Rowledge slipped to an agonising one-run defeat at Totton & Eling in Division One of the Southern Premier Cricket League.

The hosts won the toss and batted first and got off to a good start. Openers Ben Holbrook (35) and Joe Merlino (35) put on 82 in quick time, assisted by some erratic Rowledge bowling, before Archie Redfern made the breakthrough by bowling Merlino.

David Lloyd and Redfern contained the run rate and led Rowledge’s fightback as Totton’s batters came and went without producing a match-winning innings.

Captain Jimmy Taylor (37) was the top scorer for Totton, and after the first five batters all got into double figures the innings fell away with Ollie Southern (three for 37) coming back after an erratic opening spell to dismiss the middle order with his pace as Totton finished on 215 for eight.

Rowledge’s reply got off to a bad start with Zac Le Roux falling in the second over to opening bowler Aaryan Vinod.

Jontie Sebborn (37) joined Redfern (24) at the crease and steadied the innings, but no batter took control of the game until Olly Ryman scored a powerful 53 to seemingly turn the game in Rowledge’s favour.

When Ryman was caught off Billy Lightfoot Rowledge were in a promising position at 171 for six with plenty of time to reach their target.

Vinod returned for a second spell and took three quick wickets to turn the game on its head.

Will Ryman (20) hit a six to put Rowledge within two runs of victory, but he hit the next ball to short cover to the delight of Totton and despair of Rowledge with ten overs still to be bowled.

Rowledge’s second team lost by five wickets against Easton & Martyr Worthy, while Rowledge’s third team lost by 124 runs at Hook & Newnham Basics’ third team.