Batting for fun, fielding was glum.
That sums up the 1’s home game v Tillingham last weekend where the Rayleigh batting machine top scored over all 11 divisions reaching 328 all out in sizzling conditions. White top scored with a magical 104 with Cook chipping in with another half century. After 20 overs we were 150–1 and looking for over the 300 mark. Contributions came from the middle order too with Lynch 28, Cornish 23 and Henson 43 punishing the relentless Tillingham attack. Walsh got an invite to the party as well hitting 20 off 13 balls with top mooing and crafty edges pushing the score along. Such was the strength of the 1st XI batting line up Tex only featured at No. 11.
Tillingham were staunch in their defence and with Law’s barracking and grimaces it was going to be a long day in the field. Wickets came slowly to start but Law, Walsh and then Cornish took down the key batsmen to allow the rabbit hunters (Bryant and Cook) to wrap up the tail. Bryant was top poacher taking 5 wickets with Cook taking two late on to ensure we took maximum points
Fielding generally was lacklustre with dropped catches, half hearted efforts and plenty of overthrows (and Baird wasn’t anywhere in sight). Ox let the ball trickle over the boundary but couldn’t stop himself cart wheeling over the chicken wire headfirst, Law tried to jump the chicken wire only trip over and looked a complete lemon while Cook didn’t fancy taking a catch letting 3 slip through his mitts.
We won by 128 runs in the end but there’s still room for improvement.
Bring on Little Waltham next week, an early finish and an England win.