On a week when poor weather had hampered pitch preparation, Ross 2nds found themselves in early trouble, having been asked to bat by Strollers in their latest Marches Division Four encounter.

With the first three wickets lost before the score had reached 40, it was a fantastic partnership between Tom Edwards (101) and Alex Springer (57) that rescued the situation as they smashed the hosts’ attack to all parts in a partnership that took the visitors past the 200 mark in only the 27th over.

Edwards cleared the ropes six times in compiling his second century for the club, whilst Springer celebrated his maiden half century in adult cricket with two sixes of his own. Just when a huge score looked theirs for the taking both got out and the hosts skipper, Nick Terry (5-35) ran through the lower order, leaving Ross a little disappointed with a total of 227.

The Strollers reply started steadily against the wily Paul Morris and the fiery leg spin of Lizzie Jeffryes, before Chloe Tingle joined the attack and both girls shared four wickets as the hosts’ reply stuttered to 65-4 at the halfway stage of the innings.

Ross looked to be in control, but then Cameron Terry (75) and Ethan Lerego (16) constructed an excellent partnership of 77 to change the momentum of the game but with the target suddenly in sight Jeffryes (4-25) returned to dismiss both batsmen. Morris (1-45) nipped out another batsman before Tingle clinically removed the final three batsmen and, in doing so, recorded her first five wicket haul in senior cricket, finishing with figures of 5-29.

Strollers were bowled out for 159 to give Ross victory by 68 runs. Some excellent fielding from Ross also saw Alex Springer claim three catches, Paul Morris and Si Timewell one apiece.

This was a hugely enjoyable match between the sides, much closer than the result reads and a win that sees Ross strengthen their hold on third position as they continue their league challenge.