ONE step forward, one step back. Rowledge, after their fine win at Liphook, lost at home to in-form Bournemouth on Saturday and drop back into the bottom two of the Southern Premier League Division One.

The trip to basement side Tichborne Park this Saturday could thus have a vital bearing on Rowledge’s fate this season.

Electing to bat, a confident Bournemouth took on the new-ball attack, with Ben Brigden and Nick Park feeding on any width offered on a good track.

An opening partnership of 98 was finally broken by?Chris Yates who had Brigden caught by Joe Randall.

Randall was then at the heart of the run-out that removed Jake Hurley and when David Lloyd bowled Park for 55, Rowledge had got themselves back in the game at 119-3.

The spin of Yates and George Keeley proved effective in keeping the runs down and the reliable Steve Martin bowled another economical spell.

However, at 173-3 after 43 overs, Bournemouth had wickets in hand and the onslaught began. Skipper Chris Park played shots all round the park and Luke Matthews joined him in a century stand that was notable for invention as much as power.

The pair shaped the end of the innings perfectly as they got Bournemouth up to 277-5 off 50 overs.

With Nick Morant injured and having to bat at number 11, Jake Wish opened with Tom Treble and the pair did a good job for Rowledge, putting on 44 and looking comfortable until Wish got a good delivery from Simon Woodruff and was caught behind for 25.

Sam Plater was soon trapped in front by left-arm spinner Dom Clutterbuck, but Treble and Ian Metcalfe then added 70 for the third wicket at a decent rate, both looking in fine touch.

However, at 141, both fell to the spin of Hurley and the game turned back in Bournemouth’s favour. The bowlers applied the squeeze and with wickets falling regularly, Rowledge had to focus on bonus points.

Hurley and Woodruff prised out the lower middle order, but Rowledge did end up with maximum batting points, thanks to number 7 Steve Martin who played a sensible and effective innings.

His 50 not out off 38 deliveries included six fours and a six and steered Rowledge to 226-9.