Romsey struggled to get out of the gates on day two of its McIntyre Cup match against Sunbury United, suffering a 179-run first innings loss.
Chasing 317, the Redbacks immediately had their backs to the wall after early dismissals of openers Matthew Milne (1) and Chris Burkett (17) by Dinuska Malan (2/14 from 12 overs with seven maidens).
Romsey captain Ben Way (2) was run out shortly thereafter as the visitors fell to 3/26.
Will Collins and Taylor Stevenson put together the first real partnership, making 22 runs between them before Collins was dismissed for 20.
Stevenson and Sean Day tried their best to right the ship, putting on a 46-run partnership before Day was caught for 22 as Romsey fell to 5/94.
Matthew Hoyt joined Stevenson in the middle and the pair put 19 runs on the board until Hoyt was caught for 13.
Stevenson was the one shining light for Romsey, making 51 before he ran out of partners and Romsey was bowled out for 138 from 58.3 overs.
Dilan Chandima led Sunbury United’s attack, taking 3/23 from 17 overs with seven maidens.
Sunbury United took the opportunity to have another bat and pick up some bonus points, making 5/103 from 18.2 overs before stumps was called.
Romsey remain fifth on the ladder following the loss, trailing Bacchus Marsh for the last finals place by 14 points and less than a point ahead of sixth-placed Woodend.
Romsey faces Woodend in a two-day match that could have major finals implications starting on Saturday at Romsey Park.
