SPCL1 Week7 - Bashley cling on for nailbiting draw

Bashley (Rydal) posted a thumping 266-6 declared against Andover, but ended up hanging on to salvage a draw as their ECB Southern Electric Premier League rivals came within two runs of forcing a remarkable win at the BCG.

They required five runs for victory off Chris Sketchley's final over of the day but, with centurion Toby Radford marooned at the non-striker's end, squeezed only three to finish an agonising 261-8.

Radford, having batted superbly, was run out off the last ball for 139. The former Sussex and Middlesex opener had shared a fourth-wicket stand of 150 with Ian Gardner (58) as Andover moved to 238-3 - and to within sight of the Bashley total.

But, in a dramatic finish, Sketchley (2-44) nailed Richard Taylor and Simon Mundy, and Bashley somehow hung on.

"It was a remarkable game," said Bashley skipper Matt King, who dished out special praise to Sketchley.

"It was a toss up between him or me who bowled that last over, but Sketch said he fancied his chances - and did brilliantly."

Bashley earlier recovered from an uncertain 24-2 to post their biggest score of the season, with Western Australian Brad Thompson celebrating his return from a broken finger with a splendid 90.

He shared a century stand with Sketchley (47) before Richard Knowles (58) and Andy Neal (27 not out) took Bashley to 262-6 declared off 63 overs.

Despite scoring only a modest 162, Bournemouth looked to be heading for a comfortable win at Calmore Sports, when they snatched their hosts ninth wicket.

But Charlie Freeston struck out and took Calmore to within six runs of victory before Sean Wallbridge clean bowled tenth-wicket partner Steve Brandes to leave the Totton club 155 all out.

Bournemouth lost a host of early wickets but were revived by Geoff Warrington, whose splendid 69 halted five-wicket Eugene Burzler's inroads into the top order.