Rayleigh: 294 for 2, net 284
Leigh: 287 for 3, net 272
Rayleigh won by 12 runs
Rayleigh team: Callum Bishop, Adam F, Callum Bond, Craig S, Harry D, Harry M, Jamie C, Jordan J, Joseph P, Liam H.
Rayleigh upset the form book with a 12 run win against top of the table Leigh at Rawreth Lane on a glorious Summer’s morning.
Callum Bishop (10) and Liam got the ball rolling, quite literally, with a dynamic opening partnership of 25 runs (16 from the bat) before a suicidal run cost a wicket on the last ball of their partnership. That set-back apart, the running between wickets, calling and backing up was of a truly high standard today, with every batsman playing his part. Those who were present in last week’s win, clearly grasped the nettle left to them by the four A team players who helped us out, and, in turn they passed on that confidence to the younger players. A very slick batting performance all round.
We had a big score to defend and went about it in a confident way. Jordan, exorcised the demons from our opening day defeat at Orsett and bowled some super line and length. He got his just reward with a wicket and returned 1-9 in three overs. Liam and Adam (a late replacement for the poorly Cameron Mac) got a wicket each and Callum Bishop’s neat spell of 3-1-6-0 ensured we were in control for the majority of the match.
Jamie, Joseph, Craig, Harry’s M & D and Callum number two all contributed to this win as well. It was a true team performance.
Well done boys!