A SUPERB bowling display from Connor Hayman and stubborn batting from skipper Dave Cummins got Tillingham over the winning line as they travelled to Rayleigh Fairview in division two of the T Rippon Mid-Essex League.

The visitors elected to field first and were quickly among the wickets on a pitch offering low bounce and seam movement. Connor Hayman took advantage of the conditions, claiming three early wickets, but a partnership ensued between the dangerous Will Osbourne (32) and Dan Lawson (40) for the hosts.

However, when Osbourne was superbly run-out by Hayman, a collapse ensued.

Connor Allington nipped in with two quick wickets before Hayman returned to mop up the lower-order, claiming six for 31 in his ten overs.

Rayleigh were all out for 112 in just 32 overs.

With the pitch seemingly getting lower as the day went on and the long, lush outfield, runs were always going to be hard to come by.

Skipper Cummins set about anchoring the innings as wickets fell at the other end.

In one of the most obdurate innings ever seen in Tillingham colours, he batted for nearly 47 overs, finishing unbeaten on 35 as his side crept over the line with four wickets in hand.

Jim Chapman chipped in with 25, but no-one else managed double figures, as the pitch combined with a strong home bowling line-up made life difficult.

Tillingham sit second in division two, having won all four of their games this season.