TILLINGHAM travelled to Rayleigh needing a win to maintain their second place in division two of the T Rippon Mid-Essex League and they duly delivered with an emphatic victory.

Fielding first, Tillingham had to wait until the eighth over for the first wicket, as Tom Ford unleashed his bullet-arm as the Rayleigh opener was run-out by a yard as he attempted a second run.

Chris Ryan entered the attack and claimed two wickets, including that of the dangerous Verrinder (33).

Mayor held the innings together with 48, before he lost his off-pole to Barrell, who went on to claim four for 16 as Rayleigh collapsed to 151 all out.

Tillingham’s reply was led by Cummins (58 not out) and Barrell (61 not out) as the pair put on 127 for the second wicket as the visitors cruised towards their target, winning through by seven wickets.

On Saturday, Vicarage Lane plays host to league-leaders Writtle with Tillingham needing to win to maintain their second place.

The second team hosted table-topping Great Baddow in their division eight encounter.

Batting first, Tillingham were in trouble at 100 for six, before a superb partnership between Corby (71) and Bennett (48) rescued the home-side.

A total of 193 looked competitive and so it proved.

Skipper Andy Smith produced a fine spell of five for 20 as he helped bowl Baddow out for just 116 and record a comfortable victory.

The win moves Tillingham reserves up to second in division eight with two games remaining.