Rowington began their new season in style on a rather unusual sunny Saturday. Fielding a mixed team of first and second team members, Rowington sent first teamers Scott Rogers and Paul Vickerstaff in to open against Bridge Trust. It didn't take them long to find their stride and, despite giving away a couple of chances, they both soon passed their 50s. Rogers pushed on and moved quickly to his ton and then retired to give Steve Griffin a chance. Vickerstaff remained and soon joined partner Rogers in the pavilion after also declaring on 100, despite a dropped chance on 99! Griffin and the returning Matt Page pushed on until Griffin became the first wicket to fall on 34, caught by Sehmi off Humphries. Eike Gilbert joined Page and they ended the innings with Page 20 and Gilbert 8, the total 307 - 1. Humphries the only bowler to get a wicket with 1 - 61.

After a rather leisurely tea, yet again provided by the Captain's wife Jackie, ably assisted by daughter Taylor, the Rowington skipper handed the ball to the svelte and evergreen Steve Jay who, with five nets under his belt, soon found his line and length. Jay was joined at the other end by old foe Gilbert and, with Gilbert taking Jay's mantle as containment bowler, Jay was left to strike three times in five overs, aided by some good keeping by the chirpy Vickerstaff. Jay was then retired to the slips for the rest of the day!

Leon Clarke replaced him and the unchanging style of Andy Shaw took Gilbert's place. This time Shaw became the containment bowler as the Green end could not produce a wicket. Clarke on the other hand proved that age is no obstacle as he took three in his seven overs and the writing was on the wall.

Skipper Rogers gave most others a bowl and the Trust boys were playing a test match. Two more wickets fell to Stuart Jordan and Dave Blower and some unusual Andy Wade pies helped Bridge Trust to 143 - 8. A rather easy win for the Rs but a sterner test next week.

Jay 3 - 16, Clarke 3 - 29, Jordan 1 - 16 and Blower 1 - 20 the wicket takers, Gilbert a fine 0 - 8 off 5 and Shaw 0 - 20 off 9. Berry (Boycott) 48 not out lasted the entire innings, a personal best for C Viles with 20 and Amar 23, the only batsmen worth a mention.

Steve Jay