RAYLEIGH remain at the bottom of the T-Rippon Mid-Essex Premier Division after suffering their second consecutive loss this season.

Old Chelmsfordians made 222-8, with Ian Bryant, Matt Gilmore and Will Nolde all taking two wickets, but Rayleigh’s reply stared disastrously.

They lost four wickets for 16 runs and stands between Ben Francis, Joel Barnett (42), Jason Ox (68) and Ian Bryant (30) came slightly too late as the visitors fell short by 13 runs.

In Division Two, the 2s hosted Little Waltham and Rayleigh looked to be well beaten at 100-8 but a ninth wicket stand of more than 100 brought the visitors back into the game. But, needing 40 from the last three overs, they were eventually dismissed for 232.

In Division Five, the 3s were beaten by St John’s Billericay with Elliot Ward taking 3-31 and Adam Sullivan 3-48 for Rayleigh.

Daryl Ox (29) and Adam Sullivan (22) top scored for Rayleigh.

In Division Seven, Rayleigh were comfortable victors against Old Southendians & Southchurch, with the bowling of Richard Mantell (5-13) and Will Wheeler (2-19), plus Mark Bailey’s 40 not out proving key.

In Division Eight, the 5s were beaten by South Woodham Ferrers 2s, with Richard Verrinder (71) and Alan Brown (57 retired hurt) helping Rayleigh over the line.

In Division 10, the 6s edged out Galleywood 3s by just four runs.

Rayleigh eased to victory in the Beaumont Seymour Women & Girls Cricket League. Rebecca Holyoak took 3-7 off 4 overs against Hutton, with Rayleigh knocking off the required runs for the loss of one wicket, Holyoak unbeaten on 25.

There was also a win in the under-15 South Essex District Cricket Board Peters Cup.

Toby Turner (53 retired) and Jess Walker (50 retired) secured victory against Old Southendians & Southchurch.

In the under-11 SEDCB East League, Rayleigh Eagles 303-8 net score 263 beat Westcliff 293-11 net score 238 by 25 runs.

Rayleigh were beaten by Southend on Sea Echo Monarch Trojans in the under-11 SEDCB East League.