After three consecutive losses Rowledge bounced back to form with a comfortable win against newly-promoted Waterlooville at a sun-drenched Recreation Ground on Saturday in Division One of the Southern Premier Cricket League.

Winning the toss and batting, the visitors were put under pressure from ball one with opening bowlers Richard Forbes and Max Martin bowling with accuracy and giving very few runs away. They were backed up by some superb fielding, including another run out from Ryan Littlewood, as Waterlooville slumped to 49 for three after 22 overs.

A 58-run stand between opener Archie Reynolds and Alex Shephard took the visitors to 97 for three, but the pair struggled to move the scoreboard along quickly. With only 16 overs left after the second drinks break the pressure told and Reynolds and Shephard both fell trying to move the run rate on.

The spin attack of David Lloyd (two for 27), Ollie Baker (three for 12) and Martin (one for 25) bowled brilliantly and the visitors’ innings fell away with Will Ryman finishing Waterlooville off with pace and claiming the final two wickets. The final total of 135 felt below par on a wicket which is finally starting to dry out and play with some consistent pace and bounce.

Martin fell early on in Rowledge’s run chase when he was caught behind by Tim Jackson off opening bowler Joseph Mitchell to give the Ville some hope. However, once Jontie Seeborn (56 not out) and Baker (69 not out) got themselves in they produced a partnership of real quality with fine strokeplay and no risk running between the wickets. The pair saw the game out in 32 overs, with only one chance given on the boundary towards the end of the innings.

A good display from the home side who excelled in all three aspects of the game and should be confident for their upcoming games.

Rowledge are hosting a T20 double at their Recreation Ground on Sunday.  They host a rain delayed Southern Premier League T20 preliminary round tie against Basingstoke & North Hants at 11am, with the winners facing Bashley (Rydal) at 3pm.