Rowledge turned in an excellent all-round performance against newly promoted Fair Oak to win by five wickets and move into the top half of the league.

Winning the toss and batting, visitors Fair Oak got off to a good start with opener Joe Lewis (63) dominating the opening bowling attack of the returning Ethan Martin and brother Max.

The loss of three quick wickets left the innings in danger of collapse but Wheble (53) joined Lewis and the pair produced an excellent partnership of positive batting which threatened to take the game away from Rowledge.

Wheble was bowled by David Lloyd, making it 164 for four, and this led to a disastrous spell for Fair Oak which saw the three Rowledge spinners Lloyd, Felsch and Ollie Baker rip through the batting and reduce the visitors to 214 all out, aided by exceptional ground fielding and catching.

When Rowledge replied, the loss of in-form opener Max Martin early on brought his brother Ethan to the crease, and he produced a match winning innings that showed patience and quality.

He was joined by Zac Le Roux (18), Jonty Seeborn (27) and finally Justin Felsch (60) in long partnerships which gradually wore down the visitors in the heat.

Ethan Martin fell just short of his ton, making 95, but by the time he was caught the game was over at 207 for five with overs to spare.

It was left to Ollie Baker and Ollie Ryman to take Rowledge over the line with four overs remaining and put them in a great position in a very competitive league.

Rowledge’s 2nd XI scored 208 at Steep but lost by seven wickets. Liphook’s 2nd XI made 266 to beat Rowledge’s 3rd XI, who made 185, by 81 runs. Rowledge opener Road Nicholson scored his first senior 50.