ROCKHAMPTON suffered a harsh defeat at Swindon on Saturday.

Robin Arkell was left stranded on 77 not out with Rockhampton only needing another 51 from 10.2 overs when the game was halted, giving Swindon victory under the rules of the Glos/Wilts Division.

After electing to field, Rockhampton struck early as captain Matt Tyler (8-1-32-1) removed Williamson, bowled for three.

After a concentrated spell of seam bowling from Will Cartlidge proved fruitless (13-0-47-0), James Hancox (15-3-35-3) immediately struck as Martin was comfortably stumped by Arkell.

Hancox claimed Swindon captain Beasant and then Tribbick to leave the hosts floundering.

Meanwhile, Baden, had been quietly accumulating runs and his partnership with Tucker began to flourish.

Baden was eventually caught off the bowling of Jack Spence after he and Tucker completed a 100-run partnership.

At the close of the innings, Spence had claimed four crucial wickets.

With the storm clouds gathering ominously overhead, Rockhampton stuttered early on with Rowan Cartlidge scoring only eight.

Arkell batted sensibly with captain Tyler but the introduction of Sri Lankan Vithanage led to Tyler being adjudged lbw for a calming 19.

Hore immediately started to attempt to push the run rate to the 4.35 runs per over required.

He and Arkell continued to control the bowling with a mix of control and aggression until Hore was bowled for 18.

A horrible mix up led to Will Tyler being run out after the ball had struck him off Arkell’s bat, leaving Martin to simply take the bails off.

Spence then played the anchor role to Arkell, allowing the young South African to reach a well crafted and deserved half-century.

Spence was later caught and bowled and with Will Cartlidge bowled for two after being sent in to increase the scoring rate, Rockhampton were still in with a shout and in a controlling position.

The umpires made the decision that the surface was dangerous and immediately called a halt to play, much to Rockhampton’s frustration.

WEPL Glos/Wilts Division 2nd XI - Swindon v Rockhampton (231-8) Match abandoned

This game was unfortunately left beautifully poised as the heavens opened at the tea interval.

The Rams had batted brilliantly against a typically strong Swindon bowling attack and would have fancied their chances of victory.

Nigel Hopkins (39) had continued his good form after Beale was dismissed for three early on and he and Mike Dent (11) took the Rams to 43 from 11 overs, Ghali collected the wickets of both men though and with 3-35, he was the pick of the bowlers.

Jack Cox and Adie Savery batted comfortably before Savery began to attack the spinners. Cox followed suit and after some lusty blows through backward square he went for 18.

Savery went for a 43, which sees him stay top of the batting averages, but Belbin’s brilliant 44-ball 51 will ensure that he is catching him.

He added 60 in partnership with Cooke, whose 34 from 26 balls included two sixes and three fours.

Skipper Dave Lane also had time to smash a straight six over the sightscreen before the innings closed.

Play was abandoned at 6pm and Rockhampton seconds now travel to Stroud next week.

The Sunday XI league trip to Charfield also fell victim to the weather, being cancelled before a ball could be bowled.