Rowledge strengthened their position at the top of the Southern Premier League Division 1 following a comfortable four-wicket win over Liphook & Ripsley, who are a significant 36-points adrift at the bottom.
Leaders by nine points, Rowledge produced an exceptionally professional performance with the ball and in the field.
Richard Forbes was immediately into his stride, offering no easy scoring options for the Liphook batsmen. His first four overs were all maidens, including the crucial wicket of Ryan Covey, and he only conceded 11 runs off his full ten-over allocation.
He was well supported by teen Ollie Ryman (left) in the opening exchanges, and combined with some energetic and committed fielding, the pressure continued to build. After 25 overs Liphook had limped to 58-3, and Rowledge refused to let their standards slip with some excellent fielding and disciplined bowling.
David Lloyd and Ash-Lee Harvey both produced miserly spells, and Ryan Littlewood impressed again with the ball. Despite a late flurry of boundaries from Harry Munt, who made a gallant 67, Liphook finished on a below par 185-6.
Rowledge’s reply got off to a confident start, assisted by some wayward bowling, as Jonty Sebborn 32) and Ricky Yates Yates (29) eased them ahead of the game. Zac Le Roux then continued this positive momentum before a sudden flurry of wickets threatened to swing the game back the way of Liphook.
However, Rowledge’s nerves were quickly eased when 17-years old Ryan Littlewood crunched two boundaries through the covers in quick succession to get his innings underway. Littlewood and Ryman demonstrated great maturity yet again, steadying the ship and rotating strike excellently to keep the score board ticking over.
Liphook battled hard to try to break the partnership as they struggled to slow the scoring rate, but the two talented young all-rounders guided Rowledge close to the total. Though Littlewood fell with Rowledge just shy of victory, Ryman sealed the victory with a lusty blow over deep mid-wicket to finish with 49 not out.
Tenacious New Milton refused to lie down at Steephill and despite being dismissed for a modest 131 made hosts Ventnor battle every inch of the way for their two-wicket win.
Joe Wooster (45) stood firm as the Green & Golds sank to 66-7 - Dinesh Thimodya 3-6, Oli Morgan 3-24 - and with Ed Bartlett (32) helped steer the visitors to 131 all out.
George Watts (4-37) and Bartlett (4-44) then had Ventnor on the floor at 54-6 before Ben Woodhouse (41) and latterly Morgan, with a key 14*, got ,the islanders across the line.
Leaders by nine points, Rowledge produced an exceptionally professional performance with the ball and in the field.
Richard Forbes was immediately into his stride, offering no easy scoring options for the Liphook batsmen. His first four overs were all maidens, including the crucial wicket of Ryan Covey, and he only conceded 11 runs off his full ten-over allocation.
He was well supported by teen Ollie Ryman (left) in the opening exchanges, and combined with some energetic and committed fielding, the pressure continued to build. After 25 overs Liphook had limped to 58-3, and Rowledge refused to let their standards slip with some excellent fielding and disciplined bowling.
David Lloyd and Ash-Lee Harvey both produced miserly spells, and Ryan Littlewood impressed again with the ball. Despite a late flurry of boundaries from Harry Munt, who made a gallant 67, Liphook finished on a below par 185-6.
Rowledge’s reply got off to a confident start, assisted by some wayward bowling, as Jonty Sebborn 32) and Ricky Yates Yates (29) eased them ahead of the game. Zac Le Roux then continued this positive momentum before a sudden flurry of wickets threatened to swing the game back the way of Liphook.
However, Rowledge’s nerves were quickly eased when 17-years old Ryan Littlewood crunched two boundaries through the covers in quick succession to get his innings underway. Littlewood and Ryman demonstrated great maturity yet again, steadying the ship and rotating strike excellently to keep the score board ticking over.
Liphook battled hard to try to break the partnership as they struggled to slow the scoring rate, but the two talented young all-rounders guided Rowledge close to the total. Though Littlewood fell with Rowledge just shy of victory, Ryman sealed the victory with a lusty blow over deep mid-wicket to finish with 49 not out.
Tenacious New Milton refused to lie down at Steephill and despite being dismissed for a modest 131 made hosts Ventnor battle every inch of the way for their two-wicket win.
Joe Wooster (45) stood firm as the Green & Golds sank to 66-7 - Dinesh Thimodya 3-6, Oli Morgan 3-24 - and with Ed Bartlett (32) helped steer the visitors to 131 all out.
George Watts (4-37) and Bartlett (4-44) then had Ventnor on the floor at 54-6 before Ben Woodhouse (41) and latterly Morgan, with a key 14*, got ,the islanders across the line.
