The sun shone brightly and four of the five league teams won.
Tillingham were the visitors to the 1st XI, who won the toss, and unsurprisinly batted first on a very hot afternoon. Danny White (108), Jon Cook (56) and Neil Henson (43) led the scoring to take the 1st XI to 326 all out. In reply Tillingham scored 200, Ian Bryant taking 5–45.
The 2nd XI went to Hullbridge and again batted first totalling 166 all out with John Stirk and Tony Catling both scoring 37. This did not look too difficult a target but John Strirk (3–26) and Richard Abley (3–39) had other ideas and Hullbridge were all out for 142.
The 3rd XI entertained Broomfield, who batted first and scored 175–6, Adam Dudmish taking 3–54. Richard Verrinder and Jack Vile both scored 42 in Rayleigh’s reply of 176–6 to win by 4 wickets.
The 4th XI went to Bentley and scored 225–4, with Brad Walker (87) top scoring and Hugh Kirby scoring a rapid 55 not out. In a tight finish Bentley were 222–6 at the end of their 45 overs to give the 4th XI a win by 3 runs.
The 5th XI welcomed South Woodham Ferrers 3rd XI to Purleigh and batting first the visitors scored 184–8, Shaun Grob taking 3–18. In reply the 5th XI collapsed to 59 all out.
The 6th XI game was not played as no pitch was prepared at Gloucester Park which was very disappointing for our visitors from Chelmsford and for our own players.
The Women & Girls XI entertained Champions Kelvedon to Rawreth Lane and the visitors amassed 146–2 off their 20 overs. Rayleigh were 50 all out in reply, Lorraine Frost top scoring with 21.
South Essex District League. In a high scoring game Benfleet U15As scored 125–1 to which Rayleigh U15As responded with 126–1, Christian Humphries 35* and Lloyd Sabatini 37* top scoring. The Under 15Bs played Benfleet U15Bs and scored 107–7. Shaun Grob 26*, Nick Buckley 19* and Tom Peppiatt 18 leading the scoring. Benfleet were all out for 68, Ban James 4–11 and Adam Krise being the leading wicket takers. The Under 11As played Eastwood U11s and won by 88 runs and the Under 11Bs beat Benfleet U11Bs by 78 runs.