RAYLEIGH picked up a hugely valuable win as they defeated Old Chelmsfordians to edge closer to safety in the T-Rippon Mid-Essex Premier Division.

Matt Gilmore’s men have won four of the last seven matches and are now breathing down the necks of rivals Canvey Island, who were beaten by Springfield.

Ben Francis (62), Jason Ox (50 not out) and Phil Everitt (32) top scored, with Old Chelmsfordians never looking likely to overhaul the total of 232/8.

Ian Bryant (5-22) and Ian Turnbull (2-36) did the damage.

And Gilmore labelled the win as ‘the best all-round performance of the season’ from his team.

“We knew we had a chance against OC’s, having only lost by 13 runs to them earlier in the season,” he said. “We won the toss and decided to bat first with the aim of putting them under pressure with runs on the board.

“We knew a score of 232/8, given the conditions, was a strong score.

“Tight bowling by myself and Luke Sullivan put pressure on OC’s, and Ian Bryant bowled with incredible control and accuracy meaning we dismissed OC’s well short and never really looked like losing the game.

“It was a great win against a side which had topped the table in the first half of the season. It was probably the best all-round performance of the year, and was particularly pleasing to see us post a very good score on a difficult pitch.”

Rayleigh 2s were comfortable winners against Little Waltham 2s in Division Two, Callum Ginbey (96) leading the reply.

In Division Five, Billericay St John’s were the visitors to the 3s and, batting first, were bowled out for 163, Steve Adams taking 3-8, Will Wheeler 2-10 and Elliot Ward 2-39. Adams also scored 88 in a five wicket win.

The only defeat of the weekend was a narrow one at Old Southendian & Southchurch in Division Seven, while there were victories for the 5s and 6s.

Also, the club hosted a Women’s Soft Ball Cricket Festival, which attracted around 100 women and girls. Three friendly games were played on a hugely enjoyable day.