Two wins and four defeats for the six Saturday League sides. The 5th XI survive in Division 10 just !
The 1st XI visited second in the table Springfield 1st XI and batting first were all out for 102, Jon Cook (38*) leading the scoring. Springfield passed this score for the loss of 1 wicket. This result confirms the 1st XI’s relegation to Division 1.
The 2nd XI hosted Southend Echo Monarchs Trojans 1st XI and batting first scored 201-5, Andy Impey (95*) leading the scoring. They then bowled the visitors out for 96, Tom Chase taking 4-24. They finish a creditable 5th in the table.
The 3rd XI played at Danbury 1st XI and batting first scored 219-10, Paul Davies (53) and Kalpesh Patel (50) top scoring. Danbury were bowled out for 196, Mark Acraman taking 4 wickets and Paul Davies three. They are promoted to Division 5.
The 4th XI entertained Old Chelmsfordians 3rd XI and batting first scored 212-8, Steve Adams (82) and Rebecca Holyoak a quickfire 35. The visitors passed this score for the loss of 4 wickets. The 4th XI finish 6th in Division 8.
The 5th XI played Great Baddow 3rd XI both sides needing to win, Baddow needing maximum points to have a chance of promotion, Rayleigh to avoid relegation to Division 11 which would mean the 6th XI having to drop out of the League (as two teams from the same Club cannot be in the same Division). Batting first the Great Baddow team included an ‘out of form’ Premier Division player who scored 201* as they amassed 341-4 in their 45 overs. A dispirited 5th XI subsided to an all out total of 88 to give Baddow 26 points and Rayleigh 2. The fate of both teams now lay elsewhere. Ninth place Galleywood 2nd XI were away to Havering 3rd XI and lost by 3 wickets to mean the 5th XI remain in in Division 10. Second placed Eastwood 3rd XI needed 24 points to be promoted above Great Baddow but only gained 23 so that their points are level, but Great Baddow are promoted by virtue of having won more away games. A nerve-wracking afternoon for all.
A young 6th XI went to an equally youthful Old Chelmsfordians 4th XI who batting first scored 200-5, helped by poor fielding and catching. Accurate bowling by the OCs bowlers reduced the 6th XI to an all out total of 78, nine of the wickets being bowled, giving the hosts a well deserved victory. The 6th XI finish 6th in Division 11, a good achievement in their first year in the League.
The target at the beginning of the season for all six sides to consolidate their position in their new higher Leagues was achieved apart from the relegation of the 1st XI.