ROWLEDGE veteran Chris Yates did his bit, but was unable to save Hampshire Seniors from a six-wicket defeat at the hands of Devon in their opening O60s Championship group match at Bovey Tracey.

Yates top-scored with 27, lifting Hampshire from a worrying 101-8 to a competitive 151-9.

The left-armer then took 3-21 as Devon slumped to 19-4, but an unbeaten 72 by skipper Nick Rogers turned the match on its head and the West Country side won convincingly in the end.

Two seasons ago, Rogers suffered a cardiac arrest on the boundary at the Hampshire Hogs ground and would have died but for the prompt attention of paramedics. He is now back playing regularly – and winning games for Devon.

Wheatley 4-2 as Ryde slump

On Saturday, Chris Yates helped Rowledge 2nd XI to an encouraging victory in their opening Hampshire County One fixture, beating Ryde by 110 runs at the Rec.

Asked to bat, Rowledge began well and opener Rob Woodliffe (36) consolidated with help from youngsters Jake Wish (26) and Tom Butterfield (21). Shea Taylor (20) also chipped in, but the home side then slipped to a precarious 126-7 and it was left to the tail to lift the total to 168.

Ryde, who finished fifth last season, went out full of confidence, but fine opening spells by Simon Bonser and Taylor reduced them to 27-3 after 15 overs and the match was in the balance.

Bonser bowled his 10 overs straight off to finish with 2-22 and when Wish dismissed the dangerous Tom Roscoe (19), Rowledge had the scent of victory. Yates (2-12) and Tim Wheatley mopped up the lower order and with old hand Wheatley snapping up 4-2 in six overs, Ryde were shot out for 58.