ROWLEDGE II suffered their second defeat of the season in Hampshire County Two, losing by 95 runs at Old Basing.

Choosing to bowl first on what looked to be a green top, Rowledge made some early breakthroughs as Shea Taylor and Simon Bonser kept a good line and length and had the hosts 100-5 at the halfway stage.

Rowledge were looking to chase less than 200, but Old Basing’s middle and late order had other ideas and piled on the runs against the change-bowlers. Bob Selvin handed out some harsh treatment with 78 not out as Basing posted 239-8. It could have been worse but for some good late bowling by Tim Wheatley (4-23).

The visitors’ bad start was largely down to some terrific catching by the hosts. After being 14-3, Rowledge’s middle order recovered the situation to a degree and a return to form by Swan (31) and Wheatley (30), plus useful contributions from youngsters Marshall and Cann, saw the total to a more respectable 142 all out.