A DRAMATIC full-length diving save from Will Davies in front of a packed pavilion prevented a last-ball six which would have put Rowledge out of the Village Cup.

The ball was going for a six, which meant a tie and Blackheath going through on fewer wickets lost.

Earlier, Rowledge had been given a flying start by Ricky Yates (25) and Davies (48) who took 53 off nine overs. Thereafter, the home side struggled and only Ian Metcalfe (28) got going. Blackheath bowled tightly and were excellent in the field.

In reply, the I’Anson side were well off the pace at 45-2 from 20 overs, but the game changed dramatically when Peter Melhuish came in. He batted positively from the start and he and Torsten Wrigley raised the tempo.

With Blackheath looking in control, Lloyd held a stunning return catch to dismiss Wrigley. The game remained on a knife-edge until that dramatic last ball, but it’s Rowledge who go through to face Frensham in the next round. Melhuish finished 46 not out.

ROWLEDGE 169-8 (R Yates 25 W Davies 48, I Metcalfe 28, R Yates 25; Webb 2-23, W Melhuish 2-24, P Melhuish 2-29.

BLACKHEATH 164-8 (P Melhuish 46 not out, T Wrigley 43; D Lloyd 4-46, G Keeley 2-44).

Frensham beat Oakwood Hill in a Village Cup tie that yielded 562 runs at Hollowdene.

Frensham totalled a massive 305-7, with the prolific George Breddy missing his century by just one run, while Jack Blythe rattled up a fast 75.

Oakwood Hill replied in kind and the Frensham fielders were also given some leather-chasing as skipper Richie Bowers (87) and Mark Read (66) relished the short boundaries and fast outfield. But the target was too distant and the visitors closed on 257-9 from their 40 overs.

FRENSHAM 305-7 (G Breddy 99, J Blythe 75, J?Richards 41).

OAKWOOD HILL 257-9 (R Bowers 87, M Read 66, L Palmer 43).