ROPLEY bounced back from last week’s defeat with a comfortable 80-run win against Hampshire League County One title contenders Longparish.

The result was significant for Ropley, considering they were without overseas player Tim Niemand, recovering from injury.

Shaun Udal opted to bat first on a ‘belter’ at Vicarage Lane and posted 268 all out in the last over. After losing the skipper cheaply to a direct hit from the boundary, Ropley made excellent progress through Rob Smith (82) and Jimmy Hawkings (37) in a second-wicket partnership of 90.

Jack Oxenham batted maturely for his 48 not out and George Wickens contributed a quickfire 19. The stand-out bowlers for Longparish were Ben Gardner (2-44) and James Bevin (2-39), but the visitors will be disappointed with the 50 extras they conceded, ultimately taking the pressure off the batsmen.

Longparish lost early wickets as the Ropley seamers got the ball to swing prodigiously. Matt Donaldson (2-25) was particularly impressive in his opening spell.

Batting became easier as the ball got damp and the middle-order trio of Tom Trinder (20), Martin Cook (17) and Jack Levy (38) all scored freely. However, they all fell to Seb Newens (3-33) who mixed long-hops and full-tosses with good deliveries and strengthen his reputation as ‘mystery spinner’.

All-rounder Scott Sturt (32), despite carrying an injury, played some stylish shots, but eventually ran out of partners. Jack Oxenham (2-4) finished the game in style and Longparish were bowled out for 186.

Ropley visit bottom side United Services this Saturday.