Rowledge (278-2) beat OTs & Romsey (186-6) by 92 runs OTs & ROMSEY managed to open their league season last Saturday despite the wet weather, but were soundly beaten by their visitors to the Sports Centre.

Skipper Mike Trodd invited Rowledge to bat in damp conditions, but the decision backfired as they rattled up a towering 278 for 2 in a match reduced to 46 overs

Opener David Lloyd batted throughout for an unbeaten 137 and shared in a century partnership with Chris Yates junior, the latter scoring 83.

The home attack had a difficult time dealing with the wet ball, although Ed Lowe showed the benefits of having wintered and played in Australia.

But he and skipper Mike Trodd struggled in the conditions and it was veteran Max Smith who did most to curb the Rowledge assault, returning figures of 1 for 41 from his 12 overs.

In reply, OTs lost wickets at regular intervals and only Stuart Tulk (25) made much headway as they slipped to 99 for 5.

But Keith Trodd (43) and Nick Destefano (22) shared an unbroken partnership to lift the home team to a respectable 186 for 6 at the close.

The Romsey side will be hoping for better things this weekend when they visit Andover. Fifteen year old opening bowler Steve Smith will be making his league debut for the senior side.