Another week and more cancelled fixtures, but it’s not all bad news – the Ladies XI played the first fixture of the year at Rawreth Lane and the Sunday XI secured the club’s first win of the season against local rivals Rettendon CC. Welcome to the first Weekly Round Up of 2023!
Club Updates
It’s not been the start to the season that any of us wanted. On Saturday, only six matches produced a result across from the 110+ league fixtures scheduled. Despite the weather, club members have been working hard to ensure ground conditions are safe and maintained for the remainder of the season. A special thank you to Matt Walker, Brad Walker and a number of others who have been working hard in the background so we can enjoy our cricket when the rain (eventually) stays away.
Regardless of the poor weather and lack of cricket, there a number of exciting developments and events scheduled for the coming week:
- Monday 8th May: U15 Eagles take on Southend EMT U15 Scorpions at home, starting at 15:00.
- Wednesday 10th May: RCC Evening XI vs. Rayleigh Fairview at home, starting 18:00.
- Friday 12th May: Ladies XI vs. High Roding away, starting at 18:00
- Saturday 13th May: Schedule league fixtures & 7th XI friendly. Following all games, members are encouraged to stay for a refreshment at the New Ground and wish Freddy Noble a very happy 18th birthday! The bar will be open till late and food will be available throughout the evening.
- Sunday 14th May: Brentwood Victorians vs. RCC Sunday XI at the Old County Ground, starting at 1pm. The U11 Owls and U13 Hawks also have games in the morning.
Members may also have noticed that the club is now live streaming key games at the New Ground. Andy Thurogood, who was confirmed as our resident scorer for the season, will be live streaming the 1st XI fixture on Saturday 13th. You can view previous streams on our RCC TV page. Please note, we plan to have highlights packages from games available from late May.
Results
The Ladies XI hosted Hatfield Peverel at the new ground on Friday. Rayleigh won the toss and elected to bat and unfortunately lost some quick wickets. Sophie Lennox and Georgia Wilson formed a good partnership (26), but Rayleigh were bowled out for 63 from 17 overs. In response, Hatfield lost an early wicket but an excellent batting performance from opener Emma Postings (15), Grace Poole (25*) and Chloe Dack (15*) saw them win in the 12th over. RCC lost by 9 wickets.
The 1st, 2nd, 4th and 6th teams had fixtures cancelled before a ball could be bowled on Saturday. The 3rd XI had their match abandoned, despite completing a full first innings and taking 6 South Woodham Ferrers wickets. Kalpesh Patel (9-0-54-3) was the pick of the bowlers.
Unbelievably, the 5th XI managed to complete a full 80 overs. Chignal won the toss and elected to bowl first. A great 4th wicket partnership between Mark Bailey (51) and Steve Rothon (47) laid foundations, but good bowling and a wet wicket led to quick wickets and a total of 163-9 from 40 overs. In reply, Chignal chased the target down in 30 overs. Thomas Lloyd returned fantastic figures of 5-0-22-3. Rayleigh lost by 4 wickets.
The 7th XI hosted West Mersea at Wickford Memorial. Both teams battled through the weather and completed the game. Rayleigh unfortunately lost. More details will follow once the fixture has been uploaded to Play Cricket.
On Sunday, Rayleigh Sunday XI traveled down the road to local rivals Rettendon. Bowling first, Rayleigh took quick wickets, with Sam Keene recording his first adult five-wicket haul (7-1-15-5). In reply, Rayleigh chased down the total with 6 overs to spare – Mark Acraman (45*) and Sam Keene (24) top scoring. Rayleigh won by 4 wickets.
The Under 11 Owls traveled to Rankins for the first game of the SECPG Conference. Rayleigh lost by 44 runs (details will be uploaded to Play Cricket in due course).
Players of the Week
Well done to Sam Keene and Mark Bailey for their performances this weekend!
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