Brewers bounce back

Local neighbours Alton and Rowledge locked horns for the first time in a competitive league game since 2005. A changed Rowledge side from their win against Basingstoke won the toss and elected to bat first on what looked like a good surface.

Alton were keen to banish the disappointment of last week and home comforts seemed to boost the Brewers mood as they started with a spring in their step. Rowledge started cautiously trying to see off the dangerous Brewers paceman Walters. It was Arul Appavoo that would cause the early damage as he made the early inroads. Ricky Yates caught at gully by Michael Heffernan for 6 was the first to go with the score still in single figures. Jake Wish joined Max Martin and the pair saw off Walters but with the rate in check Alton remained patient. Appavoo took a full advantage of the swing on offer, as the Brewers left armer bowled a nagging line and length, Rowledge moved to 41, before Appavoo had Max Martin trapped in front for 12. Ash-Lee Harvey then edged behind off just his second ball Mark Heffernan completing the catch behind the stumps and Appavoo had his third. The visitors rocking at 42 for 3 but things got worse for Rowledge as Gonella bowled the attacking Jake Wish for 22 and Appavoo got his fourth bowling Olly Ryman for 1. Appavoo could not quite make it 5 as he ended his 10 over spell with fine figures of 4 for 31 and Rowledge 50 for 5.

Ian Metcalfe and Ryan Littlewood set about repairing the damage as the pair added 30 for the 6th wicket, before another double blow for the visitors halted their recovery. Metcalfe edged South to first slip where Myers took a sharp one handed catch before Toby Salmon had Baker caught behind without scoring as Rowledge slipped further into trouble at 87 for 7. Littlewood was still there as he was joined by the experienced David Lloyd, the pair batted sensibly as they put on 50 runs for the 8th wicket. Walters returned to the attack and managed to remove Littlewood for a gritty 46 off 91 balls. Skipper Ben Wish was then trapped on front as Walters picked up 2 for 20 off his 10. Rowledge now 136 for 9.

Young Joseph Ryman making his first team debut batted bravely as he and Lloyd added 10 for the last wicket. Lloyd eventually skying a delivery from Gonella straight up, Gonella completed the catch ending with 2 for 28. Lloyd made 19 and Ryman unbeaten on 7 not out, as Rowledge closed on 146 all out. Despite some untidy fielding towards the end of the innings the Brewers were happy with their work. The pitch was a good one and despite Rowledge battling to 146 Alton felt this was well below par.

This proved to be the case, Rowledge short of seam options opened up with spin from both ends. Gonella and Harris were watchful but punished anything loose, Harris the main aggressor looking to take advantage of the early field restrictions. Once the pair adapted to the lack of pace on offer they began to increase the rate. The pair looked comfortable passing the hundred partnership landmark inside 20 overs. Rowledge rang the bowling changes but were unable to stem the flow of runs.

The visitors did eventually make the breakthrough, Gonella drove Lloyd down the ground in the air, Lloyd attempting the catch could only manage to drop the ball and watch as it dropped onto the stumps, Harris backing up keen to add to his tally was left stranded. A fine innings of 83 off just 74 balls including 11 fours and 2 sixes came to an end in unfortunate circumstances. 135 for 1 was soon 136 for 2, Mark Heffernan unfortunately not picking up a full toss from Lloyd only to find Ollie Ryman who completed the catch and gave Lloyd his 400th Southern Premier League wicket. A fantastic effort from the Rowledge elder statesman.

Myers joined Gonella as Alton added the extra 11 runs required. Gonella made 57 not out off 81 balls including 5 fours and 1 six as the Brewers returned to winning ways reaching their target in the 27th over and wining by 8 wickets. Alton will travel to the south coast on Saturday as they face a strong Portsmouth side, both teams with identical records after 3 games.