Will Ryman smashed 75 off 45 balls [Ian Thacker]
The Ryman brothers, Will and Olly, renacted back-garden century partnerships of their formative years as Rowledge, prompted by a fine farewell knock from Australian Connor Cook, recovered a testing situation to chalk up an important victory over fellow Southern Premier Division 1 strugglers Ventnor at School Road.
They were a nervy 96-5 (Max Martin 27) against the islanders in a significant match at the bottom end of the table when Cook and the Ryman siblings things on its head. Rowledge went on to post 317-7 and bowl Ventnor out for 232.
The outcome was important as Hambledon's recent end-season four match winning run had threatened seventh and eighth places. In the end seven points separated Ventnor from the relegated Dons, who enjoyed a big win at doomed New Milton.
A resounding 'double' Rowledge win over Ventnor produced a high quality affair with sun kissed spectators wondering how both teams had tetered on the brink of the danger zone in recent times.
Rowledge again lost early wickets again - Charlie Calloway's 4-53 (aided by four catches by teenage gloveman Sam Mills) return was impressive - but after all the top order made starts, Cook (who plays NSW Premier League cricket for Gordon) seized the initiative.
They were a nervy 96-5 (Max Martin 27) against the islanders in a significant match at the bottom end of the table when Cook and the Ryman siblings things on its head. Rowledge went on to post 317-7 and bowl Ventnor out for 232.
The outcome was important as Hambledon's recent end-season four match winning run had threatened seventh and eighth places. In the end seven points separated Ventnor from the relegated Dons, who enjoyed a big win at doomed New Milton.
A resounding 'double' Rowledge win over Ventnor produced a high quality affair with sun kissed spectators wondering how both teams had tetered on the brink of the danger zone in recent times.
Rowledge again lost early wickets again - Charlie Calloway's 4-53 (aided by four catches by teenage gloveman Sam Mills) return was impressive - but after all the top order made starts, Cook (who plays NSW Premier League cricket for Gordon) seized the initiative.
Connor Cook blistering farewell [Ian Thacker]
The former Australia U16 spin all-rounder smashed two sixes and eight fours in 75 off 51 balls - his 112-run stand with Loughborough University bound biology student Ollie Ryman [left] significantly tilting the balance.
Ollie then linked with elder brother Will - it was back garden Test stuff all over again - the pair delighting spectators with quality shots, Ollie finishing with 72 not out and Will a blistering 75 off 45 balls, two sixes and 11 fours.
Ventnor predictably wilted in the heat but struck back hard with an opening stand of 106 off only 13 overs by Henry Bartlett (63) and Sri Lankan left-hander Dinesh Thimodya (50), who was spectularly run out by Ollie Ryman.
Tom Friend (31) continued the assault but from 153-2, Ventnor lost five wickets - four of them to Martin (4-50) - and fell away to 177-7. Martin Blackman, no mug at ten, hit 27 not out to lift the visitors' score to 232.
Ollie then linked with elder brother Will - it was back garden Test stuff all over again - the pair delighting spectators with quality shots, Ollie finishing with 72 not out and Will a blistering 75 off 45 balls, two sixes and 11 fours.
Ventnor predictably wilted in the heat but struck back hard with an opening stand of 106 off only 13 overs by Henry Bartlett (63) and Sri Lankan left-hander Dinesh Thimodya (50), who was spectularly run out by Ollie Ryman.
Tom Friend (31) continued the assault but from 153-2, Ventnor lost five wickets - four of them to Martin (4-50) - and fell away to 177-7. Martin Blackman, no mug at ten, hit 27 not out to lift the visitors' score to 232.
Henry Bartlett scored a quick fire 63 for Ventnor [Dave Reynolds]
