Rowledge blew the title race wide open when they defeated league leaders Winchester in a rain- affected game on Saturday.

The start was delayed for an hour at Winchester until both captains agreed that the wicket was playable and the match was reduced to 40 overs a side.

After finishing third in division two last season, Winchester found themselves relegated over a technicality concerning their lack at youth cricket. However, they have managed to strengthen their team from last year and were unbeaten in eight games.

But they came up against a Rowledge side at the very top of their game.

After winning a crucial toss, Dave Booton put the home side in to bat and, just as he did last week, Craig Eichler exploited the conditions to the maximum. He soon had the prolific Jimmy Taylor caught behind and, next ball, had Praddle caught by Chris Yates Jnr at second slip.

Eichler soon claimed two more victims, including Rajesh Naik, Winchester's first-class all-rounder from Goa.

At 41-4, the visitors were well on top. A mini-recovery followed, but just when Parsons was looking to get after Chris Yates Snr, he sliced a drive to Eichler at backward point and the Australian held a spectacular one-handed catch.

Yates Snr bowled quite superbly and none of the batsmen were able to break free of his shackles. He bowled right at the death when Winchester were desperate for runs and recorded outstanding figures of 4 for 25 off 11.5 overs.

Winchester's total of 145 in 39.5 overs was further reduced because of a shower, leaving Rowledge to chase 98 in 27 overs.

The target could have proved tricky. Spinner Naik, the league's most economical bowler, was expected to tie up one end and he opened up with a maiden.

Darren Mitchell cracked Stuart Marks' first two balls for four, but was caught off the next. After another Naik maiden, Marks trapped Chris Yates Jnr in front and Rowledge were 12-2.

However, David Lloyd was joined by Eichler in a match-winning stand. Both looked to get after Naik. The spinner dropped his length only slightly and Lloyd put the ball out the ground and into the nearby river. Eichler, not to be outdone, swept a big six and the Indian was out of the attack.

Lloyd raced to his 50 and the pair took Rowledge to within two runs of victory before Eichler was caught, leaving Ricky Yates to complete the formalities. Rowledge had stormed home with six overs to spare.

At least five teams are in the running for the top two places and Rowledge cannot afford to be complacent. They face another tough test at home to Paultons this Saturday.

WINCHESTER KS

P Marks b Eichler 20

J Taylor c Metcalfe b Eichler 6

N Praddle c C Yates Jnr b Eichler 0

D Parsons c Eichler b Yates Snr 18

R Naik c C Yates Jnr b Eichler 5

P Davies b Yates Snr 34

C Wheeler b C Yates Jnr 6

N Bungay c Woodhouse b Yates Snr 11

S Marks not out 19

M Taylor b C Yates Jnr 8

R Oxley st Metcalfe b Yates Snr 4

Extras 14

––

Total 145

––

Bowling: C Eichler 4-34, C Yates Jnr 2-66, C Yates Snr 4-25.

ROWLEDGE

D Lloyd not out 56

D Mitchell c Wheeler b Marks 8

C Yates Jnr lbw Marks 2

C Eichler c Wheeler b Marks 25

R Yates not out 2

Extras 6

––

Total (for 3 wkts) 99

––

Bowling: S Marks 3-46.