The agony is finally over for Sparsholt, who have suffered a triple relegation with the firsts finishing bottom of Southern Premier Division 1, the 2nd XI dropping from Hampshire League 2 and the thirds propping up 5 North West.
They will doubtless hope this season’s ‘learning curve’ for some decent young cricketers will rub off in 2023, where players will hopefully enjoy socialising in the smart new bar at the Norman Edwards Ground, which in turn is among the nicest on which to play.
Courtesy of tailender Ian Berrill’s heroics they tied with Rowledge at School Road midway through the season. There was to be no repeat in the rematch with Sparsholt bowled out for 144 and beaten by five wickets, with Jake Wish making a long overdue half-century.
Josh Williams (44) and Callum Doran (26) were among the top order batsmen to make their mark, but Sparsholt didn’t have the depth to enhance an encouraging 82-3. Max Martin (4-25) cashed in, with Oli Baker and Will Ryman taking two wickets each.
Jake Wish hasn’t enjoyed the best of seasons but at least he finished on a positive note with 50. Durham University physics student Zac LeRoux (30) took his season’s tally to a creditable 561, while Ray Littlewood (29) ended with 474 and fellow 17-years old Oli Ryman with 448.
The five-wicket victory was a tenth in 18 matches for Rowledge, who finished sixth, having led the table for some time until late July.
They will doubtless hope this season’s ‘learning curve’ for some decent young cricketers will rub off in 2023, where players will hopefully enjoy socialising in the smart new bar at the Norman Edwards Ground, which in turn is among the nicest on which to play.
Courtesy of tailender Ian Berrill’s heroics they tied with Rowledge at School Road midway through the season. There was to be no repeat in the rematch with Sparsholt bowled out for 144 and beaten by five wickets, with Jake Wish making a long overdue half-century.
Josh Williams (44) and Callum Doran (26) were among the top order batsmen to make their mark, but Sparsholt didn’t have the depth to enhance an encouraging 82-3. Max Martin (4-25) cashed in, with Oli Baker and Will Ryman taking two wickets each.
Jake Wish hasn’t enjoyed the best of seasons but at least he finished on a positive note with 50. Durham University physics student Zac LeRoux (30) took his season’s tally to a creditable 561, while Ray Littlewood (29) ended with 474 and fellow 17-years old Oli Ryman with 448.
The five-wicket victory was a tenth in 18 matches for Rowledge, who finished sixth, having led the table for some time until late July.