HAWKLEY went into this game buoyed by the previous week's nailbiting win over local rivals Steep, and led for the first time this year by regular captain Richard Humphreys returning from injury.

Hawkley were put in and John Dinnis – prised away from his regular seat at Lords – was the only batsman to prosper against some tight bowling as the home team lost wickets at regular intervals.

Hawkley were eventually all out for 126 after batting for only 30 overs, and this modest total owed a lot to Dinnis's fine unbeaten 53 with some solid support from Usmar and Mullard.

Hawkley could not afford to give away easy runs. The youthful opening attack of Huntley and Mullard bowled with great economy while taking two wickets each, supported by Hawkley's usual keen fielding, and the fall of wickets continued after a bowling change when Madeley took two quick wickets to leave Rotherfield struggling on 30-7.

A flurry of boundaries signalled a fight back until Humphreys took a spectacular diving catch in the outfield to remove the main Rotherfield danger man, the cue for joyous celebration by Hawkley's vocal female following.

Hudson cleaned up the tail to finish with four wickets as Rotherfield were all out for 70.

All in all a satisfying win for the Hawkley team, who next Sunday take on travelling side, Mighty Wanderers.