Weekly Round Up (w/e 14th July)

In the latest round of the Mid Essex League, only the 1st XI and 3rd XI emerged victorious following poor availability and injuries across the club. Additionally, the 7th XI secured a win against West Mersea, the Midweek XI triumphed over touring side Peterborough CAMRA CC, and the U11 Owls played brilliantly to defeat Leigh-on-Sea Lightning in the SECPG U11 division.

There were some great individual performances last week, including a 129 run partnership between Sam Keene (59) and Ian Turnbull (60). See below for summary of all performances from last weeks fixtures:

A special mention to young Oliver Milchard who scored his highest adult score of 39* for the 7th XI, helping to steer them to victory on Saturday.

We’re gearing up for a fantastic cricket week this year, with plenty of fixtures and events planned. If you would like to make yourself available play in the fixtures scheduled on Monday 29th July, Wednesday 30th July or Friday 2nd July – please click here here to register your availability.

The end of year event for adults, ladies and the U17s has been confirmed for Friday 11th October at Saxon Hall in Southend. Please keep an eye on your inbox for updates in the coming weeks.

You can view initial information about the event by clicking here.

The 1st XI made the short journey to Great Claydons Farm, following a rain affected victory against Ingatestone the week prior (click here to watch highlights of that fixture). Matty Verrinder won the toss and asked the opposition to bat first.

Wickets were slow to come by at first, but once the first breakthrough was made, they continued to fall steadily throughout East Hanningfield’s innings. Mihir Patel (9-2-22-3), Sam Verrinder (9-2-31-2), and Greg Hood (9-1-17-2) bowled impressively and with great economy. Jason Ox (5-0-27-1) chipped in with a wicket to close the opposition’s innings, leaving them at 151-9 from 45 overs.

In response, Rayleigh strolled to victory with ease, losing only two wickets. This was largely thanks to a commanding 129-run partnership between Keene (59) and Ian Turnbull (60). Another dominant performance by the 1st XI sees them firmly positioned in the middle of the table.

The 2nd team welcomed Springfield to Rawreth Lane, where Matt Walker won the toss and asked Springfield to bat first.

Springfield’s openers took a liking to Rayleigh’s opening bowlers, quickly putting together a 110-run partnership for the first wicket. Aaron Mayfield (6-0-43-1) was the first to make a breakthrough, but Springfield continued to pile on the runs.

It wasn’t until the slow bowlers were introduced that the run rate decreased and wickets began to fall. Tom Peppiatt (9-1-26-3) and Nick Green (9-0-33-2) bowled economically, not conceding any extras, and picked up five wickets between them. Richard Nolde (9-0-45-1) and Calum Mayfield (7-0-35-1) finished off the Springfield tail, leaving Rayleigh a target of 219 to win.

Andrew Barker and Matt Walker started watchfully, but Walker was undone by a spinning delivery that bowled him through the gate. Barker soon followed, leading to a flurry of wickets that left Rayleigh perilously positioned at 52-5.

Nolde (17), who looked to be in good touch with three fours in an over, was caught at deep mid-on chasing a full ball. Calum Mayfield (19) and Tom Peppiatt (30) were the only batters to build a considerable partnership, adding an impressive 46 runs under the circumstances. However, they both departed going for big shots as the run rate increased. The tail didn’t wag, and Rayleigh slumped to 152 all out in 39 overs.

The 3rd XI took on Broomfield on the old ground. With Neil Noble away, Brad Walker captained the side, winning the toss and choosing to field first.

Wickets were hard to come by, but so were runs. Broomfield managed to post 207-4 from their 45 overs. John Wright (9-0-36-2), Mike Law (9-2-27-1), and Tom Godfrey (9-2-29-1) were the standout bowlers for Rayleigh.

Rayleigh needed only 40 overs to chase down the target, thanks to watchful batting from Balkwill (35) and Harwood (24). Mayor (46) and Wright (24) then took the attack to the opposition bowlers, finishing the game quickly after their introductions to the crease.

Geoff Morgan returned to the fourth team captaincy, leading the side against Hatfield Peverel away. Geoff won the toss and elected to bowl first.

Rayleigh had Hatfield pinned down at 40-3, but a blistering 51-ball 106* from John Forrester saw Hatfield surge to 258-5 from their 40 overs.

In response, Rayleigh lost wickets at regular intervals, with only Richard Barker (61) and Mark Callaway (36) offering significant resistance. Rayleigh ultimately finished on 170 all out.

In a top of the table clash against Ardleigh Green & Havering-Atte-Bower, the opposition won the toss and asked Rayleigh to bat first on a green looking wicket.

Only five Rayleigh batters could reach double figures, with Phil Hammond (28) and Shane McDonagh (21*) top scoring. Rayleigh finished on a disappointing 114 all out.

In response, Havering knocked off the runs required in under 30 overs for the loss of four wickets. Sangeet Prasad (5-0-24-2) was the pick of the bowlers.

Rayleigh lost the toss and were asked to bat first on a dubious KEGS wicket. Openers Lennox (6) and Baldwin (2) fell early, and despite seeing off the opening quick, Geddes then fell for 11, leaving Rayleigh stranded at 40-3. Ben James offered some resistance, constructing a solid innings of 34 runs, supported by Ray Hart, who hit a quick 43 from 34 balls. Rayleigh finished on 138-5.

In response, Old Chelmsfordians chased down the total quickly, with only Andy James (8-1-24-1) managing to restrict the opposition’s batters.