West of England Premier Cricket League Prem 2 Glos/Wilts

Rockhampton 192 all out beat Cheltenham 176 all out by 16 runs

ROCKHAMPTON made it back-to-back wins with a hugely impressive victory at early season pace- setters and favourites for the West of England Prem 2 Glos/Wilts division Cheltenham on Saturday.

Having won the toss and electing to bat, Rockhampton’s new-look opening partnership of Rowan Cartlidge and Matt Tyler negotiated the new ball superbly on their way to century opening stand.

Tyler was the aggressor in the partnership as he struck seven boundaries on his way to fifty before falling just before the drinks break.

Cartlidge was then joined by Harry Collins but he was unable to trouble the scorers and when both Cartlidge (40) and Jamie Wakefield (5) soon followed, 106 without loss had quickly become 120 for four.

Will Tyler was able to steady the ship slight with partnerships with both Rob Belbin (9) and Jack Spence (16) but when he fell for 36 the innings, soon fell away as Rockhampton were bowled out for 192 in the 47th over.

In response, Cheltenham got off to a steady start and were soon on 27 before both openers fell without the score increasing.

Wakefield (1-48) struck with an lbs and Will Cartlidge having Cheltenham danger man Kieran Smith caught behind by his brother for just seven.

The innings began to slowly build and at 83-4, following wickets from Hancox and Matt Tyler (1-13), the game could go either way.

But, in Peter Woodland, Cheltenham had someone in who looked capable of winning the game on his own.

His wicket would prove to be absolutely crucial to the Rockhampton cause as from a seemingly must win position of 145-4, Will Cartlidge (2-15) cleaned him up for 67.

This soon became 149-8 as the returning Hancox (4-28) bowled a superb spell to put the visitors on the brink of an unlikely victory.

In the process of chasing wickets, however, Spence had used all of his bowling options and knew the final three overs would have to be covered by others who were not frontline bowlers.

So the run out of Cheltenham captain Will Simmons by Will Cartlidge before this was absolutely crucial.

It was left for Spence (1-6) to bowl the penultimate over and the tenth and final wicket was taken when Matt Tyler took a catch in the deep leaving Cheltenham 16 runs short and securing a fantastic win for the home side.

Rockhampton now find themselves in a five-team title chase as they look to put themselves in a position to gain promotion to Premier One.

Goatacre, who lead the competition, are the visitors to Rockhampton this Saturday with a 12.30pm start at The Boundary Field.

Rockhampton are fourth in the table, just behind Cheltenham and are just nine points off second-placed Lechlade, with Goatacre three points further ahead.