A look at the fixture list for the weekend suggested it would be a difficult week as most of the teams were playing high flying opposition and so it proved with heavy defeats for all six Saturday League sides. However, both the 3rd XI and 5th XIs who could have been relegated in their respective Divisions both avoid the drop due to results elsewhere.
T Rippon Mid Essex Premier Division. The 1st XI travelled to Goresbrook 1st XI who batted first and amassed 290-4 with S Barwick scoring 154 not out. At 73-2, Ben Francis (44) it looked as though Rayleigh might make a respectable score in response but the introduction of Ochwo (9-27) into the attack signalled a dramatic collapse and they were bowled out for 102 in the 24th over. This result means the 1st XI must win in the final week to avoid relegation to Division 1.
T Rippon Mid Essex League Division 2. Â The 2nd XI entertained top of the table Great Waltham 1st XI and scored 168-8, Chris Frost (48) and Adam Krise (42*), which target the visitors passed in the 29th over for the loss of 2 wickets, D Clout 114*. Â
T Rippon Mid Essex League Division 5. The 3rd XI visited Rainham 2nd XI who batted first and scored 216-8, Jai Patel taking 5-22. In reply Rayleigh struggled against tight bowling and fielding and ended on 99-7 in their 45 overs to lose by 117 runs.
T Rippon Mid Essex League Division 7. The 4th XI hosted Galleywood 2nd XI, who at one stage were 103-8 but an unbroken 9th wicket partnership took the visitors to 205-8, Tom Lopez 3-24 and Richard Mantell (2-21) the pick of the bowlers. In reply Rayleigh only managed to score 107 all out, Matt Walker (34*) top scoring.
T Rippon Mid Essex League Division 8. The 5th XI went to play Canvey Island 2nd XI who batting first scored 148-9 Sam Lowe taking 2-12. This target proved beyond the 5th XI who ended on 79 all out with only Sam Lowe (29) making any impression on the bowling.
T Rippon Mid Essex League Division 10. Bentley 4th XI were the visitors to the 6th XI, who batted first and scored 109-10, Dave Turner (22). Bentley reached the target in the 23rd over for the loss of 2 wickets.
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