Southend United’s visit to Wembley caused some problems with availability but the Club still managed to fulfil the required League fixtures. Once again it was a weekend of mixed fortunes with two wins and three defeats for the Saturday sides.
T Rippon Mid Essex League Division 1. The 1st XI had a free week as their opposition had withdrawn from the Division.
T Rippon Mid Essex League Division 2. The 2nd XI travelled to Hornchurch Athletic 1st XI who batted first and amassed 280-8. Pick of the bowlers were Mike Law with 1-30 off 10 overs and Sam Verrinder 3-46. In reply Rayleigh scored 249-9, Andy Impey (59) and Jason Ox (52) top scoring.
T Rippon Mid Essex League Division 5. The 3rd XI hosted Brookweald 2nd XI and batting first scored 214-9, Steven Lynch scoring 57 and James Wratten 52. In reply the visitors were bowled out for 126, Matt Gilmore taking 4-16 and James Wratten 3-18.
T Rippon Mid Essex League Division 8. The 4th XI visited Hockley who scored 153-8 in their innings, Richard Mantell taking 2-27, Paul Davies 2-32 and Tony Catling taking 2-35 as well as 3 catches at slip. Rayleigh were cruising the game at 87-1 but made hard work of finishing the game eventually winning by 2 wickets, Darren Smith (34), Luke Keeley (28) & Mitul Patel (27) leading the scoring.
T Rippon Mid Essex League Division 10. The 5th XI went to South Woodham Ferrers 2nd XI who scored 193 all out, Chris Frost taking 5-21 including a hat trick. Good accurate bowling and excellent fielding restricted the scoring rate and eventually Rayleigh were bowled out for 169, Steve Gosling top scoring with 55.
T Rippon Mid Essex League Division 12. The 6th XI entertained Boreham 2nd XI and batting first were bowled out for 105, Neil Henson 46. The visitors passed this total for the loss of 3 wickets.
The Women & Girls XI played a friendly fixture against a new team from Hutton and batting first sored 90-5, Catherine Hodge and Gill Collins each retiring on 25. The visitors were bowled out for 35.
3rd Round of the Bradford Cup (20 overs). Westcliff U13 91-6. Rayleigh U13A 93-7, Jess Walker 33 retired. Won by 2 wickets. They will now play the winning side in the West Division to decide which Club will represent South District in the County knockout.
South Essex District Cricket Board East Division B League. Rayleigh U13B 54-9. Southend EMT U13B 56-3. Lost by 7 wickets.
