Current Marches League Champions Luctonians proved to be too strong for a very youthful Ross 1st XI at the weekend as The Hedgehogs suffered a third straight defeat in their Division 1 campaign.

Skipper Jack Donovan elected to bat on winning the toss and openers Stu Mair and Mike Jeffryes made a steady start against the accurate home attack, taking the score to 28 before Jeffryes holed out for 15. Mair departed soon after and then a flurry of wickets saw Ross lose Charlie Cole for 11, Graham Howls 14 and Alex Springer to leave themselves in trouble at 83-5.

Donovan joined veteran Jim Lewis at the crease and the pair added 29 before Donovan also holed out for 18. Lewis used the pace on the ball to work the angles well and added 32 with Adam Davies before Davies (5) was out stumped. Lewis was next to go, caught for 39 with the score on 157 before some late blows from Marcus Bailey (15 not out) saw the Ross innings finally close with a total of 167 all out. Matt Bengry being the most successful bowler, finishing with 5-46.

After tea, Ross needed early wickets and got off to a great start as Chloe Tingle bowled a fantastic opening spell of 6 overs, conceding just five runs and picking up the wicket of Burke for a duck, thanks to a tumbling, juggling catch by Graham Howls in the gully.

The Lucs batsmen Probert and Platford then played themselves in, taking no chances until they got used to the pace of the pitch before gradually ramping up the hitting and pressure on the Ross bowlers. Davies, Donovan, Cameron Hill and Charlie Cole all tried in vain to make a further breakthrough but none was to be forthcoming as the champions cruised to a nine wicket win with plenty of overs to spare. Probert ending on 75 and Captain Platford unbeaten on 73.

Ross return to The Park this weekend against Cleobury Mortimer aiming to achieve that vital first win of the season.