ROCKHAMPTON have moved into second place in the West of England Prem 2 Glos/Wilts league after a top victory over rivals Goatacre on Saturday.

And Matt Tyler was the hero for the Rams as he smashed an unbeaten 132 from 128 balls which included twenty boundaries.

Additionally, Rockhampton’s bowlers were excellent when Goatacre, who batted first, went to the crease.

Goatacre began well with their openers Kevin Iles and Jonathan Wilkins both getting into the twenties before they were caught off the bowling of Chris Willoughby.

Willoughby also took number three and captain Edwards Wilkins for 18 but Goatacre hit back with a smart innings from number four Jack Haines, who hit three sixes and six boundaries on his way to an 81-ball knock of 87.

The rest of the Goatacre innings saw three batsmen in their teens while the rest fell away to single figure scores.

However, a near five per over asking rate was challenging as Goatacre ended on 238 all out. And it looked ominous for Rockhampton when opener Rowan Cartlidge was out for nought and number three Harry Collins departed for two.

Willoughby supported Tyler with 28 until he saw his stumps skittled after five fours and 44 balls.

Will Tyler was run out on his first ball but Wakefield came in at number six and helped steady the ship. He was rock-like at one end as Matt Tyler carried his bat through a splendid innings to reach his 132 total and guide Rockhampton to victory.

Wakefield’s contribution was an unbeaten 67 from ninety balls as Rockhampton reached 241-4 after 48 overs.

And that victory now means that they have leapfrogged Goatacre into second place, and are just nine points behind leaders Lechlade with still six matches to go in the season.