Raleigh 352–2 (Net 342)
Gidea Park & Romford 248–11 (Net 193)
Rayleigh won by 149 runs
Team: Conner S, Matt D (Capt), Mahir P, Josh J, Alex B, Alex D, Harry M, Craig S, Owen B and Henry H
Wow — what a morning at a sun baked Rawreth Lane as we welcomed Romford & Gidea Park for a friendly — thanks to Matt Kirby who has worked so very hard to ensure that any gaps in our schedule this year are filled. Skipper for the day Matt D won the toss and decided to put the opposition into bat an what followed was Rayleigh’s best fielding performance of the season thus far, with no dropped catches, plenty of encouragement and backing up and excellent line and length bowling.
Matt D and Max J set the tone with 4 opening overs that yielded only 9 runs for the loss of 4 wickets — Matt taking 1 and Max taking 3. Henry H and Owen B continued the good form with 4 overs for only 8 runs and 1 wicket. Mihir P bowling some exquisite leg spin and Alex D ensured there was no let up with a further 4 overs, Mahir taking 2 ( including a brilliant stumping by Matt D ) and Alex D knocking back middle stump in his 2nd over — his debut wicket for RCC (it was lovely moment) and between them going for just 9 runs. Alex B and James B continued the excellent work with 4 overs for 12 runs and another 2 wickets. It fell to Conor S and Josh J to see there was no last minute recovery and the final 4 overs only yielded 5 runs. Throw in a run out, following great work between Owen B and Matt D and in all 11 Romford wickets fell with the opposition posting 248 net 193.
Max J and Conor S set the tone for the reply with the highest partnership of the day (an un-broken 42) with Max top scoring with 16*. Mihir P and James B took the score on by another 25 despite Mihir getting caught. Owen B and Henry H added 30 for the next partnership with Owen B second top scoring with 14*. The 2 Alexes added 30 without losing a wicket despite some frustratingly, wayward bowling for the 4th partnership before Matt D and Josh J saw the side home in a befitting manner, adding 30 for the last partnership despite Matt getting caught, searching for the elusive 6.
As ever some big thank you’s here — to Jenna Belcher for her stirling work — making sure the lads (regular drink breaks) and all the band of supporters from both teams were kept refreshed throughout the morning. To Matt Belcher for scoring (in a lovely shady area) — to Chris Slough for keeping the scoreboard ticking ever over (and helping me pull this report together) and to Nathan “Napalm” Healy for umpiring the second 20 overs for a very wilting U11A manager and finally to all the supporters from both teams who made the morning very enjoyable.
The boys themselves were once again exemplary in the way that represented themselves and Rayleigh Cricket Club and I have received a glowing endorsement from Gidea Park & Romford to that effect and an invitation to travel to their ground later in the year — yes Matt K another one for you to sort.
All in all an excellent team performance with contributions from everyone, all boding well for the season ahead.