An under strength Rayleigh 1st XI visited the lovely village of Aythorpe Roding at the weekend with a final opportunity to get some practice in before the season proper. IB won’t the toss and elected to bat with Boycott (Darren Smith) and himself opening. Boycs managed to double last weeks score in half the amount of time (5 runs, 12 over’s) with IB pushing on from the other end giving us a solid foundation. Boycs finally played on trying a rare attacking shot bringing Cook to the crease. He didn’t disappoint scoring a fantastic 104 carrying his bat and taking an early lead in the batting cup (which is currently deep inside Pakistani territory).
Bryant (26), Cornish (22) and Robinson (15) contributed but didn’t capitalise on what was a great batting wicket. Cameos from Penfold (Matt Cooper) and Sebastian from Little Britain (Gillmore) pushed the score on finishing the innings on 210 for 9.
Sebastian and Walsh opened the attack with Walsh taking the aggressive approach snaring an early wicket and Sebastian looking more economical with some good mincing from the Windmill end. Unfortunately Walsh’s pace was too much for his own fielders as their captain edged a gilt edged chance behind. Walsh was incandescent with rage as Robbo at 1st slip and Salty Sea Dog Attfield watched the ball sail between the two; he went on to score 106 not out.
Healey bought his own version of ‘village’ to the proceedings going for 48 runs off 5 over’s but a glimmer of light came with Penfold on debut taking two excellent wickets to give us half a chance to get back in the game. Alas not, Robbo went awol in the outfield, and Walsh followed suit taking in the flora and fauna but failing to stay on the boundary as he watched a potential ‘dolly’ sail over him to the fence.
It simply wasn’t our day losing by 5 wickets; not enough runs on the board and no consistency in our line and length meant it was going to be a tough game to win. Everyone got themselves out, so level heads and more patience (not you Smith) must be in order when the league starts this Saturday.