ROCKHAMPTON 2nd XI defied the weather to claim victory over Great Rissington 1st XI in the Gloucestershire County League Division Three.

In this bottom of the table clash Rockhampton won a vital toss and elected to bowl on a day that suited the seam bowlers.

Will Brisco got the early breakthrough for the home side but Great Rissington knuckled down well after the early wicket fell.

Carel Smith batted superbly for the visitors scoring an eye-catching 66 and in doing so forming a good partnership with James Seagrave.

When Smith was dismissed with the score on 105 Great Rissington were in danger of collapse.

However, Al Hope(29), Tom Webley (23) and Mike Scarrott (40 not out) stepped up to help them to the visitors to a competitive total of 242-7 in their 45 overs.

James Dyden and Harry Pearce claimed two wickets each but Mark Beale also bowled very tightly for Rockhampton.

The hosts reply began solidly with a 41 run partnership between openers Jordan Khan and Jeremy White.

When White fell for 15 Khan was joined at the wicket by Simon Hore and the pair set about putting the Great Rissington bowling to the sword.

Khan (76) and Hore (84) shared a century partnership before Khan was finally dismissed bowled by Glen Compton.

Compton also dismissed Rob Belbin for a duck but Dryden came to the crease to calm any Rockhampton nerves and guide his side home with a controlled innings of 38.

This was an important win from Rockhampton who still sit in the relegation zone but more performances like that will surely see them catch teams ahead of them.

They will travel to Frocester on the weekend for another important clash.

Unfortunately Rockhampton 1st XI were unable to start their match against Burbage and Easton Royal but will host Biddestone at Boundary Field on Saturday.

The Rockhmapton 4th XI fixture was also cancelled due to rain but Rockhampton 3rd XI were comfortable winners at home to Slimbridge 1st XI.

Dave Long bowled a superb spell taking five wickets for Rockhampton, helping to bundle Slimbridge out for just 158 inside 40 overs.

Matt Taylor then starred with the bat, hotting a superb 50 to guide his team home in just 28.3 overs.

Long also scored 34 with the bat to cap off a brilliant all-round performance.