Buckley Cup

Belstone v Yeoford

BELSTONE made it four wins out of four in the T20 Buckley Cup with a close-fought three-wicket win over Yeoford, achieved with just four balls to spare.

Yeoford looked like posting a big total after openers Shaun Hawkins and M Leach and number four Josh Misselbrook all retired (according to the Buckley rules) after reaching 25 apiece.

Andy King (4-0-19-2) and Richard Drake (2-0-13-2) were both hit out of the ground by Misselbrook off the first balls of their spells but they settled down with Matt Dennis (4-0-13-1) to contain and knock over the middle order to such effect that whereas the first ten overs went for 62 runs.

Needing 104 to win Belstone openers Phil Hatton (13) and Ryan Dennis (27 retired) also started well putting the home side up with the rate. However, Hawkins (4-0-11-3) and Dave Uren (4-0-17-2) kept the middle order in check so that by the time Drake (16) and Chris Walpole (14) were out the game was back in the balance, with Belstone on 85, needing 19 off four overs with only three wickets left.

King (10 not out) eased the pressure with two boundaries in the penultimate over leaving Arden Frew-Smith to push the winning runs.