AN UNBEATEN half-century from captain Matt Tyler could not prevent Rockhampton from sliding to defeat against league leaders Westbury and District.

After choosing to bat first, skipper Joe Breet scored 40 to get the hosts off to a good start but most of the damage was done in the fifth wicket partnership of 87 between Ben Whiting (41) and Brannon Varley, who struck 70 off just 52 balls.

Jack Spence took the prize wicket of Varley and removed three other batsmen to claim 4-46 off seven overs. Richard Jones and Will Cartlidge also took two wickets apiece.

With the top three of Will Tyler, Rowan Cartlidge and Mark Beale back in the pavilion at 69-3 it was left to Matt Tyler to keep up the chase, but wickets regularly fell around him.

He carried his bat to finish the innings on 64 and, although he enjoyed an unbeaten partnership of 39 with Chris Pearce, who hit 20 from just 14 balls, the Rams fell short of their target.

Rockhampton lost to local rivals Marshfield in the National Village Knockout on Sunday.

The Rams were all out for 149, and Marshfield chased down the target without loss to win by ten wickets.

Second team skipper David Lane coaxed Martin Grey out of retirement and the pair scored a ton each in their 57-run victory over Westbury & District.

Lane hit 116 and Grey 105 in an unbeaten second wicket stand of 249, helping the Rams to 227-1.

Christian Irwin then took 4-40 as Rockhampton bowled their visitors out for 220.