Hawkley v Ropley: ROPLEY batted first and got off to a flying start as both opening batsmen showed aggressive intent.

Wickens in particular impressed with booming drives down the ground, although both batsmen profited from mis-hits which failed to carry to fielders.

Liam Lloyd trapped Carlton leg before wicket, after which Quinton played a supporting role as Wickens raced towards his half-century before Paul Cross bowled him for 74.

Hallam Brown removed Quinton, which brought Ropley’s overseas professional Ireland to the wicket for a quickfire innings, surviving a catch in the deep from a no-ball to strike seven sixes and four fours in a total of 70.

Brown finally removed Ireland and Burkie with successive balls, however, Ropley batsman Gerrard carried on the good work and was 48 not out at tea as Ropley’s innings closed on 227-5.

Cross opened Hawkley’s innings with a defiant knock, however, once he fell for 40 the scoring rate stalled and the best Hawkley could hope for was to salvage a draw.

A procession of batsmen made their way back to the pavilion with little impact on the score, although Clive Hopkin played a valuable rearguard innings as Hawkley’s score passed 100 to restore some pride in the home dressing room.

Finally, with four overs remaining Hopkin was last man out to hand Ropley victory by a handsome margin.

Hawkley were all out for 103 as the visitors won by the comprehensive margin of 124 runs.