Rowledge beat Waterlooville by 51 runs in Division One of the Southern Premier Cricket League on Saturday.

On what looked a dry dusty pitch, Rowledge captain Ben Wish won the toss and without hesitation decided to bat first.

Jontie Sebborn fell early on, but Rowledge rebuilt with a 50-run partnership between Max Martin and Ollie Baker (21). After an economical spell from Sam Hillman, Waterlooville threw the ball to Chris Parker, who took a wicket when Baker pulled straight to deep fine leg. Rowledge then lost another shortly afterwards as Zac Le Roux was caught in the deep after playing a few flowing shots.

Martin and Ollie Ryman took the score to 125 for three after 40 overs, when Martin eventually fell for 57 trying to up the tempo. Ryman (55 not out) continued to attack with a mixture of quick running and improvised shots to help Rowledge end on a very respectable 178 for six after their 50 overs.

Rowledge started well with the ball as Martin took the wicket of Waterlooville captain Archie Reynolds with the last ball of the first over. With the match finely poised at 42 for one after ten overs, Wish turned to the pace of Will Ryman and the reliable left-arm spin of Baker (three for 18). Baker only took a few balls to strike, claiming the wicket of Josh McGregor caught behind. Ryman bowled Josh McCoy, before Baker trapped Alex Shephard in front.

David Lloyd (three for 11) took three quick wickets as Waterlooville slipped to 66 for seven. Sam Robinson (33) looked to stick around and frustrate Rowledge but he was caught at mid-off by Sebborn off Martin’s bowling. Baker then took his third as Waterlooville finished on 127 for nine.

Rowledge host bottom side Calmore Sports at the Recreation Ground on Saturday (12.30pm).