Weekly Round Up (w/e 25th June)

Last week wasn’t a great week for the club, with only two wins recorded – well done to the 6th XI and Under 13 Hawks.

Despite the team results, there were some excellent personal performances for some of our members.

Batting:

• Steve Lynch – 119 from 95
• Joe Peppiatt – 71 from 84
• Rob Littler – 70 from 52
• Duncan Bond – 58 from 67
• Sam Keene – 53 from 111
• Freya Barnard – 25*
• Lou Harmsworth – 27*

Bowling:

• Steve Adams – 4/9
• Sam Skillett – 3/20
• Sam Verrinder – 3/89
• Mihir Patel – 4/29

As the cover photo to this article suggests, a group of Rayleigh CC golfing bandits visited Wensum Valley. A great couple of days were had by all, with some good scoring. If you are interested in joining RCC golf society days and/or future tours, please contact info@rayleighcc.com.

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We’re excited to share that our longstanding partnership with Stuart and the dedicated team at Spinal & Natural Healthcare Centre has reached new heights. We take immense pride in announcing that Spinal & Natural has extended their commitment to Rayleigh Cricket Club by becoming a Principle Club Partner earlier this year. Their sponsorship includes support for our Live Stream and Women’s XI.

At Spinal & Natural, Stuart and his team have been invaluable in assisting our club members with various injuries and rehabilitation needs. Through our partnership, they offer an exclusive discount of just £40 for the initial appointment, along with a generous 20% off all individual in-clinic treatments thereafter.

Ready to experience their exceptional services? Reach out to the Spinal & Natural team today at 01268 752123 and schedule a consultation. We extend a heartfelt thank you to Stuart for his unwavering support and ongoing partnership, which have played a vital role in enhancing our facilities and bolstering our membership.

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to benefit from the expertise of Spinal & Natural Healthcare Centre. Contact them today and embark on your journey to improved well-being.

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The 1^st XI travelled to Terling and after a poor performance with the bat last week were looking to make amends on what looked to be the flattest deck of the season so far.  The home team won the toss and had no hesitation in batting first.  The humidity was rising, but unlike the song it was only raining boundaries.

The opposition skipper relishing the short side and after some clean striking, was able to amass 130 from just 68 balls. The Rayleigh skipper tried to mix up the bowling to get him out of his stride, and save the bowlers from exhaustion, but nothing worked.  He was however the first wicket to fall, caught at cover off Mayfield. An opening partnership of 200 had set the tone. The next 3 batsmen had the freedom to try and keep the strike rate up and succeeded some what but eventually fell, with Akash and Verrinder finally getting joy. Everitt and Littler were able to keep the rest of the line up fairly quiet but Terling managed to post a formidable 385-8 in their 45 overs.  Verrinder ended up 3-89 as the pick of the bowlers.

During tea the halftime chat was that we could get this if we applied ourselves and kept wickets in hand. Impey immediately took up our new mantra of the England way by flicking the first ball for 4.  Unfortunately, once again, it didn’t take long and Rayleigh were one down. Akash playing nicely was soon caught at cover and then 2 wickets in 2 balls meant that Rayleigh were 4 down with only 22 on the board. So much for the halftime chat, time to dig in and at least get some batting points this week. The fifth wicket fell for 40 and it brought to the crease the skipper. Littler looked very scratchy and then the bowler bowled a beamer – hitting him in the his ample bosom.  The following ball was a bouncer and the opposition felt he was rattled, the skipper had other ideas. Harmy and Littler took the attack to Terling, not backing down from the chat or hostility and produced an 84 run partnership. Harmy unfortunately was bowled for 36. But this brought the villain of the piece, Matty V, to the crease. Strangely the oppositions tactic was to go quiet rather then bring up his umpiring skills. It ended up being a pleasant batting atmosphere and Rayleigh got up to the 150 mark without trouble. Littler tamely gave catching practice to slip in the end but scored a brilliant 70 on one leg. The tail end wagged to reach the 225 mark that was desired with Matty V the final wicket after scoring 44. 238 all out in the end. 

After being completely outplayed in all areas, 9 points was not a bad result. Onwards and upwards, as the 1s face top of the table OCs next week.

The 2s hosted Theydon at Rawreth Lane. On was looked like a hard deck, Skipper Walker won the toss and elected to bat first.

Rayleigh started well, with a terrific 179 partnership for the 1st wicket between Steve Lynch (119) and Sam Keene (53). Despite this excellent start, the smell of a Rayleigh batting collapse was in the air and Rayleigh went from 179-1 to 206-9 in the space of 10 overs.

Theydon started well, but lost regular wickets thanks to some excellent bowling from Mihir Patel (9-2-29-4). With Theydon 118-6 nearing the 30th over, Rayleigh were looking good. Unfortunately, the Theydon tail wagged and with two balls to spare passed the Rayleigh total with two wickets remaining.

Undefeated in the league, the 3s hosted Ilford Catholics on the old ground. Trevor lost the toss and the opposition asked Rayleigh to field first.

Ilford posted 213-8 from their 45 overs. Jono Palamentas was the pick of the bowling (2-0-11-2) but unfortunately injured himself and could not continue his spell. Colin Mayor picked up where Jono left off, recording figures of 3-0-17-2.

