ROWLEDGE put last week’s disappointing defeat behind them and thumped Basingstoke 2nd XI, the Southern Premier League Division Two leaders, by 81 runs at the Rec.

Somewhat surprisingly put in by the visitors, Rowledge made steady progress in the early overs, without totally dominating proceedings, and at 62-3 there was still plenty of work to do.

However, Sam Plater made a classy 42 and shared a partnership of 46 with David Lloyd who went on to take control with a free-scoring 65.

Mathew Thankachan bowled a fine spell to keep the run-rate in check, but at 175-5 Rowledge had license to cut loose in the last eight overs and some inventive and often brutal strokes from Joe Randall and talented youngster Will Ryman took the home side to a competitive 225-6 off 50 overs, and full batting points.

Basingstoke got off to a decent start and, at 67-1, it looked to be ‘game on’, with Max Harsham going well. However, Steve Martin struck twice and when Ollie Baker got entrenched opener Chris Froud, three wickets had fallen for only 14 runs added, and the home bowlers smelt blood.

The run-chase stalled after the drinks break and wickets continued to fall. Martin claimed his third wicket, Jake Wish picked up two and Basingstoke, helped by 33 extras, including 27 wides, staggered to 144 all out.

• Rowledge visit Langley Manor this Saturday. On Sunday, they pop up the road to play Frensham in the Surrey Regional final of the Village Cup.