AYTHORPE Roding s chance of success in this seasons Mid-Essex Cricket League Premier Division have been boosted by the arrival of Simon Sargent from local rivals High Roding. Captain Paul Gravatt is delighted with his acquisition and is looking to bring i

AYTHORPE Roding's chance of success in this seasons Mid-Essex Cricket League Premier Division have been boosted by the arrival of Simon Sargent from local rivals High Roding.

Captain Paul Gravatt is delighted with his acquisition and is looking to bring in a few more players as Aythorpe target a top four finish.

He said: "Simon has come down to us and will be a great addition. He had a personality clash with Mel Hussain and we are delighted to have him on board.

"I think our first team will be competitive when everyone is available. How we do will depend on how often we can get a full strength side available.

"We have lost a few players who have retired or due to family commitments so we need to bring a few people in if we want to be strong over the course of the season.

"Hatfield Peverel will be the team to beat again. To challenge them over 18 games we will need to find another couple of players.

"You have got to win 14 or 15 games to win the league and for that you need strength in depth which we don't have at the moment."

Gravatt added: "Other than Hatfield Peverel last season there wasn't a lot to choose between the rest of the sides and I don't see that being any different this year. It will be down to who gets on a run and if we can have three of four players having a great season, then we'll be competitive.

"I will be disappointed if we don't finish in the top three or four, and if we pick up one or two extra players, then who knows. We will set out to enjoy every game and see where that leaves us."

Aythorpe will kick off their league season on Saturday at home to Little Baddow, 1.30pm start.

- Paul Gravatt scored an unbeaten century as Aythorpe Roding enjoyed a five wicket victory over Rayleigh on Saturday in a friendly match.

Rayleigh batted first and scored 210-8 in 45 overs. J Cook hit 104 not out and he had support from I Bryant (24), M Cornish (22) and J Robinson (15).

Neil Culleton put in a good bowling performance for Aythorpe claiming 6-20 runs in nine overs, Martin Sully took 1-40 in nine overs and Joe Claridge 1-26 in four overs.

In reply Gravatt hit two sixes and 15 fours in his total of 106, R Patterson scored 27, Graham Milbank 35 and Simon Sargent 17 not out as Aythorpe reached 214-5 in 36 overs.

On Sunday Aythorpe Roding entertained Navestock.

All of the top six batsmen for Aythorpe put in good batting performances, with opener J Hebron (42), Neil Culleton (65), J Stevens (64), James Reynolds

(27), Martin Sully (42 no) and Liam Rosewell (18) helping Aythorpe to 293-6 in 40 overs.

Wickets were shared between York (2- 32), Aylott (1-10), and J Guddersleeve (1-23).

In reply Navestock reached 129-4 before the rain came down and abandoned the match.

Opener Scott reached 46 not out and Houghtree scored 47.

Danny Elsworth claimed 1-9 in six overs, Neil Culleton 2-9 and Dave Bendall 1-19 for Aythorpe Roding.