ROWLEDGE overcame a disastrous start and some awful weather to progress to the Watsons Village Cup Surrey Group final. They beat Tooting-based Sinjun Grammarians by 96 runs.

Rowledge were soon regretting their decision to bat first as they collapsed to 21-4 against a dangerous-looking opening attack. The experienced pair of Chris Board (110) and David Lloyd (71) provided the badly needed big partnership and gradually increased the run-rate, despite steady rain (both teams wanted to complete the game). After some glorious shot-making in a stand of 156, Rowledge totalled 231-7 off their 40 overs.

Even heavier rain caused the restart to be delayed. The visitors were eventually well placed at 71-2, but with some fine fielding and accurate bowling, despite the wet ball, wickets began to tumble and Sinjuns collapsed to 135. Young Jake Wish recorded fine figures of 4-10 off eight overs. A confidence-booster for Rowledge after their disappointing start to the league campaign.

I’Anson side Blackheath earned a home meeting with Rowledge on June 11 after beating Addington 1743 CC in their third-round match. Graham Webb (3-20 in 8 overs) and Will Melhuish (3-27 in 7) were the most successful bowlers as the visitors were dismissed for 91 in 31 overs. Opener Abdul Rehman top-scored with 35.

Peter Melhuish steered Blackheath to an eight-wicket victory with 37 not out. Rob Parrott made 24 and the runs came in just nine overs.

Liphook & Ripsley beat Tichborne Park in a one-sided game to reach the Hampshire Group final.

Competition newcomers Liphook amassed 270-8 to take the game away from the home side. Suman Ganguly continued his sparkling form with 112 off 75 balls and there were valuable contributions from Gabe Broadhurst (42 not out) and Richard Williams (35)

The opening attack of Jack Campbell and Dan Wrenn reduced Tichborne to 43-4. Rob Nicklin and Ganguly completed the demolition job and Tichborne’s ten men were bowled out for 85, with only Ed Primmer (21) reaching 20.

Liphook will host Sparsholt in the fourth round (regional final) on Sunday, June 11.