Rockhampton 2nds beat Great Rissington 1sts by seven wickets

ROCKHAMPTON seconds continued their strong start to the season with a third consecutive Gloucestershire County Cricket League Division Third league victory, this time away at Great Rissington.

Rockhampton captain Alastair Douds won his first toss of the season and had no hesitation in asking the hosts to bat first on a damp pitch with rain forecast.

Great Rissington got off to a steady start, with Sam Nichols, in particular, bowling well for the Rams.

Nichols had home skipper Bowen caught behind by Rob Belbin for 17 shortly before the players were forced off due to heavy rain.

At this stage, Great Rissington were on 32-1 off 11.5 overs. The delay resulted in the game being reduced to 34 overs per side.

On resumption, Great Rissington looked to be more aggressive. Young leg spinner Sam Long was introduced to the attack and he pinned Wellman lbw for six.

Chris Pearce, returning for a second spell, had opener Crompton caught behind for 51 and James Hancox caught and bowled Seagrave.

Will Brisco bowled with pace and accuracy and was unfortunate not to pick up a wicket, but he was responsible for two run outs, including South African overseas batsman Smith.

Great Rissington finished their innings on 153-7 off 34 overs.

Nichols produced excellent figures of seven overs, two maidens 9-1.

Rockhampton openers Harry Collins and Jerry White looked to be aggressive as the Rams began their reply.

However, with the score on 13, Collins was unluckily bowled off his pads.

Simon Hore joined White at the crease, and immediately looked comfortable.

These two batted well and took Rockhampton to 87-1 before White was bowled by Scarratt for 39 looking to play a big shot over the top.

Nigel Hopkins came in at number four and immediately smashed a boundary over wide long on as the run rate required increased.

With the Rams needing eight an over for the last five overs Hopkins was caught in the deep for nine and it was left to Rob Belbin to help Hore get the Rams over the line.

Hore was still looking fluent and he hit Smith for ten in two balls to ease the pressure.

With four required from the final over, Hore clipped the second ball over mid wicket for four to give the Rams a win by seven wickets with four balls to spare.

Hore finished with a brilliant 79 not out from only 78 balls.

On Saturday, Rockhampton host Frocester 3rds.