Rampant Rogers sends Services to summit

Matt Easton praised in-form '¨Matt Rogers' latest United Services batting masterclass and insisted: I can't wait to see what he has in store for us next.
United Services batsman Matt Rogers    Picture: Ian HargreavesUnited Services batsman Matt Rogers    Picture: Ian Hargreaves
United Services batsman Matt Rogers Picture: Ian Hargreaves

Overseas talent Rogers struck a glorious 179-run knock at Burnaby Road to lead the hosts to the top of the Hampshire League division one standings with an emphatic 229-run victory over Totton & Eling II.

It was an achievement made all the more remarkable by the fact the Australian toppled his previous personal best tally of 154 – set seven days before in the opening-day win at Andover II.

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And with more than 300 runs to his name from the first two league fixtures, skipper Easton is excited at what is to come next.

He said: ‘It was a pleasure to watch Matt put on a bit of a batting masterclass from the balcony.

‘It was a really controlled innings made up of proper cricketing shots.

‘He was scoring runs all the way around the ground and knocking the bad ball to the boundary.

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‘He hit a personal best on opening day with 154. And to better it again this weekend was pretty special.

‘To have more than 300 runs from the first two league games is not a bad effort!

‘I cant wait to see what he has got in store for us next weekend.’

For Rogers, it is a continuation of the form he showed in Services’ division two title-winning side last term.

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Easton said: ‘Matt came over to the club last summer from Australia.

‘He was on an extended holiday over here and ended up contacting the club and playing half a season last year.

‘He did pretty well with bat and ball and has had a very good winter with his club back in Australia.

‘He has come back in form and is knocking in the runs for us.’

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Gary Hounsome (65 not out) also played his part as the home side set an unreachable score of 329 for four.

Fraser Quirke and John Taylor then revelled in the bowling freedom afforded to them as they took three wickets apiece as Totton limped to 100 all out – having at one stage been reduced to 49 for seven.

Easton, who took a couple of wickets himself, was full of praise for the trio’s supporting efforts.

He said: ‘Gary again had a measured innings and rotated the strike really well with Matt in a 200 partnership – it was lovely to watch.

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‘When you put a lot of runs on the board the opposition is immediately under pressure because they know they have to go and score at least six an hour to get there.

‘John Parker and Fraser Quirke opening the bowling for me and both both took three wickets apiece and bowled excellently after bowling 10 straight overs each.

‘And as skipper, when everyone else is performing it makes your life a lot easier – long may it continue!’