The 1st XI visited 9th placed Old Chelmsfordians 1st XI needing to win by a large margin to keep stand any chance of avoiding relegation. Any hope of such a victory disappeared quite quickly as Rayleigh were bowled out for a meagre 93. This disappointing display was made worse by the fact that Chris Eldridge suffered a broken cheekbone and had to be taken to hospital for an operation. As last week Rayleigh made a good start in OCs reply reducing them to 32-4 but once again some big hitting saw OCs home by 5 wickets and an immediate return for our 1st XI to Division 1.
The 2nd XI entertained Rayleigh Fairview 2nd XI and batting first totalled 183-6, Andy Impey (48) and Chris Frost (39). Fairview were not daunted by this total and some sharp running by the last two pairs saw them home to a 1 wicket victory to end a 2nd XI run of eight consecutive victories. Nevertheless the 6 points gained and results elsewhere mean that the 2nd XI will be promoted to Division 4.
The 3rd XI were at home to Bentley 3rd XI who batted first and scored 204-6, Mark Acraman (3-39). In reply the 3rd XI scored 114-8, Matt Verrinder(29) and Matt Belcher (20) top scoring.
The 4th XI also travelled to Old Chelmsfordians to play their 4th XI. OCs batted first and scored 134-9, Matt Walker taking 3-18 and Graham Ilott 3-32. Rayleigh passed this score with the loss of five wickets, Brad Walker (48*) and Nathan Healey (31) making the main contribution. Despite this win, the 4th XI drop to third out of the automatic top two promotion places.
The 5th XI played Little Baddow 3rd and bowled them out for 70, Sam Verrinder taking 3-6, David James 3-9 and Neville Dunn 3-37. Adam Keeley (31*) and Shaun Grob (25*) shared in an unbeaten 2nd wicket partnership to take the 5th XI to a 9 wicket victory.
The 6th XI fixture was cancelled because Havering-atte-Bower 4th XI were unable to raise a side and no alterternative opposition could be found.