ROSS CC First XI returned to winning ways with an emphatic five wicket win at home to Martley in their latest Worcestershire County Cricket League Division 4 South fixture on Saturday July 24th. The visitors won the toss and decided to bat in warm but slightly overcast conditions.
Ross had some early success with wicketkeeper Ed Cinderey taking a neat catch off the bowling of Andy Waldis (12-0-54-2). Martley captain Richard Birtley (28) and Thomas Vale (75*) showed great application against some outstanding bowling by Andrew Bevan. He returned the remarkable figures of two for 17 off 17 which included no fewer than 10 maidens.
Once again Ross fielded superbly with Jack Evans producing two run outs and Daniel Barnard taking two catches. With Gabriel Warwick (12-2-56-3) and Tom Parsons (8-0-30-1) taking care of the middle and late order batsmen, Martley finally posted a total of 158 all out off 49 overs.
With Ross needing to score at little more than three runs per over to win, and having lost opener Charles Hiram who dislocated a finger in the field, patience and concentration were the order of the day.
Jack Evans (51) led the way with another half century, ably supported by Gabriel Warwick (12), Bruno Warwick (34) and Stuart Mair (33). It was left to Tom Parsons (12 not out) to hit the winning runs as Ross picked up a valuable 24 points.
The match balls were once again sponsored by H and H Coaches.