THE lone I’Anson Division One fixture last Saturday could well be a candidate for most exciting match of the season as Headley beat Tilford by one run at the Green.

Headley skipper Andy Clarke opted to bat and saw two wickets yield 29 cautious runs before Gavin Arend struck a lusty 36 off 65 balls.

Newcomer Ryan Chitty snapped up 3 for 8 off four overs, while Huw Town-Jones, playing his first league match since being injured last June, claimed 4 for 18 in 12 and Headley were all out for 100 in the 43rd over, with the captain left stranded on 18 not out. Not a bad total in freezing weather on a slow April track.

Tilford lost early wickets to Matt Hall, the former Lindford seamer, and were soon in what looked terminal trouble at 41-8, the patient Chris Wilson having made 13 off 72 balls.

However, veteran Geoff Coombe, promoted up the order, played an extraordinary innings. He failed to score off his first 32 balls as he and Chris Dalby concentrated on defence. Then Coombe started to open up and farmed the strike while 30 runs were added.

Last man Nigel Martyn gave further support as the target came in sight and in the final over (bowled by Andy Coutts, another ex-Lindford recruit) Coombe struck the first ball for another four to reach 52 off 87 balls.

But, with two runs needed, Coombe guided the next ball to Andy Clarke in the gully and it was all over. Agony for Coombe; ten welcome points for Headley.

Grayshott also claimed maximum points, but without a ball being bowled. Alfold, short of players, conceded the match.