Four wins and one defeat again for the five Saturday T.Rippon Mid Essex Cricket League teams

In another last over finish the1st XI batted first against Brookweald at Rawreth Lane and scored 256-4, Jason Ox (108*) and John Cook (49) leading the scoring. Needing 12 runs off the last over Brookweald fell short by 6 runs, Jim Ewing taking 4–48.

The 2nd XI visited Ashingdon and bowled them out for 171, Richard Abley taking 4–30 and John Stirk 3–45. Rayleigh passed this score for the loss of 2 wickets, Andy Impey scoring 81 not out and James Ellis 30.

The 3rd XI entertained Great Burstead 2nd XI and batting first scored 224, Tony Catling scoring 94. Great Burstead were bowled out for 114, Tony Catling taking 3–8, Adam Dudmish 3–18 and Paul Davies 3–38.

The 4th XI travelled to Great Wakering who scored 258–7, Andy James taking 5 for 63. In reply Rayleigh were bowled out for 130, to drop back towards the relegation zone.

The 5th XI‘s improved season continued against Hullbridge 2nd XI when batting first they scored 276–4, Murray Hall (65), Chris Grob (60) and Frank Tennyson (54*) leading the scoring. Hullbridge were bowled out for 97, Adam Keeley taking 5–41 and Phil Hammond 3–17.

The Sunday XI played Hockley in a Warsops Sunday league game. Batting first Rayleigh scored 373–7 all out, Adam Vyse (156), Matt Gilmore (64) and Darren Smith (41) leading the scoring. Hockley were bowled out for 150, Ben Stevens taking 6–40.

The Saturday 6th XI played Hutton 5th XI who batted first and scored 208–6. Joe Gibbons (27) and Chris Slough (21) gave the the 6th XI a solid start but the remaining batsmen failed to consolidate on this start and at the end were hanging on at 120–9 at the close to secure a draw, with Luke Keeley 22 not out successfully shutting up shop.