Rayleigh 109 for 3 off 20 Overs
Fairview 98 for 9 off 20 Overs
Rayleigh won by 11 runs.
Team: Christian H (Capt), Sam L, Luke K, Gideon H, George B, Nick B, Adam K, Nathan H, Lloyd S, Hugh K and Matt C.
With all ash-delayed personnel now safely returned from overseas we were able to field a near full-strength side in the 1st Round Peters Cup match against local rivals Fairview on a bitterly cold but sunny early May evening.
Winning the toss and electing to bat we made steady if unspectacular progress against what was a fairly accurate and varied opposition attack. The early loss of Nathan brought George to the crease and, despite some struggles against the spinners, he was to carry his bat for a well-made 33* putting on a fine partnership with Lloyd (34) for the 3rd wicket. Our total of 109 for the loss of just 3 wickets was, perhaps, 10-15 runs below par and we still need to learn how to rotate the strike with singles rather than swinging and missing a lot of the time!
Some fine accurate opening bowling from Luke (2 for 9 in 3 overs) and Matt put
Special mention to wicketkeeper Hugh who stopped everything behind the stumps in tricky conditions for keepers.
Round 2 will be at Rawreth on Wednesday 19th May against Stanford-le-Hope or Pegasus.