Home Counties Premier League

CAPTAIN Wes Morrick scored a magnificent century and then claimed six wickets to lead Aston Rowant to a crushing 198 victory at Harefield in Division 2 West on Saturday.

And Nat Watkins celebrated his Oxfordshire call-up with a century as Rowant produced a brilliant all-round display.

Having been put into bat, Rowant were soon in trouble as they were reduced to 21-3.

But Morrick joined opener Watkins at the crease and the pair shared in a club record partnership for any wicket of 250, Morrick slamming 148 from 135 balls and Watkins, making his first appearance of the season, 106 off 152 balls.

Both fell in quick succession, before Rowant declared on 308-7.

Tom Needham made early breakthroughs in Harefield’s reply, reducing the home side to 40-2.

Captain Morrick then took over, taking 6-23 in an impressive 14.4 over spell, Harefield being dismissed for 110.

The performance of Oxfordshire under 15 wicket-keeper Dan Matthews was also key in the victory, the youngster taking four catches to seal a fine victory.