Thanks to unseasonably good weather, an early return to outdoor training, and a solid couple of weeks of friendlies, we’ve already had a promising taste of what the 2026 season has in store. However, this week marks the true start of the league campaign for both our Adult and Women’s sides. Between an early Evening League Cup win (without a ball being bowled!) and an impressive four wins from six pre-season friendlies against tough opposition, the club is in a fantastic position to hit the ground running across all our teams.
Before we get down to this week’s action, the Club Committee would like to start by thanking all the volunteers who have helped the club get ready for the 2026 season over the last few weeks. From the working days back in March to getting the outfields cut and the grounds ready for play, your hard work has been invaluable and the Club wouldn’t function without the generous time gifted by our volunteers. If you would like to step forward and support the club, please do email info@rayleighcc.com.
This Week’s Fixtures
The action gets underway under the Friday evening sun as our Women’s 1st XI kickstart the weekend. They will be hosting Hadleigh & Thundersley CC at The New Ground from 18:00. It is a fantastic opportunity to head down, grab a drink, and set the tone for the rest of the club ahead of a massive Saturday.
Saturday features a jam-packed slate with our six adult teams taking to the field in the opening round of the T-Rippon Mid Essex League.
Commercial News: Ayers & Cruiks Sign Three-Year Deal
We are thrilled to announce a new, long-term partnership with local property experts Ayers & Cruiks. The award-winning Southend and Chelmsford-based estate and letting agents have committed to a three-year deal, joining us as the Official 4th XI Sponsor and an Official Club Partner until 2029!
If you are looking to buy, sell, rent, or need property management services, we highly recommend speaking to our new friends at Ayers & Cruiks.
You can read the full announcement and find their contact details on our website here.
Pre-Season Recap
With sunshine deciding to grace Rawreth Lane, the Club’s pre-season campaign got off to a bang with four wins out of six fixtures. Matt Verrinder led the 1st XI from the front, scoring 137 runs at an average of 68.50 – including a high score of 90 (watch match highlights here). Rob Littler also made his comeback from injury, scoring 73* in the first home game of the year. Duncan Baldwin, off the back of a very productive 2025 season with the bat, helped secure a win for the 4th XI against Eastwood, scoring a sublime 51*.
There were various contributions with the ball, with David Archer cleaning up the Ittifaq tail and returning economical figures of 4/8, while Ian Turnbull (3/13), Riley Hughes (3/22) and Andy Long (3/29) all made solid contributions that bode well for the upcoming season.
Highest Scores
Best Bowling
Fantasy Cricket returns
Think you’re the best selector at the club? It’s time to put your money where your mouth is. The Rayleigh CC Fantasy Cricket league has officially launched for the 2026 season! Pick your squad, manage your budget, and compete against your teammates to see whose draft picks actually deliver on the pitch.
