ROWLEDGE got their Southern Premier League Division?Two season up and running with an emphatic nine-wicket win at home to Tichborne Park.

Tichborne, who were relegated along with Rowledge last season, chose to bat and must have regretted that decision after being restricted to a well below-par 118 all out in 43 overs.

Martin Cheyney and George Ayling (43) had seen off the opening bowlers while putting on a leisurely 71 for the first wicket, but first-change Steve Martin removed both openers in the space of three runs and the visitors never recovered.

The collapse was due to as close a complete bowling display as skipper Ben Wish could have hoped for.

With wickets shared around and a notable performance from off-spinner David Lloyd (3-21 in 10 overs), plus the extreme accuracy of Ollie Baker (1-12 in 9.4), all that was left for Rowledge to do was knock off the meagre total in the sunshine.

This they did with much urgency and flair, reaching the target for the loss of one wicket and from only 21 overs.

Jake Wish took the initiative with 71 not out off only 59 balls, hitting nine fours and two sixes. Nick Morant was caught for 20 with the score on 77 and then Lloyd helped young Wish bring the game to an early finish.

Rowledge visit Waterlooville in the league this Saturday and, the following day, they make the shortish trip to Blackheath for a Cricketer Village Cup (Surrey Group) third-round tie.