RAYLEIGH Cricket Club’s failure to score enough runs cost them once again in the T-Rippon Mid-Essex Premier League.

Jason Ox’s team scored 186 in their innings but it was not enough against Aythorpe Roding who coasted to an eight wicket victory.

And the Rayleigh captain said a failure to hit a significant score cost his team in the end.

“We didn’t really score enough runs,” he said. “We knew it was a fairly decent pitch but we started slowly. We conserved wickets but, even though we all got in, we failed to kick on. There was a flourish from the lower order which got us to 180 which was half competitive.

“We went in to field but they got a quick start at seven or eight an over. Elliot Ward and Will Wheeler took a wicket each to get them down to four an over. We had a few opportunities but they were not standout opportunities.

“In the end Aythorpe Roding’s batsmen hit the ball very cleanly and finished it off quickly.”

Ox says his team will work hard in the nets to turnaround their form as they bid to climb the league standings.

Next up is Old Chelmsfordians and Ox says improving on the batting performances is the priority.

“We will work hard this week and the real focus is to get the runs on the board,” he said. “Even if you have a less potent bowling attack if you have runs on the board it applies pressure.

“We know what we have to do and we endeavour to do that. We are having to make changes as guys are on holiday and it is what it is.

“We have two new bowlers in and the top six need to sharpen up as well.”

Luke Sullivan’s 32 was the best on offer for the firsts.

In Division One, Steven Lynch and Dan Frost scored 48 each against Bentley 2s but it wasn’t enough as they fell to an eight wicket loss.

The 3s were well beaten by Writtle 2s in Division Five, Steve Adams’ 44 not out not enough to prevent a seven wicket defeat.

The 4s were victorious against South Woodham Ferrers 2s,scoring 53 more runs thanks to the efforts of Sam Perks (71), John Wright (64) and Simon Harwood (61). Cameron Mantle took 4-39.

The 5s were six wicket winners against Rayne 2s in Division Eight. Duncan Bond took 5-16 and Calum Mayfield 3-17. Rayleigh won with six wickets to spare.

The 6s were well beaten by Boreham 2s, Kuldeep Patel hitting 40.

Rayleigh Midweek beat Eastwood to remain top of the Southend Evening League.