Sparsholt’s prospects of keeping pace with Southern Premier Division 1 leaders Totton & Eling took a jolt with a five-wicket defeat by Rowledge, which has dropped them into the bottom half of the table. Rowledge are fourth.
A third defeat in six has left Sparsholt trailing the pacemakers by 33 points – the host club being rolled over for 158, essentially by three teenage Rowledge bowlers.
Sparsholt were on the back foot after two early strikes by Ethan Martin (4-13) and though opener Lewis Mitchard (33) and later David Banks (47) did their bit, the Rowledge youngsters always held the initiative.
A third defeat in six has left Sparsholt trailing the pacemakers by 33 points – the host club being rolled over for 158, essentially by three teenage Rowledge bowlers.
Sparsholt were on the back foot after two early strikes by Ethan Martin (4-13) and though opener Lewis Mitchard (33) and later David Banks (47) did their bit, the Rowledge youngsters always held the initiative.
Rowledge hardly made the best of starts but worked their way from a troublesome 35-3 with Oli Baker, who had earlier taken 2-16 with his left-arm spin, hitting a match defining 57, which included two sixes and seven fours.
Oli Ryman (24) and Zach le Roux (22) provided timely support as Rowledge eased to a five-wicket win with 20 balls to spare.
Beware the straight one ! Below left Josh Banks-Williams has his middle stump knocked back by Ollie Ryman and (right) the same fate befalls Rowledge left-hander Jake Wish. Bob Selley pictures.
Oli Ryman (24) and Zach le Roux (22) provided timely support as Rowledge eased to a five-wicket win with 20 balls to spare.
Beware the straight one ! Below left Josh Banks-Williams has his middle stump knocked back by Ollie Ryman and (right) the same fate befalls Rowledge left-hander Jake Wish. Bob Selley pictures.