Weekly Round Up (w/e 21st April)

Welcome to the first edition of our Weekly Round Up newsletter for 2024, just in time for the start of the league season next week!

We’re thrilled to launch another year of updates, insights, and stories from the world of Rayleigh Cricket Club. Last year’s newsletter garnered approximately 5,000 views, and we’re excited to continue bringing you valuable content this year.

Last week kicked off the new cricket season, with the 1st XI hitting the road to play Belhus for in a 40-over friendly match. We also hosted our first social event of the year, a well attended quiz night organised by Andy James. Thanks to everyone’s enthusiasm, we raised a fantastic £400 for the club! Plus, our ‘working day’ was a massive success, with lots of members rolling up their sleeves to lend a hand around the club. We’re all geared up for a successful 2024 cricket season!

We’ve arranged a weekend of friendly fixtures, with the 1st and 3rd teams hosting home games on the Old and Third Grounds, respectively. This ensures our main ground will be in perfect condition for league cricket next week. The bar will be open in the evening, so feel free to join us to watch our teams in action.

In single-digit temperatures, the 1st team embarked on their journey to Belhus for a friendly pre-season fixture. In his first game at the helm of the 1s, Matt Verrinder found himself on the losing side of the toss, as Rayleigh were tasked with fielding first.

Sam Verrinder and Greg Hood (making his club debut) were persuaded to remove their numerous layers and open the bowling. The wicket was slow and the batters where able to adjust for any movement the bowlers were able to find. Despite early season rustiness and challenging conditions, Rayleigh managed to keep the run rate in check, with the pre-match fielding practice paying dividends.

The introduction of Abley, down the hill and with the wind, started to cause issues for Belhus and he got his reward with the first wicket after a smart catch from Miller at short cover. He was not backed up at the other end by Littler though and Ul-Haq passed his fifty soon after drinks. Harmsworth bowled with good guile and Keene produced some good spin to slow the Belhus progress and get a wicket each. 

Hood got his maiden Rayleigh wicket with a great delivery to remove the Belhus skipper and Rayleigh were optimistic they could keep Belhus to around the 220-runs mark. However, Dylan Sinfield (recently selected for Essex U16s), had other ideas and took a liking to the bowling – scoring a quick 41*. Some good death bowling from Verrinder and Littler kept the score to 239-5, but it would be a tough ask to chase down on a slow wicket and outfield. Keene (5-0-31-1) and Verrinder (8-1-36-1) were the pick of the bowlers.

Turner and Keene set about the chase in a watchful manner, thanks to some tight bowling from the Belhus openers. They build a solid partnership before Turner fell for 14, thanks to Mir who bowled with excellent line and length. Mir also accounted for Harmsworth who struggled to get in any rhythm. The run rate was creeping up and Littler tried to counter but was unlucky to fall for 17 when he spooned a waist high full toss to mid on who took a very good catch.

Keene’s innings came to an end, falling just short of a well-deserved fifty as he was dismissed LBW. With his departure, the onus shifted to Miller and Walker to keep Rayleigh’s chase alive. Unfortunately Miller fell for 14 and Walker followed him to the warmth of the pavilion scoring 19, falling to Mir who completed an impressive 8-over spell with figures of 22-3.

The chase was over but some time in the middle for the lower order was appreciated and Rayleigh finished 154-8 from their 40 overs. Rayleigh’s pursuit was plagued by wickets tumbling as frequently as the mercury dropped in the thermometer throughout the afternoon. Unfortunately, no one could complement Keene’s standout batting performance. Nonetheless, the outing provided valuable time on the field, allowing everyone to gain much-needed match practice and test their skills against a quality side like Belhus.

Next week we welcome Great Baddow to Rawreth Lane for our final friendly before the season start.