I’Anson Cricket League Division One leaders Tilford narrowly beat bottom club Midhurst by 13 runs in a low-scoring match at the Ruins.

The home side won the toss and put Tilford in to bat first on a pitch which provided movement for the bowlers. Run scoring was difficult against an accurate attack and the score reached 29 for one by the end of the 13th over. But it was the introduction of Craig Edwards that caused a major collapse in Tilford’s middle order as the slow bowler twice took two wickets in two balls to leave the visitors on a shaky 34 for six.

It was left to Mark Ramesar and Mike Braans to double the total as they put on 37 for the seventh wicket but both were out in quick succession with Ramesar making a patient 30 off 67 balls. After some late blows by Ben Matthews, Tilford were all out for 93 after 36 overs. Edwards finished his excellent unchanged ten-over spell with superb figures of five for 18 and Rob Doick (two for three) took two late wickets.

Midhurst’s reply started badly as their innings reached 14 for three before the tea break. Wickets continued to fall after the break with Henry Lock crucially caught at mid-on by Matthews for 34 – out of 44 runs scored by Midhurst at that point. After that only Chris May provided resistance, making 25 not out as the target was reduced.

The last two wickets were run outs as the innings ended on 80 in the 26th over with Huw Town-Jones taking four for 25 and Matt Bozier (two for 20) and Braans (two for 21) taking two wickets each to leave league leaders Tilford with six successive wins in the competition so far this year.