Match report: Burley CC’s (244-5) Kieron Hudson and Harpreet Singh make 212-run opening stand in the Hampshire Cricket League (HCL) Division 4A victory over Bashley (Rydal) CC III (242-6)

After a brilliant opening stand of 212 from Kieron Hudson and Harpreet Singh, Burley seemed to be cruising to victory against Bashley (Rydal) thirds, but it was nervy in the end.

Despite the remarkable first-wicket showing, Burley scraped home with four balls to spare in a nail-biting finish to beat Bashley (Rydal) thirds on Saturday.

Bashley amassed 242-6 from their 45 overs with Luke Stubbington (86), Neil Sexton (42) and opener Torquil Deacon their main contributors, with Harpreet Singh taking 1-28 from nine overs, supported by Abdullah Abbasi (2-47).

Burley’s openers, Hudson (94) and Singh (91), were soon into their stride. They looked set to guide their side to a huge ten-wicket victory, but having put on 212 for the first wicket, Hudson was run out while going for a suicidal second run, losing his wicket for 94 that included 13 fours.

The very next ball, as the Red Arrows flew over the ground, Singh was caught on the boundary for 91 (nine fours and three sixes) and then three more wickets fell in quick succession, with a brace each to Henry Morrison (2-31) and Neil Sexton (2-39).

When the final over came, just three runs were needed, but there were two dot balls, and then the next ball went for four wides, and the Burley players breathed a sigh of relief.

This win leaves Burley at the top of their division, having lost just one of their nine matches so far.