Too Good To Go Down! I Don't Think So!

With 4 teams in the mix for one relegation spot this was always going to be one of the most important games of the season. The toss went as usual, with Rowington losing the toss and being asked to bat. Skipper Rogers was not upset as he would have chosen to bat in an attempt to build pressure by posting a large score.

Haywood and Smith started in a solid manner and put on a steady 32 off the first nine overs. Haywood went for 9 and Jefferson was lucky not to follow first ball with a very close lbw appeal. Smith battled on to the twenty third over making 42 and Jefferson's second knock ended in the twenty ninth over for a fine 45. Cross played his usual game, getting another red inker and a stylish 62. Rowington finished 20 to 30 runs short of the total the skipper wanted - 268 for 3 off 45 overs. Also batted Rogers 87 not out off 45 balls.

In reply Rowington lacked the cutting edge and variation to trouble the Kineton batting line out, who ticked along at five and six runs an over, every over. The Kineton skipper, Millard, went on to make an excellent 104 and, with Doly making a composed 51 not out and the young Adam making 25 not out, they cruised to their target with 2 overs to spare. It was definitely a day for the batsmen and Kineton proved stronger in that department.

With the other results going against Rowington for the second week running they now look favourite for the drop into division two. Let's hope the parachute payments from the television rights are enough to prevent a cull of the overpaid playing staff currently pulling on a Rowington shirt!

Scott Rogers