ANDOVER slipped to a narrow defeat against high flying Rowledge in the latest round of the Southern League Division One games.

In roasting hot conditions, skipper Matt Hooper won the toss and demanded that his batsmen apply themselves on a tricky surface.

The Nordlock sponsored side lost Andrew Duckworth (9) early, but resolute innings from Ali Hooper (44) and Glyn Treagus (34) got Andover up to 80-1 off 25 overs.

Just after the halfway point, both were trapped leg before to miserly medium pacers Steve Martin and Ricky Yates.

Andover’s middle order failed to capitalise on the strong start with Yates (4-43) picking up the scalps of Matt Knight and Charlie Ayers (13).

Some lusty late order hitting from Nathan Birks (20) and Aidan Jansen (10 not out) took Andover up to 172 from 49 overs.

The Rowledge response started positively with Chris Yates Jnr (17) and Sam Plater (40) putting 40 on the board before Mike Adams had Chris Yates caught behind by Knight.

Aussie star Fraser Wilson joined Plater at the crease before Glyn Treagus trapped Plater. Ricky Yates hit a quickfire 35 to put Rowledge firmly in the driving seat at 140-3.

A middle order wobble for briefly gave Andover a sniff of victory but Wilson (60 not out) ensured a Rowledge victory by four wickets.

Andover make the long journey south tomorrow to travel to Ventnor.

The seconds bounced back to winning ways with thumping 132-run success against visiting Burridge IIs.

Stand in captain Rowan Duckworth won a crucial toss on a scorching Saturday afternoon and batted first.

The innings started in bizarre fashion with openers Oli Crouch and Andy Sale both falling to incredible pieces of fielding in the first two overs.

The middle order rebuilt the innings through Ashok Nautiyal (32), Max Souter (42) and debutant Patel (46) to provide a solid platform with Andover 150-4 after 30 overs.

This set the stage for Kelum Watta to explode. At his destructive best, he smashed his way to a rapid 106, giving Andover a mammoth 289-7 off their 50 overs.

Burridge started positively with Saeed (32) playing expansive strokes to keep Burridge up with the rate.

However, the introduction of Max Souter (3-25) and the irrepressible Watta (2-25) checked the Burridge innings.

With wickets falling regularly, Burridge never got into the game and Jimmy Knight took advantage of the high required rate to scoop up a three-fer and bowl Burridge out for 157.

A thumping win marks 13 months since the seconds have lost at home. They look to continue this against Ryde.