ROWLEDGE share the Souther Premier League Division?Two lead after a 59-run victory over bottom side Totton & Eling on Saturday.

Put in to bat by a weakened visiting side, Rowledge totalled 242-8 from their 50 overs – above par in the good batting conditions, but only just.

Chris Yates Jnr, back in the Rowledge fold, and Nick Morant put on 33 for the first wicket against the spirited new-ball attack of Sam Beer and Jimmy Taylor, but once the sting had gone out of the bowling, the runs flowed.

Top-order ‘floater’ Jake Wish joined Yates in a fast-scoring partnership of 72 and, at 105-1, a total of 300 didn’t look out of the question.

Wish was caught for 32, however, soon to be followed back by Australian teenager Fraser Wilson, and Rowledge were suddenly 131-3.

Things settled down again as Yates and David Lloyd added 40.

When Yates was caught and bowled by Liam Carty for 71 (104 balls), Lloyd took control and crafted a stylish 63 at almost a run a ball while shepherding the lower order towards a decent score.

The Rowledge bowlers defended the total with competitive zeal and, backed up by some athletic fielding, reduced Totton to 76-4 after 25 overs.

Gary Chirimuuta spelled the lone danger for Hartley Wintney with a rapid 54, putting on 48 for the fifth wicket with Beer (27). The match was effectively over as a contest when Chirimuuta was caught by Lloyd off young Will Ryman.

That Rowledge failed to bowl out the visitors was due to a gutsy 26 off 32 balls by 13-year-old Leo Taylor, helping the visitors to a respectable 183-8.

• Rowledge are level on points average with Sparsholt who beat Tichborne Park in a high-scoring game (Tichborne 243-9, Sparsholt 261-5).

• Rowledge visit Winchester side St Cross Symondian II this Saturday. On Sunday, Rowledge travel deep into West Sussex for a Village Cup fifth round (last 32) match against Findon.