T Rippon Mid Essex Premier Division. The 1st XI hosted Canvey Island 1st XI who batted first and were bowled out for 165 in the 39th over, Ian Bryant taking 4-29 and Sean Du Plessis 4-35. This did not look a competitive score on a good wicket but Rayleigh made a dreadful start losing 2 wickets for 0 runs in the first over. However, Jason Ox (71) and Ben Francis (30) pulled the 1st XI back into contention and with 12 overs left and needing 4 runs to win with 3 wickets remaining a welcome win seemed on the cards but in another twist of fortune Canvey took the 3 wickets without another run being scored to leave the visitors winners by 3 runs.
T Rippon Mid Essex League Division 1. The 2nd XI travelled to play Hornchurch Athletic 1st XI, who batting first posted 243-5, Kelly Castle taking 2-35. Once again this score proved well beyond the 2nd XI who are struggling since being promoted to this Division and they were bowled out for 131 in the 33rd over, Chris Frost (28) and Jess Walker (23).
T Rippon Mid Essex League Division 5. The 3rd XI entertained Hornchurch Athletic 2nd XI and batting first totalled 186-6, Martin Sanderson (41), Sam Law (34) and Steve Gosling (32) leading the scoring. The visitors passed this score for the loss of 8 wickets with one over to spare, Mike Law taking 3-34. Jack Nolde 3-56 and James Wratten 1-7 off 10 overs.
T Rippon Mid Essex League Division 7. The 4th XI went to play Galleywood 2nd who batted first and scored 272-3. This total was beyond the reach of the 4th XI and the innings closed on 150-9, Owen Davies (34).
T Rippon Mid Essex League Division 8. The 5th XI visited top of the table Springfield 4th XI and scored 176-7 in their 40 overs, Simon Lennox (73), Ray Hart (31) and Dave Turner (30). The home side passed this score for the loss of 6 wickets in the 36th over Calum Mayfield taking 2-40.
T Rippon Mid Essex League Division 10. South Woodham Ferrers 3rd XI came to Rawreth Lane to play the 6th XI and batting first scored 263-8, Mark Callaway 3-49 and Aaron Akers 2-24. This total was beyond the 6th XI but Danny Williams (72) and Sean Treweek (23) put on a rapid 61 for the fifth wicket and a shock victory looked a slim possibility. When both were out the innings subsided to an all out total of 166.
Another very disappointing week for the Club as all six Saturday league sides lost again but at least this week there were a couple of close results.
Tour
Rayleigh had four enjoyable timed matches on tour in Norfolk efficiently organised by Mike Law. The team enjoyed better results than in recent league matches with two wins and two defeats.
Match one at Garboldisham: Rayleigh declared on 226-6 with Jon Cook (97) and Richard Nolde (73) leading the scoring. The home team nearly reached the total in an exciting finish and were finally all out for 210 with two of the last twenty overs left. Jack Nolde starred with his spin bowling taking 6-73 and with Jon Cook taking 4 catches as Rayleigh won by 16 runs.
Match two against Norwich was played at a beautiful ground at Ingham. Rayleigh scored 199 (Sam Law 45, Will Wheeler 39) just before the declaration was due to be made. Norwich passed this total quite comfortably scoring 200-6 (Will Wheeler 3-38) to win by 4 wickets.
Match three against Old Buckenham. Rayleigh struggled to 171-7 declared on another beautiful ground against some high quality bowling (Sam Law 37, Brad Walker 40 no, Richard Nolde 48). The home team won by 7 wickets with several overs to spare on another very hot day.
Match four against Eight Ash Green. Rayleigh scored 217-6 dec. (Will Wheeler 73, Sam Law 51 no). The home team made a valiant attempt to chase this total but were all out for 175 (Jack Nolde 3-26) leaving Rayleigh to end the tour with a win by 42 runs.