Thurrock, 252 for 5, net 227
Rayleigh, 290 for 2, net 280
Rayleigh win
Team: Harry M (capt.), Kian N-R, Jack H, James B, James D, Edward W., Ben M-J, Matthew P.
Harry, captain for the day, won the toss and decided to bowl first. We had quite a different side to last week and I was not sure what to expect.
Our opening bowlers were very tight bowling a good line and length – quite an improvement over the past couple of matches. We got a wicket in the first over and gave few runs away.
204 after 4 overs.
Thurrocks second pair also faced some good bowling although a few more wides were given away and no wickets taken. Overall I was impressed by the attitude in the field and the improvement over the past three weeks.
220 after 8 overs
Again our bowling remained parsimonious – one wicket fell with few runs were conceded.
219 after 12 overs.
Thurrock’s final pair had a particularly good hitter who smacked a couple of 4s but also got bowled by James D a couple of times. Overall we came out ahead and Thurrock were
227 after 16 overs.
After the tea break James D and James B opened our batting. A solid start with one boundary and no wicket falling. Thurrock bowled well so both bats had to defend carefully.
220 after 4 overs.
Harry and Ben were next. Ben was quite solid in the crease letting the ball come to him whilst Harry was a bit more mobile. Unfortunately a wicket fell during this spell but a boundary and some extras meant we were still on track.
238 after 8 overs.
Our third pair faced some less experienced bowling from Thurrock so had less opportunity to strike the ball. A wicket fell again but with wides and a boundary Kian and Jack saw the score through to
257 after 12 overs.
Edward and Matthew were the last pair to bat and knew that as long as they didn’t lose their wickets the team would win so both played well within themselves. Again Thurrock’s bowlers were less than accurate and the score kept creeping up until we finished on
280 after 16 overs.
Our first win of the season. Well done everyone.
I think the difference was the bowling attack. This week we generally pitched the ball up and gave away fewer wides. James D taking 3 wickets at the end helped a lot.
Thurrock had a small / young side and their bats played bravely in not trying to avoid some of the higher ‘flighted’ deliveries that we delivered.
Next week there is no league game, on the 10th we are at home to Leigh.