In I’Anson Div 1, Tilford first XI ended their run of seven consecutive wins as they drew at Blackheath in a match that went down to the wire in an exciting finish.

Having won the toss, the visitors elected to bat first and captain George Ellis made a bright start. But with the introduction of off spinner Ronny Harrison , wickets fell regularly including that of Ellis for 51 who hit 11 fours. Harrison ran through the order taking the first six wickets for 35 by the end of his 10 overs. Henry Marks made 43 and some useful late runs boosted the total to 182-9 as Tilford used their maximum 48 overs.

Despite losing an early wicket, skipper Pete Melhuish with 33, Harry Bardon and Matt Jackson all made useful contributions as the score reached 111-3 after 24 overs. But Nigel Martyn (4-23) and Matthew Cook (3-25) put the brakes on progress as five wickets were taken for just 14 runs and then the ninth fell with the score on 145. With four overs left, the last pair survived with number 11, Rob Weston, hitting a straight drive for four off the last ball securing a winning draw (target 160) for the home team as the innings finished on 163-9 after 42 overs.

Each side took six fielding catches in a high quality game with Marks taking three for Tilford who remain at the top of the League.