A RAMPANT Rugby outfit extended their winning run to six consecutive matches on Saturday thanks to a 70-run victory over Ambleside in a low-scoring encounter in the Warwickshire League Premier Division.
After a disappointing first half of the season, Rugby have turned their form around and now sit 41 points behind league leaders Olton.
Rugby skipper Owen Edwards targeted maximum points by electing to bat first but their top order was blown away as they struggled to 34 for four.
At this point in-form skipper Edwards joined club stalwart Matt Ewer at the crease and the experienced pair delivered the goods for their side, adding 75 for the fifth wicket, which proved crucial in a match where the next highest partnership was just 27.
Ewer (40) was dismissed on the receiving end of a poor umpiring decision, before Edwards (37) was helpless against a ball that leapt from a length and was caught at point.
Rugby’s lower order struggled in the bowler-friendly environment but occupied the crease effectively and accumulated runs when possible before the final wicket fell in the 48th with Rugby bowled all out for 146.
Ambleside’s reply started just as bad as Rugby’s, with Matt Ewer taking an early wicket in the first over but Sam Neale looked to be positive helped the visitors to 27 for one before Ewer struck again.
This soon became 36 for four and the damage was now done as Rugby’s change bowlers maintained the pressure and Ambleside had no response.
Ewer was the pick of the bowlers by claiming four wickets and conceding just 32 runs from 12 overs as Ambleside reached just 76.
