STUART Mair and Angus McIntyre both hit half centuries as Ross 1st XI’s openers shared a century stand at home to Hay-on-Wye on Saturday.

The top-of-the-table Marches League Division Two clash saw the points shared 12 each in a draw after Hay set a target of 212-9 off 45 overs and the hosts replied with 179-3 before stumps were called.

The visitors won the toss and elected to bat first despite it being a cool and grey overcast afternoon to begin with.

Opener Luke Bowen with 80, third man Daniel Bowen with 54 and fourth man Gareth Grant with 42 guided Hay to 193-3, until Ross took the next six wickets for just 17 runs.

Adam Parkes and Chloe Tingle were late innings destroyers in chief, the former taking four for 44 off eight overs and the latter four for 28 off 10 overs.

Mair and McIntyre took the reply to 110 before the latter was bowled by Luke Bowen for a 52 that included seven fours.

New man Graham Howls followed to another Bowen pearler just two balls later (110-2) and although Mair then reached his half century, he went the same way for 51 to make it 123-3.

Ben Element added some impetus with an unbeaten 42 off 41 deliveries, supported by twin brother Josh with 18 not out as the hosts finished 33 runs short of the target for victory.

The 2nd XI lost by nine wickets away to Burghill, Tillington and Weobley 3rds in Division 3.

Simon Timewell weighed in with 66 off 81 balls, including 10 fours and a six.

But Luke Timewell was the only other batsman to make double figures with 17 as Ross were dismissed for 124 in 25.3 overs.

The hosts cruised to victory in reply, scoring 125 for one with Charlie Reed smashing an unbeaten 72.

Philip Davies with a caught and bowled snared the sole wicket.

Pics: Stuart Townsend / 
Barcud Coch Photography