The 1st XI welcomed Ingatestone & Fryerning to Slades Lane for a game that would produce close to 550 runs. A combination of some indifferent bowling and positive batting saw a century and two 50s for the visitors as they amassed a big score of 298/7 from their 45 overs. The pick of the Galleywood bowlers on a difficult afternoon in the field was Matthew Cockrell with 2-37 from his 9 overs.
In other circumstances, the reply would have been seen as a decent batting team performance but chasing such a big total added pressure to get the runs flowing from ball one. Despite some good knocks from Jack Moss (57), Matt Howard (49 on debut), and Harry Jacobs (37), the increasing run rate forced a more cavalier approach in the latter overs, the consequence of which was the regular fall of wickets. It was an entertaining and spirited run chase but ultimately just out of Galleywood’s reach as they finished 248 all out.
While relegation back to Division 2 is obviously a disappointing outcome, it could prove the perfect place for the team to rebuild from a season where inconsistency both on the field and in selection availability was arguably their undoing.
The 2nd XI travelled to St John's Billericay in the knowledge that promotion had already been secured the previous weekend. Despite 31 from opener and club President George Mawby and a late cameo from skipper Wes Swann (36), Galleywood’s batting unit struggled to impose itself as they were all out for 161. In reply St Johns’ top three did all the damage as between them they contributed over 100 runs to the scoreboard.
Andrew Rycroft took 2-28 but the home side surpassed the total set inside 34 overs for the loss of 3 wickets. Promotion this season has been a fantastic achievement for the 2nd XI built on both solid team performances and some match winning individual contributions that the new honours board will testify. Playing at a higher standard next season will benefit the players as they are pushed to perform at a superior level and also the club as the divisional gap between 1st & 2nd XIs narrows.
The 3rd XI welcomed Rayleigh to Margaretting hoping to finish the season on a high. Put into bat by the visitors Galleywood took full advantage with strong contributions from James Brown (57), Craig Singleton (35), Alexander Wiles (32*) and Dave Wicks (31) throughout the innings.
Finishing on 203/4 Galleywood immediately put pressure on Rayleigh’s batting response when their opening batsman was dismissed early for a duck. Despite a defiant 72 from James Offer, the hosts remained in the driving seat as wickets continued to fall with regularity. Fine bowling spells from Craig Singleton (season’s best 4-29), James Brown (2-29) and Alexander Wiles (1-8 off 5 overs) were ultimately too much as the visitors were bowled out for 160 before the end of the 34th over.
The result would see the 3rd XI finish in third place in division 10 just 12 points off the second promotional place. This was a big improvement on last season and but for a few very winnable games that just went the wrong way, it could have been a very different season finale. Ultimately their finishing league position indicates that they are well placed to come out fighting and make a serious promotion push next season.
Thanks again to our weekend match ball sponsors A D Stone Worktop Specialists.
