Premier Cricket 2020-21: Tom Rogers scores 181 not-out in Rams’ win over Northcote

A near record-breaking performance from Ringwood’s Tom Rogers proved the catalyst in the Rams’ opening-round win over Northcote on Saturday.

Tom Rogers in the final over on his way to 181 not-out Picture: Stuart Milligan

What a day out for Ringwood’s Tom Rogers.

The star batsman proved the catalyst in the Rams’ big opening-round win on Saturday, with a knock of 181 not-out from 148 balls as his side (4-318) dismantled Northcote for 176.

Ringwood president Mark Freeman lauded the haul which included seven sixes and 13 fours, and came close to toppling Ian Holland’s club record of 199 not-out from January 2019 – also believed to be the highest Vic Premier cricket one-day score.

The pair combined well early after the Rams lost the toss and batted first, before Holland was bowled for 55 by Northcote’s Aaron Crispe.

“(Tom) and Ian Holland got off to a flying start, ‘Dutchy’ was out for 50-odd in the space of probably 10 overs and then Tom just sort of continued on from there,” Freeman said.

“(Tom) played a very minor role in that opening partnership but took control from there. The seven sixes were all very, very clean hits.”

Ryder Medal winner David King (32), Jake Toohey (26), Jackson Freeman (6*) and Josh Hartill (3) rounded out the Rams’ innings.

An early wicket to Victorian-listed quick Zak Evans on the sixth ball set the tone early for the Rams, dismissing Northcote’s Solomon Mire (1), before Mark Phelan (11) was run out by the returning Jack Blain and Josh Sundberg (18) was bowled by Holland.

Ringwood bowler Zac Evans in action on Saturday. Picture: Stuart Milligan

Meanwhile, debutant Josh Hudson claimed his first wicket for the Rams in the 13th over as skipper Patrick Ashton took 3-13.

“From a bowling point of view we got early wickets which is what we needed to do because we knew they were going to come out hard,” Freeman said.

“To get a really early wicket and to bowl another couple within the first 30 runs to put them on the back foot a bit, they never really recovered from there.

We’re really pleased of the positive start that we’ve had and hopefully that’s a sign of things to come.”

Ringwood faces Camberwell Magpies in Round 2 at the Camberwell Sports Ground.