Rowledge tackle Shipton in Village semi

Rowledge will face Oxfordshire side Shipton-under-Wychwood a week tomorrow, Sunday August 18, for a place in the National Village Championship final at Lord's.

The big bonus for the Southern Electric Premier Division 2 strugglers is that they will have home advantage in next weekend's semi-final.

"We've been drawn at home in all the national rounds and it's obviously a huge advantage," admitted Rowledge stalwart Chris Yates, one of the survivors from the 1985 Lord's final.

Rowledge admit they know precious little at this stage about Shipton, except that they were beaten Lord's finalists in 1997 and knocked cup holders Ynystawe (correct) out two rounds ago.

"They beat Werrington, the 1994 finalists, on Sunday and we'll have a word with them to see what we are up against," Yates confirmed.

A 37-run win over much fancied Langleybury put Rowledge through - the Farnham side notching 193-7 through David Lloyd (55), Shaun Woodhouse (35 not out), Chris Yates (30) and Nick Morant (25).

The Hertfordshire champions slipped to 66-4 and, having needed 108 from the last 15 overs on Rowledge's small village ground, fell away to 155 all out, with Darren Mitchell, Chris Rogers and Ricky Yates taking three wickets each.

"It was a really great team performance - something we need to repeat for the next four Saturdays," said Yates.

While all eyes are on a September 1 date at Lord's, Rowledge have crucial Premier League business to tie up before then - like winning at least two more matches in order to stay in Division 2.

Second-to-bottom in Division 2 - and only ahead of Trojans on run rate - Rowledge faced the Stoneham club today before rounding off their season with games against Lymington (away), Easton & Martyr Worthy (home) and a potentially do-or-die trip to Hungerford - ironically, the day before a hoped-for Lord's final.