Time running out for villagers following defeat

ASTON ROWANT powered to a commanding 165-run victory against visitors WARGRAVE in the Home Counties Premier League Division 1 at Butts Way on Saturday.

Asked to bat first, the hosts posted 272-8 from their 50 overs. Opener Joshua Smith (45) anchored the innings before middle-order aggression from Hayden Rossouw (59 off 56) and wicket-keeper Callum Russell (47 not out from 48) pushed Aston Rowant past 250. Contributions from Christopher Watling (30) and Josh Mctaggart (21) ensured steady momentum throughout. For Wargrave, Rhys Lewis (3-47) was the most successful bowler, while Jack Clark (2-50) and Mark Firth (1-27) also struck.

Wargrave’s reply quickly unravelled against Aston Rowant’s disciplined attack. They collapsed to 7-3 inside five overs, with Karl Penhale (3-43) removing both openers cheaply.

Despite some resistance from Neal Robinson (21), Mark Firth (17) and skipper Toby Greatwood (17), wickets fell at regular intervals. Tristan Rossouw (3-9) and Mctaggart (2-19) cleaned up the middle and lower order as Wargrave were dismissed for 107 in 29.1 overs.

The defeat leaves Wargrave in deep relegation trouble at the foot of the table 14 points from safety with three matches of the season remaining.