DEFEAT to Calmore Sports last Saturday leaves Rowledge needing a minor miracle if they are to remain in the Southern Premier League Division?One.

Ventnor need five points from their home match with relegated Tichborne, while Rowledge must get a maximum against visitors Liphook this Saturday.

Put in at the Recreation Ground, Rowledge needed one of their big guns to produce something special, but prolific Australian Tom Treble went for a duck and David Lloyd, after a long struggle (10 off 49 balls) was adjudged leg before to Mike West.

Ricky Yates, making a rare appearance, top-scored with 31, but Rowledge never broke free against an extremely tight attack and were bowled out for 132 in the 48th over.

Calmore found slow bowlers Chris Yates and George Keeley equally difficult to get away and the visitors had limped to 54-5 off 25 overs when Keeley took his third wicket.

However, overseas player Jack Rutter and captain Mark Lavelle shared a crucial stand of 74. Rutter, despite looking all at sea at first, got through a good spell by Joe Randall to take on the attack in positive fashion. Ollie Baker finally got Rutter for 44, but only five runs were required and Lavelle made the winning hit for Calmore who now need five points for the title.

Chris Yates recorded outstanding figures of 9-5-10-1.