Both Ross-on-Wye Cricket teams had wins over Colwall on Saturday 22nd June. Ross first team travelled away to record a 31 run win, while the Seconds, sponsored by Now Storage, eventually overcame their opposition’s score of 147 with two wickets to spare.

At Colwall, the home third team requested that Ross bat first which allowed Angus McIntyre, returning after his year at college, to open alongside captain Graham Howls, the latter being caught early on to bring Andy Bevan to the crease.

Cameron Hill struck for Ross in his first over, clean bowling Euan Buttle for a duck, but Ross then had to wait for ten more overs before Jim Lewis claimed a stumping from Adam Parkes’ first delivery. There followed a 67 run partnership, which Ross contributed to with extras that eventually outscored any Colwall batsman, before Angus McIntrye struck three times in quick succession to swing the game Ross’ way.

The home side were 31 runs short, and while Ross had often seemed to be making the victory hard work, they were very pleased with the win.

The Seconds entertained Colwall’s fourth XI and also made hard work of what should have been a straightforward victory. Opening Ross bowlers Paul Morris and Richard Jeffryes constricted the score well, allowing only one of the top six to get into double figures. Morris’ figures ending an impressive 8-2-10-4; Andrew Stacey bowled economically too with 13 runs from eight overs and the pick of the fielders was Rob Leather. The experienced Colwall Ben Recorden made a quick unbeaten 60 to bolster the innings total to 147-6.

Ross Firsts are home to local rivals Goodrich next Saturday, while the Seconds have two weeks off league fixtures.See the full story in this week’s edition of the Ross Gazette, or subscribe to our online edition here