Another month chalked off the 2022 season, and a results slightly down on previous months, but individuals still excelling in what is becoming a record breaking season.
In July, West Mersea played 19 matches, winning 5 and losing 14, that makes the overall totals for 2022, Matches Arranged 66, Won 24, Lost 35, Drawn 2, Cancelled 5.
The first team won 4 of their 5 matches in July, and after briefly being knocked off the top of Division Seven on the 23rd, return to the top on the last weekend as nearest rivals Cavaliers suffered a defeat.
The second team are still looking for their first success of the season, and remain anchored to the foot of Division Nine South. They probably had their best chance at home to nine man Maldon 4th, when the game was in the balance until late in the game, before losing by 23 runs.
The Sunday side have slipped down the table, following a heavy defeat to Great Waltham and a concession to Eight Ash Green.
The Evening League campaign has finished with Mersea finishing fourth in the table, this saw them qualify for the Chairmans Trophy, and after defeating Dedham in the Semi Final, they were defeated by seven wickets in the final by Boxted.
Seventy players have now represented the club at senior level in 2022, with three making their debut this month - they were Connor Amos (guest), Adam Boyce and Char Turner.
Superlatives continue for James Rutter who for the third month running broke the aggregate monthly record for runs scored - his July total was 741, which included three centuries and four fifties.
Leading wicket takers in July, were Luke Conway and Ben Rumble who both claimed 18 wickets in the month - Luke claimed 2 five wicket hauls and also equalled the TC 1st XI record tally of 35 wickets in a season - so should be broken in August. Ben also took one five wicket haul and claimed his 50th wicket of the season.
James Rutter picked up most catches in July with 4, and was also broke the record for most Merit Points in a calendar month by scoring 813.
In total players in the club have achieved, 12 centuries (equaling the club record set in 2013), 29 fifties, 8 five wicket performances and 30 three wicket performances.
At the top of the Batting and Bowling Averages at the end of July -
Batting (8 Comp inns) - James Rutter 1937 runs @ 96.85
Bowling (60 overs) - Luke Conway 42 wickets @ 14.02
The leading wicket taker in the club is Ben Rumble with 56 wickets.
Plenty of outstanding individual performances to add to the increasing list for 2022;
James Rutter 180no & Darren Rumble 105 recorded a club record partnership of 297 v. Chappel & Wakes Colne 2nd
Gareth Mason recorded a maiden century with 127no against Copdock & OI 2nd
Luke Conway hit 121no in the 15 over Evening League Semi Final against Dedham.
While 14 year old John Clarke recorded his first five wicket haul with 5 for 25 against Boxted.
The Six Hit race has seen perennial champion Luke Conway take control with 32, the nearest challenger is James Rutter on 21.
The Mallard Trophy has bunched up again, Seb Gladwell still on top with 10 Mallard Points, but no further ducks this month. Ruben Butler (9pnts), Ollie Wyatt (8pnts) and Louis Elson (8pnts) make up the chasing group.
Finally, should not fail to mention the Mersea Mermaids who completed their inaugural Softball Series season, by finishing second in the County. Winning their four round series against Chappel & WC, Colchester & E.E and Eight Ash Green, saw them play the Finals Day on July 31st at the County Ground - wins over Galleywood and High Roding saw them progress to the championship match against Walthamstow which saw them come up just short.