Following the excitement and success of the league season, the Club played four friendly matches on Saturday.
A 1st XI entertained Goresbrook, who batted first and scored 214 all out. Marcus Cornish and Danny White both scored fifties in the Club’s reply and a four off the last ball of the match took Rayleigh to victory by 5 wickets in an enjoyable game.
A 3rd XI travelled to Thurrock 2nd and scored 185 in their innings, Adam Keeley (48) and Colin Mayor (30) to scoring. The home side passed this total for the loss of 6 wickets.
A 4th XI played at Eastwood and batting first scored 219, Simon Harwood (66*) and Tony Catling (65) leading the scoring. They then bowled the home side out for 192, John Wright taking 3-24 and Brad Walker 3-45.
The 6th (Dragons) XI travelled to Chelmsford 6th XI for the second week in succession and batting first scored160-9, Adam Krise (29), Conor Slough (26) and Duncan Bond (25). With Chelmsford at 60-5 after 20 overs another victory looked in sight but a good sixth wicket stand took the home side close to their target and in another nail biting finish the number 11 batsman hit two fours to avenge last week’s result.
On Sunday the Under 13A XI played Westcliff on Sea Under 13 XI in the final of the South Essex District Under 13 competition. Westcliff scored 120 in their 20 overs. Matt Dobson (26* off 18 balls) and Max Jones (25*) got the team to the required run rate at the half way stage but against accurate bowling and good fielding Rayleigh fell short by 6 runs. Nevertheless it was a good performance and they were a credit to the Club. A fuller report is in the Colt’s section.