12:43pm Wednesday 28th July 2010
The Andover juggernaut ploughed on with their title challenge on Saturday when they convincingly defeated last year's champions Rowledge to chalk up their ninth win in a row.
Andover were asked to field but this was by no means a bad thing as the overcast conditions and damp pitch aided Andover's seam attack considerably. Opener Richard Taylor made the first early breakthrough removing the prolific Gary Clapham thanks to a fine slip catch by James O'Gorman, one of three catches for him. This was followed by a Luke Graham double blow as he ripped out captain David Lloyd and the highest ever Southern League run scorer, Chris Yates. At 20-3 off the first ten overs, Rowledge were in turmoil and found a brief respite when Ricky Yates dug in for a patient 18 but as Taylor rotated his bowlers sensibly, wickets continued to fall. Chris and Jonty Hadfield both picked up a wicket apiece while at the other end, the miserly O'Gorman gave away just ten runs from his ten overs and was rewarded with one wicket.
The Kiwi bowled a typically immaculate line and length, giving the batsmen no width to play any shots. Graham was reintroduced with great effect, taking two in two balls as his pace was just too much for the visiting side. However, the tail stuck to their guns and proved tricky to dismiss, Ian Metcalfe in particular was the rock with a hard earned 33 not out. Rowledge closed on 162-9 off their 50 overs. A total that was 50 runs below par although it was disappointing for the home side to not bowl the opposition out and achieve maximum bowling points.
The Andover run chase started in a style they have become accustomed to with Ali Hooper and Will Prozesky launching the ball to all parts. The first over went for 11 including a six off his first ball by Prozesky. The menacing Hooper then set about the bowlers before being bowled by a well disguised quicker ball for 36. Prozesky and O'Gorman continued the assault as Prozesky notched up yet another 50 for the town side. The South African born stroke-maker was at his best, hitting ten fours and two sixes before he was well caught on 57. When O'Gorman was removed for a quick-fire 30, Mark Copleston entered the fray with Jonty Hadfield. The pair found the spin attack tough going on a turning pitch and both batted with patience. After Jonty was caught behind, brother Chris supported Copleston (29no) as they guided Andover towards their target in 31 overs with just four wickets down.
They now sit top of the league going into tomorrow's match at Havant.
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