National Village Knockout

Rockhampton (283-2) beat Dumbleton (125) by 158 runs

WILL Tyler smashed a big century as last year's national finalists Rockhampton cruised into the next round by beating Dumbleton.

After Rockhampton lost the toss and were asked to bat, the Tyler brothers – Will and Matt – went about building a solid platform, scoring at around five an over for the opening ten before both started to open up.

Following a number of back-to-back boundaries, Matt was clean bowled by Forbes for 35 in the 15th over with score on 92.

This brought 17-year-old Harry Collins to the crease but he soon followed, being caught and bowled by Adam Stuart for five, leaving Rockhampton on 115-2 at drinks.

Will Tyler decided to put his foot on the gas and began to hit Dumbleton's bowling to all parts of the ground.

He moved from 47 to 92 in just 13 balls and brought up his hundred with a spanking cover drive, much to the delight of the crowd.

What followed was nothing short of carnage as Tyler smashed 12 fours and seven sixes on his way to an unbeaten 158 off of just 114 balls, very well supported by Rowan Cartlidge, who scored 39 not out in an unbroken stand of 168.

Chasing that score was always going to be a struggle for Dumbleton, especially when up against new ball pairing of Will Cartlidge (1-31) and Chris Pearce (1/12), who both took new ball wickets to leave the visitors on 32-2 off ten overs.

Captain Jack Spence then turned to spinner James Hancox and he immediately removed opener Tom Green, who was excellently caught in the deep by Rob Belbin.

Sam Nichols replaced Hancox and removed George Oram for one, clean bowling him and leaving the visitors on 64-4.

A period of tight bowling from Sam and Mike Nichols and excellent fielding completely put them game beyond the visitors, who required 200 from the last 15 overs.

Wickets began to tumble with Sam Nichols (2-15), James Hancox (3-12) and Harry Collins (2-15) allowing the hosts to bowl Dumbleton out in the final over for just 125.

This victory now means that Rockhampton will travel to either Apperley or Marshfield in the next round on Sunday, May 25.

In the league, the firsts travel to Gloucester City Winget this Saturday in the hope of building on their opening day win against Chippenham in the West of England Glos/Wilts Division.

The seconds host Hatherley and Reddings in the 2nd XI Division and the thirds travel to Frampton in Stroud and District League Division One.