Rowlands stars for Crosby in Tinker Cup

Jack Rowlands has hammered Crosby into the semi-finals of the Standard Bank Tinker Cup, crashing a fine 97 in Sunday’s second round tie against Valkyres.

Furrukh Safed had dismissed three of the top four batsmen when Rowlands was joined by Ross Berry.

The pair then piled on the runs until Berry went to Zubair Siddiqi for 53.

Rowlands fell just three runs short of a well-deserved century, but his side ended on an imposing 214 for 7.

Opener Adnan Khan and Paul Fleming were steering Valkyres to a good reply when Mike Walker came on.

He bowled Fleming for 27, quickly claimed another wicket and then Jacob Hicklin trapped Adnan Khan for a stylish 36.

Abdul Khan rallied the lower order with 21, but Hicklin ran through the tail. He ended with 5 for 30 as the southerners were bowled out for 142.

St John’s batted first at Ramsey and were soon in trouble facing Jamie Moffatt.

He claimed two quick wickets before Cristo Roelofse with 35 and Akkie van der Berg with 20 steadied the innings.

After they departed, Charlie Whipp ran through the lower order to finish with 4 for 16.

The Saint’s total of 129 caused worries for the northern side, but opener Marc Pons-Burt and skipper Ollie Webster slowly got on top.

Jaco Jansen caused a few scares, but some lusty blows from Chris McConnell guided Ramsey to a four wicket victory.