Rockhampton round-up

MOTHER Nature brought a grinding halt to Rockhampton’s hopes of pressurising second-placed Cheltenham at the top of the West of England Premier League Prem Two Glos/Wilts division on Saturday.

The Rams were hoping to bounce back from a mediocre display at Gloucester City Winget last weekend which ended in defeat. They were looking to beat struggling Burbage and Easton Royal at The Boundary Field.

Their last clash at home was in beating Cheltenham and, with only two points separating the sides, Rockhampton had a chance to grab second-place from their northern rivals.

That was enhanced when Cheltenham went down to runaway leaders Lechlade on Saturday by nine runs in a reduced overs clash.

Rockhampton and Burbage tried to get things started but each time they walked out to the crease, the heavens opened and, eventually, they had to concede to the rain and cancel the match without a ball being bowled.

Now the race for second spot comes down to the last two matches with the Rams playing Biddestone, who are also down the wrong end of the table although not in the relegation zone, away on Saturday, while Cheltenham will face a big away derby at Gloucester City Winget.

So it is more than likely that the final outcome could come down to the last weekend of matches which, weather permitting, will see Rockhampton facing the major challenge of beating Lechlade at home while Cheltenham will be home to Burbage and Easton Royal.

Meanwhile, Rockhampton seconds did manage to get a match going when they travelled to Newent in the Gloucestershire County League third division.

Rockhampton won the toss and put Newent into bat. The home side set a chaseable target as opener Alex Gray hit 42 and number three Joe Gare scored 57 in their side’s 168 all out total.

Matt Taylor and Ryan Tyler both took two wickets for Rockhampton while the rest were shared among four of the other five bowlers.

In reply, Rockhampton were solid with openers Jeremy Wilde and Nigel Hopkins putting on 58 for the first wicket when White was caught for 28 off 43 balls, hitting four boundaries.

Hopkins kept plodding on with number three Simon Hore and the pair put on 72 before Hore went for 43.

Hopkins carried on and finally saw his stumps shattered by home bowler Sam Wallace for 62 but the Rams were nearly home, with wicket keeper Dan Price and Will Cullimore finishing things off as Rockhampton reached 169-3 for victory.

Rockhampton thirds, meanwhile, were forced to abandon their visit to Woodchester in the Stroud and district Martin Berrill Premier League.

Rockhampton thirds won the toss and elected to field but both sides did not walk out onto the pitch all afternoon other than to stroll to the car park to leave the ground as the rain ended any hope of play.