35 overs as the pitch was very wet at the scheduled start time. Rankins batted first and scored 194-6, Matt Gilmore taking 3-44. Rayleigh fell short of this target by 12 runs despite a rapid knock of 55 by Jason Ox.
The 2nd XI visited Tillingham 1st XI who batted first were bowled out for 183, Liam Druce taking 3-7 and Trevor Nunn 3-35. The 2nd XI looked to be struggling to reach the target but a quickfire 50 not out from Sam Verrinder supported by Liam Druce (32*) enabled them to pass this total for the loss of seven wickets. This 50 was from just 21 balls and is the quickest so far this season – it also included 24 from just one over.
The 3rd XI game against Sandon Sports was cancelled due to a waterlogged pitch.
The 4th XI entertained Mountnessing, who batting first scored 259-6. Rebecca Holyoak (38), Steve Gosling (37) and Matt Walker (32) all started well but the team could not maintain the momentum and the innings closed on 216-9.
Boreham 2nd XI were the visitors to the 5th XI, who batted first and scored 257-8, Alan Brown (52*) leading the scoring. The visitors were bowled out for 120, Andy James taking 4-32, Gary Bush 3-18 and Tony Catling 3-38.
The 6th XI visited Hornchurch Athletic 4th XI, who had thrashed the 6th XI earlier in the season In a remarkable turn of fortune Rayleigh scored 300-5, Duncan Bond (94*) and Steve Rothon (81) both acheiving personal best scores. They then bowled the home side out for 54, Sam Levett taking 3-21.
The 7th XI entertained Thurrock 5th XI who scored 157 all out, Harry Donahue taking 4-12. Starting brightly the 7th XI were 83-2 after 20 overs with Mike Sullivan (42) and Adam Sullivan (17) going well but some excellent spin bowling slowed the scoring rate so that the 7th XI needed 35 off 5 overs. Some good shots by Adam Bailey (17) and Jess Walker (22) left the side needing 5 off the final over to win with the winning runs being scored off the penultimate ball.
Beaumont Seymour League Semi Final. The Women & Girls XI travelled to Colchester to play against Abingdon, runners up in the North Division. Batting first Rayleigh scored 43-1 off the first 10 overs and a reasonable score looked likely but the scoring rate dropped and wickets fell regularly with the innings closing on 83-6. After a slow start Abingdon accelerated and passed the target in the 16th over for the loss of three wickets. A disappointing end to a very successful season.
South Essex District Cricket Board Under 15 League West Group. Rayleigh Under 15A batted first and scored 111-5 in their 20 overs, Craig Smith (29) and Conor Slough (26) top scoring. In a close finish Belhus Under 15 scored 105-8, Josh Jones taking 2-15 and Conor Slough and Liam Harrold 2-20 in their 4 overs.
South Essex District Cricket Board Under 13 League East Group. Westcliff Under 13A batted first and scored 133-8, Tom King taking 3-35. In reply Rayleigh Under 13A scored 93-4, Jess Walker 27* and William Wheeler 22.
South Essex District Cricket Board Under 13 B League. SOSEMT Under 13B batted first and scored 121-6, Jack Hadlow taking 2-30. In reply Rayleigh Under 13B scored 78-3, Sammy Perks 18.
