Eastcombe Edge Cranham in Thriller

With both teams thus far unbeaten, this game was tipped by many to be a cracking encounter 
and so it proved as an edge-of-the-seat see-saw battle went down to the penultimate ball of 
match. 

Having won the toss, skipper Alex Pockett elected to bat first and started well, 
reaching 51-1 off the first ten overs. However, Steve Taylor soon had the top order 
pegged back figures of 3-36 including the wickets of Alex (31) and James Pockett 
who looked in fine form before falling for just 14.  Lee Pritchard would prove to be a thorn 
in Cranham's side all afternoon - he took three catches in the field, one of them showing remarkable
agility over his head in the covers.

Charlie Pritchard was the mainstay of the Cranham innings.  He timed his knock expertly, 
starting steadily before striking some huge blows on his way to 71 not out including a 
mammoth straight six into a stiff breeze off Tim Phillips.  Phillips himself then chipped 
in with two wickets as the visitors reached 192-7 at the end of their 40 overs, collecting
maximum batting points in doing so. 

In reply Eastcombe were soon stunned as they lost two quick wickets, with James Pocket 
(2-29) taking a wicket with his very first ball and Charlie Overs removing the dangerous 
Tim Phillips for single figures with his trademark yorker.  Anth Perrins and Simon Ward then 
steadied the Eastcombe ship with a strong partnership, and when Perrins departed for 37 he sent 
in Lee Pritchard to add momentum, which he did with a swift 34. 

At 146-4 the game was Eastcombe's for the taking.  However, Cranham fought to the very end and 
the pressure told as, in another twist, a flurry of wickets to James Petrie (2-42) and Steve 
Waldon (4-65), plus a touched-on-to-the-stumps run out at the non-strikers end, left Eastcombe 
staring defeat in the face at 161 for 9.  

Steve Taylor, however, showed remarkable composure to crack a vital 20* alongside tailender 
Tom Morgan.  The two of them played Eastcombe back into the game. 

Requiring 11 runs to win off the last over, it was Morgan, however, whole claimed the glory 
blow - hitting a six over square leg off the penultimate ball of the match to record a remarkable
Eastcombe victory but just 1 wicket.

Agony for Cranham but ecstasy for Eastcombe who played good cricket and held their nerve to keep
their unbeaten record intact... just!

Cranham 192-7 (Charlie Pritchard 71*, Alex Pockett 31, Steve Taylor 3-36, Tim Phillips 2-26)

Eastcombe 193-9 (Anth Perrins 37, Lee Pritchard 34, Steve Taylor 20*, Steve Waldon 4-65, 
James Pockett 2-29, James Petrie 2-42)

Eastcombe (19pts) beat Cranham (9 pts) by 1 wicket.