After a disappointing league season a few friendlies were played in September.
Saturday 8th September
The Friendly 1st XI travelled to Woodham Mortimer and bowled the home side out for 131 with James Ellis (3-0), Alan Brown (3-34) and Toby Turner (3-23) leading the bowling. The Rayleigh reply was led by Andy Impey (57*) and Sam Law (45*) and the winning post was reached in rapid time for a 9 wicket win.
The Friendly 2nd XI hosted Chelmsford VI XI in a hastily arranged friendly and Rayleigh batted first and scored 221-4 in their 40 overs – Steve Adams (44), Jake Gibson (41), Sam Harmsworth (44*) and Brad Walker (60*) leading the scoring. In reply Chelmsford struggled and were 1-3 at the end of the first over bowled by Cameron Mantle. The visitors continued to struggle in the face of tight bowling and were all out for 91.
Saturday 15th September
The Friendly 1st XI hosted Willow Herbs and scored 250-5 in their 40 overs – led by Andy Impey (67), Sam Law (54) and Jess Walker (30). Willow Herbs made a valiant attempt at chasing this total but were finally beaten by 4 runs with Ian Turnbull (2-12) and Aaron Mayfield (0-13 from 6 overs) the stand out performers.
The Friendly 2nd XI hosted Eastwood, batted first and scored 162 – Darren Smith (57) leading the scoring. This never looked enough to defend and Eastwood reached their target in under 30 overs scoring 163-2 only David Hall taking 2-28.
Saturday 22nd September
A very wet day was forecast and the final match of the season against St Clements was reduced to a 20-20 game. St Clements batted first and scored 180-3 with two batsmen reaching rapid 50’s and only Ian Bryant restricting the scoring rate. Rayleigh’s response was led by Jon Cook (41) and Sam Law (57) but they were unable to match the 9 an over rate required and the innings closed on 139-4 and a 41 run defeat.