CHRIS Batten continued his impressive form with 80 as Horspath 4th pulled off a thrilling one-wicket win at Cherwell League Division 7 relegation rivals Didcot 3rd to move out of the bottom two for the first time in 11 weeks.
The 14-year-old led Horspath's run chase after Didcot had posted 223-6 after choosing to bat. He came to the crease with Horspath in trouble after losing early wickets before steadying the ship with John Perkins (30). Batten went on to complete his third half-century of the season and accompanied by Hayden Moon, with a well-struck 50, kept Horspath's hopes alive.
However, after the youngster was run out, Horspath lost further wickets and arrived at the last over needing four to win with the final pair of teenager Euan Barrett and veteran Robin Pykett at the crease. They picked up three singles off the first four balls and survived a run out chance, before Pykett, using a new bat, hit the penultimate delivery straight back past the bowler to take Horspath to a famous victory at 224-9. Matthew Addison (3-34) and Samuel Evans (3-43) were the pick of the Didcot attack.
Earlier, Moon (2-31) and Pykett (2-35) had led Horspath's fightback with the ball after openers Alan Prothero (65) and James Head (64) shared a commanding opening stand for Didcot. Batten also picked up a wicket, while wicket-keeper George Crawford reacted smartly to pull off a run out.
The win sees Horspath leapfrog Didcot to move up to eight place - nine points above their relegation rivals - with one game to go. Horspath are at home to third-placed Minster Lovell 2nd in their final game next Saturday, while Didcot visit seventh-placed Charlbury 2nd.
Posted by: Russ