DIVISION Three side Brook came within three runs of beating I’Anson champions Blackheath in the second round of the Stevens Knockout Cup on Tuesday.

Set a stiff target of 143 to win, Brook lost only one wicket as captain Tom Williams led a stirring run-chase, batting throughout the 16 overs for 78 not out, but falling just short in a gripping finish.

Earlier, skipper Peter Melhuish top-scored with 49 as Blackheath posted a formidable 142-6 in their 16 overs.

Aks Ilyas made 47 out of Puttenham’s total of 102-5. It proved easily enough as visitors Frensham struggled to 55 all out in 15 overs, with Samad Ayoubi taking 3-8 in three overs.

Stevens Cup 2nd Rnd results:

Blackheath v Brook – Blackheath 142-6 (P Melhuish 49, H Giles 30, W Melhuish 28; R Hudson 4-34). Brook 140-1 (T Williams 78 not out, R Hudson 24). Blackheath won by 2 runs.

Puttenham v Frensham – Puttenham 102-5 (A Ilyas 47, S Hussain 26; A Goulder 3-12). Frensham 55 (S Ayoubi 3-8, S Hussain 2-5, Ja Crouch 2-7, A Ahmed 2-16). Puttenham won by 47 runs.

Tongham v Grayshott – Grayshott 181-2. Tongham 100-7. Grayshott won by 81 runs.

Chiddingfold v Peper Harow – Peper Harow 82-8. Chiddingfold 83-1. Chiddingfold won by 9 wickets.

Tilford v Wrecclesham – Wrecclesham 60 (G Coombe 4-19, H Town-Jones 3-13). Tilford 64-0 (R Chitty 33 not out, D Hounsham 21 not out). Tilford won by 10 wickets.

Hindhead v Headley – Hindhead conceded.

Grayswood v Wood Street – Wood Street conceded.

Elstead v Thursley – Thursley 106-7. Elstead 108-8. Elstead won by 2 wickets.