Rayleigh 122 for 7 off 20 Overs
Stock 41 all out off 12 Overs
Rayleigh won by 81 runs.
Team: Christian H (Capt), Sam L, Luke K, George B, Nathan H, Lloyd S, Hugh K, Shaun G, Tom G, Thomas P, Matt J and Matt C.
With no league game scheduled, a hastily arranged 12 a-side friendly with the ever-reliable Stock was the order of the day on yet another a bitterly cold but sunny mid-May evening.
A coach’s pre-match agreement saw Rayleigh batting first against what was quite a lively opening attack — so lively in fact that 3 wickets were lost with barely a run scored. Matt C lost his off-bail, Matt J scooped one straight up in the air to the keeper and Sam L turned his back on one and was adjudged BBW (Bum Before Wicket!!). Thomas P and Nathan H then steadied the ship with the latter going on to retire at 25. Skipper Christian H enjoyed similar success and with useful contributions from the other lower middle order batsmen we made a respectable total of 122.
This immediately looked to be about 100 runs too many as Tom G took wickets with the first and second balls of the 2nd innings, Luke K took a further 2 in his short spell and an inspired Sam L 4 wickets (3 bowled/1 caught and bowled) in his two overs. Only two Stock batsmen really came to terms with our bowling and the innings subsided to 41 all out.
Lessons to be learned:-
- Avoid playing back to the full straight delivery
- Never ever turn your back on the ball
- Catching with cold hands is tricky
You know who you are!!!