In reply, Rayleigh lost a quick wicket in the early overs. Brad Walker and Mark Bailey attempted to steady the ship, facing 136 bowls between them. The latter top scored with 38 from 87 balls. The bowling attack proved too much for the 3s, who slumped to 155 all out.

Rayleigh won the toss on a humid day in the bowels of East London and elected to bat first. RCC started well with Tom Peppiatt (20) and Simon Harwood (33) building a steady partnership against some tight bowling. Unfortunately, quick wickets fell and at one point the visitors were 92-6. Rayleigh managed to reach 185 all out, mainly thanks to Sam Skillett (29) and Zach Skillett (38) who put on another excellent partnership at the end.

In reply, Rayleigh let Ilford get away with easy runs early due to some loose bowling. The openers put on 105 for the first innings. Sam Skillett was the pick of the bowlers (6-1-20-3) making the initial breakthrough, supported by his younger brother Zach (8-0-35-2). Unfortunately, the tail wagged and Ilford were able to easily chase down the total in 34 overs.

Rayleigh won the toss and elected to bat, hoping to continue their run of good form in the league. Rayleigh started slow and lost the top order cheaply with only Terry Martin scoring 34, it was not until Marc Smith came in and scored a quick 25 and the the wickets fell again. 

Rayne started strong with the opener achieving a half century, although went the next ball. Rayne’s number five batter came in and gave them an extra 45 as they rounded the game off with 3 overs to go. Unfortunately, during the last ball of the game, the ball hit a leaf on the tree (positioned on the outfield) while returning the ball back to bowler. The umpire signaled a four and the game was lost. A lesson to all Rayleigh sides, make sure you check local rules and watch for trees on the outfield!

The 6s hosted Basildon on the third pitch, winning the toss and batting first.

Skipper Duncan Bond got the scoreboard moving, alongside Duncan Baldwin, building a 48 run partnership for the first wicket. Bondy went on to score a sublime 58 runs from 67 balls (inc. 10 fours), and was supported by good knocks from Phil Hammond (37), Stuart McMeekin (21) and co-captain Lennox (21). Rayleigh finished on 190-7.

Apart from a 30 run stand between the opening batters, Basildon didn’t put up any defense and were skittled for 53 from just 26 overs. Steve Adams (8-2-9-4) was the pick of the bowlers.

Captain Paul and his merry band of 7th team players made the journey to Witham for a friendly match. The opposition won the toss and batted first, posting a convincing 197-7 from 40 overs. Robin ‘OMP’ Peppiatt was the pick of the bowlers (8-0-28-2), supported by Oliver Church (8-0-48-2) and Luke Gould (8-0-51-2).

Rayleigh started well in reply, with the standout innings being Joe Peppiatt who scored 71 runs from 84 balls (inc. 12 fours). The total was also helped by Murray Hall (31) and Paul Cox (25*).

Unfortunately, despite some good batting, Rayleigh fell short and lost by 19 runs (but only lost 5 wickets…).

The Ladies hosted High Roding on Friday with only 8 players. Batting first, Rayleigh posted 125-2 thanks to Freya Barnard (25*), Lou Harmsworth (27*) and Sophie Lennox (24).

Rayleigh were able to take quick wickets, but it wasn’t enough and the opposition started to find gaps in the field. High Roding were able to edge out Rayleigh and posted 129-7, winning with only one ball to spare! Connie Davies was the pick of the bowlers (4-0-13-2).

The newly formed U17 Falcons welcomed Orsett to Rawreth Lane for the opening fixture of the SECPG U17 Division. Orsett won the toss and asked Rayleigh to bat first in this 100 ball fixture.

The Falcon’s lost a quick wicket, but James Balkwill (28*) and Jake Ashworth (25) calmed things down and built a 50 run partnership. Unfortunately, quick wickets followed and Rayleigh could only muster 87-6 from their 100 balls.

In reply, Orsett knocked off the required runs quickly and won by 9 wickets.

Westcliff won the toss and batted first, posting 124 all out from 19 overs. Thomas Lloyd (3-0-24-2) and Henry Murrell (2-0-11-2) were the pick of the bowlers.

In reply, Rayleigh struggled to get going and build partnerships. Sam Keene (45*) led the attack, but the Eagles slumped to 86 all out with an over remaining.

Rayleigh won the toss and fielded first. Wickford started well and were able to post 151-7 from their 20 overs. Joseph Collins (3-0-15-2) and Oliver Guinn (2-0-19-2) took two wickets each.

The Hawks were able to get to 44 without losing a wicket thanks to Oliver Guinn (15) and Harry Rixon (16). Oliver Baker than added some firepower to the chase, with a well constructed 26* from only 13 balls. Unfortunately, the wickets continued to tumble and the Hawks finished on 101-6 from 20 overs – 50 runs short.

The Hawks lost the toss and were asked to bat first. All batters contributed, posting 131-7.

The Demons couldn’t respond and lost quick wickets, slumping to 55 all out. Oliver Baker (2-0-4-2) and Riley Hughes (2-0-12-2) got two wickets each – but all bowlers contributed and bowled well.

Orsett won the toss and batted first, posting 143-5 (318 net). Arvin Ghataura was the pick of the bowlers (2-0-16-2).

Rayleigh struggled to chase the total, but had handy contributions from Thomas O’Sullivan (10), Thomas Barker (11) and Arvin (12). The Owls finished on 90-7 (255 net score).