ROWLEDGE 2nd XI moved into the second promotion place in Hampshire League County Two with a superb batting display to destroy the Easton & Martyr Worthy attack on a glorious day in Winchester.

Easton were left in a state of shell-shock after a monumental 194 not out from Jake Austin.

Rowledge lost an early wicket, but then opener Nick Morant softened the bowlers up with a technically impressive innings of 90.

Morant stroked the ball to all parts and never gave a chance until he was out, this after a near 200-run partnership with Austin who finally announced his arrival at Rowledge with some brutal hitting.

The ball disappeared into many an Easton garden from this beautiful ground as the former Tilford all-rounder hit 25 fours and launched ten sixes.

After Morant’s departure, young Sam Marshall assisted Austin with 40, timing the ball nicely, and Austin was still there, undefeated on 194, when Rowledge closed on an unassailable 357-2 from their 45 overs. Easton said it was the cleanest hitting they had seen at their ground.

The game was over as a contest, but Rowledge needed all ten wickets for maximum points and the Easton openers played positively and with panache against Tim Wheatley and Harry Neate until the partnership was broken at 56.

Rowledge then took wickets regularly, with the bowlers backed up by excellent fielding.

Easton deservedly picked up bonus points and finally succumbed at 184 all out, with a defiant Dean Griffin unbeaten on 59. Chris Yates polished off the tail with a four-wicket haul.

A fine display by Rowledge twos as they prepare for a vital run of games in the coming weeks.