Rowington can't get over the hill.

 

Rowington entertained Ashton-under-Hill on a nice sunny afternoon, a complete contrast to the previous week.

 

Electing to bat, skipper Scott Rogers was a little out of touch after his hectic rush to make the start and, although he gave the Rs a good start with partner Paul Vickerstaff, adding 51, he soon played around one and was bowled by Glazier for 18. Some good fielding by the Hilliers saw the Rs having to settle for a couple rather than fours but Vickerstaff and Alex Smith moved past the ton before Vickerstaff got his second LBW in two weeks, going for 59 to Patel.

Simon Cross joined Smith and together they put on 50 before Cross was bowled by Shirra for 32. Smith was joined by Matt Page who eventually managed to realise that the object of the game was to actually hit the ball with the bat and they pushed past the 200 before Smith went on 63. Page (15) tried to charge Patel and was stumped and the Rs ended on 210 - 5 and 20 runs short of their target. Glazier 1 - 54, Patel 3 - 44 and Shirra 1 - 30 the bowlers.

In reply it took opener Steve Jay a couple of overs to find his line but Rogers at the other end was right on the mark and soon had Pearce back in the hutch - caught by Eike Gilbert. A couple of overs later he had Cooper LBW. Jay then had D Haines dropped on 1 by the thinning Clive Haywood and his luck just wouldn't turn, Jay ending his spell with 0 - 22 off 6. Dale Glover replaced Jay and had little luck but Leon Clarke fared better getting Patel (11) to sky one to Glover who kept up his 100% record for catches (how Jay wishes Glover could get under one off him!)

 

Shaw took a nice caught and bowled to get rid of the other Haines (J) (21) and Clarke then bowled the other Patel for 11 and it was game on. But Haines (D) was still there, Cooper Jnr joined him and some hard hitting saw the pair move the score close to their target. Then some sharp fielding saw Jay throw to Vickerstaff who stumped Haines clearly a yard out.......umpire's decision - NOT OUT. Rowington were amazed and fired up. Glover then came in and bowled Haines for some justice but he had put on 81, a costly drop!

Rogers then brought back Shaw and first ball saw Cooper sky one and Rogers himself ran to grab a good catch. Cooper had made 39, again adding 20 after being dropped by Cross earlier in the game. Archer added 18 before Glover bowled him and it was game on, 8 down with 8 runs needed. Shaw bowled and the ball hit Glazier on the foot right in front of middle, everyone shouted.........HOWZAT?......NOT OUT? ......ERM. Next ball and Glazier swung and there was a noise, edged to Vickerstaff, he caught.......HOWZAT......yes, you've guessed it......NOT OUT. Glazier then grabbed a couple and it was 3 overs to go, Ashton needed 6, the Rs needed 2 wickets and it looked like they had to either bowl them or catch them as no other decision was likely! Glover bowled and they grabbed 5 off the over leaving Jay to come on for the penultimate over with one run needed. It didn't take long and the Rs had lost a close game. Rogers 2 - 47, Glover 2 - 38, Shaw 2 - 46, Clarke 2 -17 and Gilbert 0 - 25 off 7.

 

A total that was 20 runs short and dropped catches all contributing to their downfall, the Rs can't complain as they lack a vital cog in the wheel, the Rs need an umpire desperately!!!

 

Leamington away next week.

Steve Jay