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Ashling v Rowlands Castle

29th May 2005

Ashling 198 for 6, Rowlands Castle 162 for 7

Nick Jones 65 not out, Nick Loubser 30

Rowlands Castle pic Paul Colley Rob and Nick

This was always going to be the stiffest test to date for the new revitalised Ashling. The wicket was drier and a little faster and Ashling had no hesitation in batting first on it after the captains had agreeg to a 40-over limited over format. After losing Dick Holden (3) and Paul Colley (5) early on, a big partnership between Nick Loubser (30) and man of the match Nick Jones who made 65 not out started putting things right. A lively 16 from Chris judd and useful contributions from Rob Lawrence (14), James Ford (9) and, for the second week running, Craig Mason (29) meant that Ashling were able to post a challenging total of 198 for 6.
Ashling used no less than nine bowlers, all of whom made a useful contribution and none of whom succeeded in taking more than one wicket each. Nevertheless Rowlands Castle were always behind the run rate required and from the moment Nick Jones ran out opener Griffiths with an incredible direct hit from thirty yards away at point, Castle were on the rack. Although only 26 runs short at the end only Watson (25) and Funnell (40) really got at the Ashling bowling and the total of 33 extras conceded undoubtedly made the game closer than it might have been.