West of England Premier League Prem 2 Glos/Wilts

Rockhampton 97 all out lost to Cheltenham 233-7 by 136 runs

AFTER two Gloucestershire second XI matches in midweek, it was the Boundary Field’s turn to host the Rockhampton first team and visitors Cheltenham.

But it did not go the way of the home side as Cheltenham ran away with a convincing victory.

Visiting captain Will Simmons called correctly at the toss and elected to bat first.

The hosts struck early with the new ball, Chris Willoughby (1-28) finding the top edge of Peter Woodland (13) with David McCabe taking a back-pedalling catch at mid-on. Cheltenham soon lost their other opening batsman Kieran Smith for 21, as McCabe (1-25) found the top of his off stump to leave the visitors 44-2.

Nick Evans (50) and Josh Breed (54) patiently rebuilt the innings with a crucial 97 run partnership, only for off-spinner Guy Brothwood to remove both in quick succession.

Some late hitting from Michael Kelly (30) and an unbeaten 31 from James Schofield helped Cheltenham post 233-7 from their 50 overs. Brothwood finishing with 4-61 from his 10 overs.

The Rams’ chase got off to the worst possible start; Matt Tyler and Brothwood both falling cheaply to the bowling of seamer George Pritchard (2-37).

Willoughby was the next to fall for just ten, caught at gully to become Luke Sellers’ (2-19) first wicket.

Home captain Jamie Wakefield top scored in vain with 28, as lower order batsmen McCabe (15 no) and James Hancox (16) offered some resistance. Cheltenham leg-spinner Breed followed his half century with 3-6 as Rockhampton were bowled out for just 97.

The Rams will be looking to get back to winning ways at the Boundary Field this weekend as they host Biddestone.