Rayleigh Ladies made a positive start to the new season with their first away match against Great Waltham.
The weather played its part in trying to dampen spirits however the light drizzle, wind and dark sky were soon forgotten when Michelle started taking wickets! Great Waltham went into bat first with a strong opening pair, they were soon racking up runs. Sophie was the first to take a wicket early on and this lifted the field. Michelle started bowling her overs just after half way and soon the bails were jumping off the stumps. Taking an impressive 5 wickets in the game she was named player of the match by the Gt Waltham ladies. Gt Waltham ended on 149 for 6. Rayleigh were looking good in the field and had on more then one occasion saved a boundary with quick fielding and lots of backing up.
Sophie and Michelle went to open the batting for Rayleigh and made steady progress in the near darkness and dropping temperature. Great Waltham took 5 wickets but try as they might could not get Sophie out who stayed in all 20 overs finishing on 21 not out. Rayleigh finished 68 for 5 and have been awarded 4 points (3 for taking 6 wickets and 1 for scoring over 60). Well done us!
Congratulations to all of the Rayleigh Ladies, the hard work put in over the winter months is really beginning to show as we move from strength to strength in our game. Looking forward to our next match on Friday away to Maldon, hope the sun make an appearance in this game!