Ross-on-Wye 2nd XI travelled to Luctonians on Saturday, June 17th and, in a ruthless display, took the full 25 match points and moved back into contention at the top of the Marches League Division 4 table. 

On a glorious sunny afternoon, Ross won the toss and elected to bat and were soon setting down their intentions as openers Richard Jeffryes (85) and Andrew Stacey (37) put on 89 for the first wicket before Stacey top edged to the keeper. The early momentum was maintained as cameos from Simon Timewell (12) and Tony Leslie (21) kept the score ticking over before the hosts’ misery was compounded towards the end of the innings by Dee Springer’s unbeaten 32 and a rapid blitz by Marcus Bailey who scored 51 before being caught in the deep by an excellent catch. The Ross innings closed at an imposing 287-5, setting a massive challenge for the home team who had toiled for over two hours in the scorching sun.

After the tea break Ross were immediately on the attack. Cameron Hill (3-5) bowled straight and true from ball one and made an incredible breakthrough in the 5th over with a triple wicket maiden. Not to be outdone, at the other end Lizzie Jeffryes (3-8) beguiled the batsman moving the ball at will and was soon taking a double wicket maiden herself to leave the Luctonians reply in tatters.

Sensing victory and not wanting to stay in the sun too long, Ross quickly closed out the game, first change bowler George Aubrey piled on the agony with some aggressive pace and was rewarded with two sharp catches behind from Si Timewell to end with 3-3 and Wayne Husbands quickly completed the rout with the final wicket in his first over. Lucs had limped to an all-out total of just 27 leaving Ross the victors by the huge margin of 260 runs. 

Home comforts next week as Ross host Glangrwyney 1:30 at The Park as the team aim to maintain the recent run of positive results.