Frensham and Grayshott locked horns in a match that was a credit to the I'Anson – batsmen going for their shots, excellent catches taken, and some feisty fast bowling for the spectators to enjoy.

And it all boiled up to a fittingly tense finish, with Grayshott grabbing maximum points when Mark Sobey bowled Jonno Green with just one ball remaining.

Puttenham remain top after taking 10 points at Headley, but Grayshott, who have already beaten Tilford and Frensham, as well as the leaders, have once again underlined their championship potential – if only they can remain consistent in the long campaign ahead until September 21.

Grayshott elected to bat first at Frensham and their innings followed a similar pattern. After Dan Coldicott had bowled the openers, it was left to Richard Baker to hold things together. The left-hander played his role to perfection, keeping cool under the heavy fire of a pumped-up Coldicott.

Skipper Paul Osborn, meanwhile, scored a vital 49 in his usual brisk style and with several others chipping in usefully, the visitors declared at 221-6 after 46 overs. Baker was still there on 57 not out.

Frensham's attack had been weakened by unavailability and injury, but their batting line-up looked formidable and a 50 opening stand between Ben Maxwell and Richard Chuter rang the alarm bells for Grayshott.

Dan Thompson (55) and the reliable Peter Harrison took up the challenge and, at 130-3, the home side looked like walking it.

But Ali Lindsey Clark, who had been thoroughly frustrated by Hollowdene's short boundaries in his first spell, came back to claim three vital wickets, yorking both Harrison and Matt Potter.

Sobey mopped up with his spinners as Frensham continued to go for the runs, but only Coldicott got to grips with the bowling and the champions were still 20 runs behind when, with the penultimate ball of the game, Sobey beat Green's defensive prod.