Report of week ending 29 August

Two wins and three defeats for the Saturday League sides including two last ball finishes. The 1st XI are promoted and the 3rd XI and 5th XIs relegated.

T Rippon Mid Essex League Division 1.  The 1st XI entertained Aythorpe Roding 1st XI needing 2 points to secure promotion to the Premier Division.  Rayleigh batted first and totalled 266-6 in their 45 overs, Andy Impey (72), Ben Francis (66) and George Barker (49) leading the scoring. The visitors made a spirited reply and were up with the required run rate until the ninth wicket fell and they finished 26 runs short on 240 all out, Chris Frost taking 3-33 and Rhys Howard 2-31. This result means the 1st XI return to the Premier Division.

T Rippon Mid Essex League Division 2. The 2nd XI visited Great Waltham 1st XI who batted first and scored 182-6, Adam Keeley taking 2-6 and Sam Law 2-28.   Sree (66) and Sam Law (49) led the reply but needing 3 runs off the last ball of the match Sam was out leaving the 2nd XI short of their target by 2 runs. The 2nd XI finished 8th in the table.

T Rippon Mid Essex League Division 5. The 3rd XI hosted Rayne 1st XI needing to win to have any chance of avoiding relegation to Division 6. Rayne batted first and scored 286-2.  In reply Rayleigh were bowled out for 124, Alan Brown (34) and Darren Smith (20) top scoring.  The 3rd XI are relegated to Division 6.

T Rippon Mid Essex League Division 8. The 4th XI visited Hatfield Peverel 2nd XI who batted first and scored 183-7, Chris Houghton taking 3-44 and John Wright 3-45.  At 141-7 victory looked unlikely but Chris Houghton (56*) had other ideas and needing one run of the last ball he hit a four to ensure a win for the 4th XI by 2 wickets. The 4th XI finished 4th in the table.

T Rippon Mid Essex League Division 10.  The 5th XI travelled to top of the table Canvey Island 2nd XI needing to win to have a slim chance of avoiding relegation to Division 11 but were bowled out for 85, which target the home side passed for the loss of just one wicket. The 5th XI are relegated to Division 11.

T Rippon Mid Essex League Division 12.  The 6th XI were due to play Chelmsford 6th XI in a friendly having completed their League fixtures but unfortunately Chelmsford were unable to raise a side and it was not possible to find a replacement fixture.   The 6th XI finished 8th in the table.

South Essex District Cricket Board Under 13B East Division.  Rankins Under 13B 108-3 off 18 overs.

Rayleigh Under 13B Wyverns 100-3.  Cameron Mantle 12*, Harry Bailey 10.   Rankins won by 8 runs.