Rowledge’s under-19s slipped to a 23-run defeat against Hambledon in the County Cup final at Basingstoke on Sunday.

Electing to field, Rowledge stuck early on with opening bowlers Olly Ryman and Ben Williams bowling with pace and accuracy to reduce Hambledon to 19 for two.

Opener Lewis (35) looked to increase the run rate. He found a willing partner in Luke Mann and they produced some fine strokeplay before spinner Henry Hinchliffe had Mann caught at cover by Ryan Littlewood to make it 95 for four.

Excellent pace bowling from Ed Reilly and Harry King produced more wickets, but Primmer and Lewis scored rapidly at the end of the innings to take Hambledon to 138 for eight. The wickets were shared by the Rowledge attack and the fielding was exemplary.

Rowledge’s reply started brightly with Ferdy Marshall and skipper Olly Ryman (43) batting aggressively. Marshall fell but Olly and Joe Ryman had Rowledge well placed at 70 for one. Joe was run out and Olly was stumped within six balls as Rowledge slipped to 72 for three.

Ben Williams continued to nudge along the reply with Ryan Littlewood as boundary hitting was at a premium, but there were plenty of singles and twos available as the field spread. Williams fell trying to relieve the pressure and then Littlewood was caught at mid-off as Rowledge finished on 115 for six.

Rowledge coach Chris Yates said: “They are a special group of lads, and not just the 11 who played in the final but a squad of 20. They all work hard to improve their skills. We have a great atmosphere and we have had great fun throughout the season.”

Rowledge also reached the semi-finals of the Surrey under-19 Tier One competition, losing to Esher.