Minchinhampton Cricket Club 1st XI recorded an exciting victory over Dumbleton, closing out the match by just two runs.

At what was quite possibly the best ground the first team will play at this season, Minch were asked to bat on a good looking wicket away at Dumbleton.

They had a great start as Alex Waring and debutant Tom Carpenter added 50 well crafted runs. But both fell quickly for 24, as did John Roe and Jon Ablett and Phil Stephens set about rebuilding the score.

Ablett was fluent and reached his 50. When Stephens and Penton fell quickly again Minch needed to rebuild targeting a minimum of 200. Benoy Ittyavirah stepped up and hit 37 well struck runs as Ablett reached an impressive 76. With some great running between the wickets Minch reached 214 for 8 - a score that seemed par for the ground.

In reply Minch had a fast start. A Jaime Waring slower ball cleaned up the opener and Matt Hole again struck with 2 in 2 balls, a sharp caught and bowled and a great slip catch from Ablett.

Minch knew there would be a partnership and skipper Churchman hit the ball to all parts. A couple of helpful partnerships got Dumbleton closer and closer but scoreboard pressure always comes into play.

A great spell from Ittyavirah was rewarded as he removed the skipper and another fell next ball. Pete Wallis also struck and Minch looked to be moving to victory. The game changed again however as the Dumbleton number 11 batsman cleared the ropes with ease, with the requirement of 21 off the last over, soon coming down to 10 off 2 balls. But Tom Shearman held his nerve and 8 runs were scored, leaving Minch the winners by just 2 runs in a frantic finale.