Rayleigh’S first XI defeated last year’s Premier Division runners-up Bentley by a run in a nail-biting finish.

Marcus Cornish (74), Jon Cook (53) and Ian Bryant (44) led the scoring as Rayleigh posted 223-7. Bentley appeared to be cruising to victory by halfway through teir reply. But then they lost their way and needed two runs to win off the last ball.

A run out with the last two batsmen at the crease while failing to score gave Rayleigh victory by one run, Ian Bryant taking 3-40. “Life in the Premier Division is proving to be nerve-wracking to say the least,” said club chairman Brian Dawbarn.

Canvey Island first XI suffered an eight-wicket defeat at the hands of leaders Rettendon in Division Two. Canvey made a good start after being put in to bat, but after brothers Jamie Casson (42) and Ross Casson (39) fell they offered little resistance and were finally all out for 174. Despite losing an early wicket, Rettendon knocked off the runs with ease thanks to Jon Roworth (72) and Tom Leader (52no).

Rayleigh Fairview ended Navestock’s run chase to secure a 13-run win in Division Five that left them in second place. Webster (43) led the way for Fairview, who reached 185-9, with Chapman taking 4-29. Chapman’s 37 helped Navestock close in on their target, but O’Leary (3-21) helped ensure they fell short at 172 all out Rayleigh II defeated visitors Ingatestone II by 14 runs after hitting 252, with Neil Henson (88) and Martin Sanderson (48) top-scoring. Ingatestone were bowled out for 238 in the last over, with George Barker taking 4-35, John Stirk 4-51 and Jeater scoring 112 for the visitors. Rankins II scored a three-wicket victory over visitors St John’s Billericay in Division Six. Aslam’s 133 helped St John’s to 254-9 but Warner hit 88 as Rankins replied with 258-7.

Hullbridge’s run chase fell short at home to Aythorpe Roding. The visitors reached 169-9 but Hullbridge were bowled out for 157 in reply.

Hockley II suffered a 299-run defeat away to Great Baddow II. Stock took 6-109 for the visitors but Scott’s 164 and Pulham’s 131 powered Baddow to a formidable 423-8 total. Scott claimed 3-20 as Hockley were bowled out for 124 in reply.

Canvey Island second XI made it a bad day for the Islanders by losing by 127 runs to neighbours Eastwood in Division Eight. Eastwood were put into bat raced to 298-6 from their 45 overs. After losing early wickets, Canvey struggled up to 171-8 thanks to Matt Snowdon (39), Martin Robinson (50) and an eigtht wicket partnership of 35 between 14-year-old Louis Robinson (21no) and 12-year-old Matt Denmark (14).

Rayleigh III entertained Tillingham II and bowled the opposition out for 111, with Aaron Acraman taking 4-19 off nine overs. Rayleigh knocked off the runs for the loss of two wickets, with Richard Verrinder scoring an unbeaten 49. Rayleigh IV made the short journey to Eastwood III and earned a seven-wicket Division 10 win. Eastwood batted first and scored 250, with John Wright taking five wickets. The 4th XI scored 251-3 in reply, Brad Walker (88), Steve Elsdon (54) and Murray Hall (53) led the reply as Rayleigh totalled 251-3.

And there was a win for Rayleigh V in Division Five at Purleigh against visitors Rainham II. Phil Hammond took 3-11 as Rainham posted 189-9. An unbeaten 86 from Adam Keeley and 62 runs from Frank Tennyson helped Rayleigh to 190-3 win reply.