Roffey bag bragging rights in ECB National Club clash

The hosts completed a five-wicket victory with just over two overs remaining in the 45-over clash on Sunday.

They knocked off Horsham’s competitive 263-7, after they had won the toss and chosen to bat, as Theo Rivers hit a crucial 76 and Rohit Jagota made 68.

Despite a competitive total posted, Roffey captain Matt Davies was confident they could book their spot in the third round.

He said: “We were quite far over on the square with a short boundary on one side and the outfield is always really quick at Roffey.

“I thought 260 was about par and only a run-a-ball, we always say at home we are capable of chasing anything with wickets in hand. At the end you can get 10 or 12 an over off the last ten.

“We were confident we could chase. Theo batted fantastically, him and Josh made a really good start to what we needed to chase down that total and then Rohit batted really well.

“I am really pleased. It’s a brilliant start and we do enjoy beating Horsham, there is no secret about that.”

Joe Ludlow (28) and Craig Gallagher (27) got Horsham off to a good start, before Will Beer (62) and Michael Thornely (83) kept the runs coming.

Skipper James Johnson added 25 and Ollie Cross made 23 to boost them to 263. Jagota claimed 2-64 and Luke Barnard 3-47 with the ball.

In reply, Josh Fleming (24) and Rivers (76) put on an opening stand of 71, before Chris Webb added 22.

With Rivers trapped lbw by Beer (3-41) with the score on 156-4, Jagota’s 68 and Davies’ 38 not out proved the crucial scores as Roffey got home.

Johnson said: “We batted really, really well. Michael and Will gave us a really good platform. At Roffey it is hard to gauge what a good score is. I actually felt 260 was good enough, but we did not bowl very well.

“Will and Michael set us off and then there were a good few cameos, myself making a quick 25 and Ollie Cross 23.

“Potentially, if I had the game again and won the toss I think I would still want to bat.

“With the ball, Michael Munday was fantastic again with 1-17 off nine overs, which for a limited-overs game is fantastic. The seamers didn’t do as well as they could have done. It meant I had to bring Michael (Munday) on slightly earlier than I wanted and we couldn’t squeeze the game.

“We played well Saturday and have not done as well as that early in the season in recent years, it was unfortunate we couldn’t carry on like that on Sunday.”

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