Fourth of July Fireworks at Ropley! | Ropley CC v Froxfield CC

Ropley’s Fourth of July fixture brought plenty of fireworks as the 1st XI welcomed Froxfield to the Recreation Ground for the return match following our rain-abandoned meeting earlier in the season. After a reasonable start, Ropley slipped to 87 for 4 before Tim Phillips, Michael Armitage and Rich Hughes provided the middle-order power. Mike led the way with 64 from 41 balls, while Rich finished unbeaten on 36 and I added 20 not out from 11 as Ropley accelerated to 260 for 7 from their 40 overs. There was also one particularly important appeal against Mike. The umpire heard nothing, but the microphones beside the stumps may tell a slightly different story… I was unexpectedly handed the new ball but, despite a wicketless opening spell, the younger members of the attack took control. Josh Stroud and James Wren claimed three wickets each, Spencer Carey added two, and Mike completed an excellent all-round performance with a double-wicket maiden in his only over. Froxfield were dismissed for 86 in 23.4 overs, completing a comprehensive 174-run victory for Ropley. Ropley CC 260/7 Michael Armitage 64 Rich Hughes 36* Tim Phillips 35 Spencer Carey 35 Ben Matthews 20* Froxfield CC 86 all out Josh Stroud 3/16 James Wren 3/20 Spencer Carey 2/15 Michael Armitage 2/0 Filmed at Ropley Recreation Ground on 4 July 2026.