DESPITE falling to their first defeat since the opening game of the season on Saturday, Eastwood Cricket Club’s second XI were crowned Division Eight Champions.

They finished 16 points clear of runners-up Mountnessing.

Also gaining promotion is South Woodham Ferrers’ first team who finished second in division six.

It wasn’t such a good season for Rayleigh Fairview’s third team who have been relegated into division 11 after finishing second from bottom in division 10 or for Easwood’s fourth team who finished bottom of division 11 and will be playing in division 12 next summer.

 

Rayleigh end season on a high

RAYLEIGH’S first team finished fourth in T Rippon Mid Essex League Division One after completing their season with a defeat against high-flying Burnham Sports.

Burnham batted first and scored 208 all out, despite Richard Abley taking 3-51.

Rayleigh never looked likely to reach their target with only Rhys Howard (26) troubling the visitors’ attack and they were bowled out for 98.

Rayleigh’s second team triumphed in Division Three, beating Broomfield by two wickets.

Adam Dudmish with 5/36 and Josh Jones 4/28 helped bowl Broomfield out for 132.

James Ellis with 22 gave Rayleigh a good start but a mid order collapse looked as though they would lose the match.

However the tail wagged led by Max Jones scoring 19 not out to give Rayleigh a win.

In Division Five, Rayleigh’s third team travelled to Great Waltham’s seconds and, batting first, they were bowled for 196.

Steve Gosling (50) top scored but, in a close finish, the hosts passed this score with two wickets remaining.

Rayleigh’s fourth team entertained second in the table Rainham seconds in Division Eight.

Batting first, Rainham scored 231/7 before Rayleigh hit 173/6.

Brad Walker made 39 and Steve Rothon 38 as Rayleigh finished sixth in the standings.

In Division 11, Great Totham’s thirds were the visitors to Rayleigh fifths who batted first and scored 236-9.

Rob Wilson made 90 and Tony Catling 43.

The visitors were bowled out for 134, with Tony Catling taking 4/20 and Sam Martin 3/12.

The win confirmed top spot in the division and promotion.

Rayleigh’s sixth team visited Great Baddow’s fourth.

Rayleigh batted first and were always struggling against an accurate bowling attack as they were all out for 108, a total the hosts passed for the loss of one wicket.

l IN the South Essex District Cricket Board under 11 semi-final, Belhus’ under 11s A team, who topped the west section League entertained Rayleigh’s under 11A side, who were runners up in the east section.

Belhus batted first and totalled 289/5 net score 264.

But in a very close finish Rayleigh scored 291/5 net 268 to win by four runs, Matthew Bumpus hitting 25.