BIG-HITTING from Jon Cook and some innovative strokeplay from Matt Jahanfar saw Rayleigh chase down a target of 254 at home to Ingatestone in Mid Essex League division one.

The visitors batted first and would have been confident with their total of 254. Ben Francis (76), Andy Impey (65) and Rhys Howard (30) gave the reply a good start, but 55 runs were still needed off the last seven overs.

But up stepped Cook and Jahanfar to make sure Rayleigh surpassed the total set for them for the loss of eight wickets.

Rayleigh’s second team visited Little Waltham in division two and bowling first restricted their hosts to 215 all out, Sean Druce taking 5-42 and Mike Law 2-23.

In reply, Danny Frost scored 83 and Matt Lennox 52 to see Rayleigh home for the loss of seven wickets.

In division five, Rayleigh’s third team hosted South Woodham Ferrers who batted first and scored 277-2.

The home side made a spirited reply with Josh Jones (53 not out) scoring a maiden half-century and Luke Keeley (44) and James Wratten (37) both contributing, but they fell short by 25 runs.

The fourth team visited Boreham in division eight and batting first scored 252-7.

Richard Verrinder (97) fell just shorts of his century, while Steve Gosling (48) and Brad Walker (45*) got close to half centuries. The home side passed this target on the last ball of the game having lost five wickets. This was despite the efforts of Sam Levett who took 3-53.

Weakened by availability, Rayleigh’s fifth team were bowled out for just 38 by top-of-the-table Upminster in division 10. The home side passed the total for the loss of one wicket.

In division 12, Rayleigh’s sixth team hosted St John’s Billericay 2nd XI and batting first scored 168-7, Alan Brown scoring 37 and Chris Slough 25 not out.

With Rayleigh lacking several regular bowlers, the visitors passed this score for the loss of one wicket.